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Print Friendly MapAlthough only a grassy, hard-packed dirt pathway, the route along the Salem-Beverly Canal (also known as the Grand Wenham Canal), is scenic and peaceful. The old canal, built in 1917, lies between two towns, Topsfield and Wenham, in northeastern Massachusetts, about 30 miles from Boston.
At its northern end, a spur leads to the Topsfield Trail and, to the east, you'll find the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, with more trails to explore through woodlands, open meadows, and swamps.
Parking off Cherry Street in Wenham.
Signs from the street entrance may warn you that it's closed, but it's still used regularly by pedestrians and cyclists. Very easy to access via the Danvers-Topsfield rail trail. Very peaceful and secluded but can become very muddy and overgrown in the Spring and late Autumn. Recommend avoiding it after rains as the canal water level can come right up to the trail.
I tried to ride on this trail. It’s apparently closed.
I walk this all the time and find it peaceful and relaxing.
I'm a beginner, but even I found this trail understimulating. There was a wind tunnel effect for the whole length of the canal. Also, I couldn't complete the right side of the canal trail because the trail was flooded about two feet by the water. I turned around somewhat happy I didn't go all the way around. Riding on 1A is way more exciting.
I Biked the Danvers Trail and the Topsfield Trail and when I got to the Grand Wenham Trail it was closed off of the Topsfield trail and it looked like it was under construction. I did not have time on this trip to go to Cherry St in Wenham to see if this end was open
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