Summer is great for vacations and relaxation but also the perfect season to get in shape and have outdoor fun. The North Shore has many scenic areas to get outdoor exercise and fresh air.
Summer is great for vacations and relaxation but also the perfect season to get in shape and have outdoor fun. The North Shore has many scenic areas to get outdoor exercise and fresh air. Here are some of the best local bike/pedestrian trails.
Independence Greenway
This rail trail runs for 8.1 miles, starting in West Peabody and ending by the Ipswich River. It follows the abandoned Salem and Lowell railroad and connects to the south end of the Danvers Rail Trail, which continues to Wenham. The path passes ponds, wetlands, wildlife and is surrounded by trees. The trail is asphalt/crushed stone in some areas, occasionally making for a moderately difficult ride.
Parking and trail access: You can access the Independence Greenway at the Northshore Mall trailhead, near 1 Essex Center Drive next to the parking lot for Lahey Clinic Peabody. Face the mall and follow the hospital signs (H) to the trailhead.
Trailheads are also found at Lt. Ross Park (23 Johnson St.), Russell Street, Peabody Road, Albert Road and Lowell Street.
Lynn Woods Reservation
Lynn Woods is a 2,200-acre municipal forest park that is a favorite with cyclists, advanced mountain bikers and hikers. The reservation is filled with wildlife, ponds and some 30 miles of scenic trails that wind around the land. This hidden gem is accessible at 106 Pennybrook Road in Lynn. Cyclists should grab a copy of the trail map and make sure to have plenty of water and be prepared for a day of activity. Lynn Woods is held highly for outdoor adventurers to enjoy exploration and nature.
Parking and trail access: The main parking lot can be found on the south side of the park after entering from Pennybrook Road.
Marblehead Rail Trail
This Y-shaped trail is 4.1 miles long and connects Marblehead, Salem and Swampscott. The first branch maneuvers through conservation areas and past harbors that overlook Salem. The second branch offers a longer route that winds toward Swampscott and through Marblehead’s residential areas. A sandy path on Bessom Street will force you to make a decision: going right toward Salem or heading left to Swampscott.
The Salem path starts off a little sandy and soon enters Hawthorne Pond Conservation Area, a 9.8-acre preserve with ponds, marshes and multiple nature trails. It also leads to Wyman Woods Conservation area, a 33.5-acre mix of wetland and forests that connects to Salem Harbor.
The alternative trail starts on a sand-and-gravel surface as well. You will cross Pleasant Street and pass the high school. From there, the asphalt trail continues through residential areas with access to Marblehead beaches. The trail ends at the Temple Emanu-El parking lot.
Parking and trail access: To reach the main trailhead in Marblehead, follow Pleasant Street into the downtown, then turn left on Bessom Street. Just past the shopping center on the right, take your first right turn onto Roundhouse Road. The trailhead is across the street.
Danvers Rail Trail
This stonedust trail is 5.1 miles long and follows the historic Newburyport Railroad. The trail has several access points. By going north on the rail trail you will reach the Danvers Swampwalk, which offers an elevated boardwalk over a large area of wetlands with observation platforms. There is visible signage along the path for cyclists and walkers to follow.
Parking and trail access: Parking is available at the Choate Farm Conservation Area (401 Locust St.) near the northern end of the trail in Danvers. It has a peach orchard, open grasslands and places to picnic. Mid-trail, you’ll find a large parking lot on Hobart Street, just south of Maple Street in downtown Danvers.
Northern Strand Community Trail
Since 2013, 6 miles of the trail have been open to the public that includes two disjointed segments. The longer segment runs from the intersection of Beach Street and Lynn Street in Malden to Air Force Road in Everett. The path in Malden links several schools together making it safe for children to travel but does mean riders have to cross Route 60 at Ferry Street.
The second segment is located entirely in Saugus, beginning at the intersection of Laurel and Mt. Vernon streets. This trail takes you through many of the town’s residential areas. The ultimate goal of the Northern Strand Community Trail is to connect the Boston suburbs with Nahant Bay in Lynn. It is expected that Lynn will finish the trail so riders can make it to the ocean. This trail allows cyclists to explore suburbs, industry and nature.
Parking and trail access: Because the Northern Strand Community Trail is primarily intended for use by the residents of the towns it passes through, there are no dedicated parking lots. However, the trail passes a number of businesses (especially near the trailhead in Everett and in downtown Malden), where parking lots may not have restrictions. In Saugus, parking can be found at Anna Parker Playground. From there, you can pick up the trail on Essex Street. Alternatively, consider parking on city streets in Malden, Everett or Saugus. As always, be mindful of any parking restrictions and respectful of the rights and privacy of local landowners.
Salem-Beverly Canal Path
This hard-packed dirt and grass trail runs along the Salem-Beverly Canal (also known as the Great Wenham Canal) for 2 miles. Built in 1917, the canal runs between Topsfield and Wenham. At the northern end of the trail, cyclists can continue onto the Topsfield trail or enjoy the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary to the east, which has woodlands and meadows. This scenic ride is surrounded by trees and perfect for a warm day.
Parking and trail access: Parking can be found off of Cherry Street in Wenham.
Topsfield Linear Common and Wenham Rail-Trail
This is a great trail for a long ride, considering it connects multiple bike paths and nature stops. This 4.9-mile trail begins on Pye Brook Lane in Boxford. The hard-packed stone dust pathway follows an abandoned rail bed through Topsfield, across Route 1, over the Ipswich River and through a wetland. Just south of the river crossing you can continue to the Salem-Beverly Canal Path. At the southern end the trail passes through the Great Wenham Swamp where riders can see plenty of wildlife, wetlands and wildflowers. This path also crosses the Danvers Swampwalk and the former Choate Farm that leads to the Danvers Rail Trail on Topsfield Road.
Parking and trail access: Parking is available at the following: Pye Brook Park (off Bare Hill Road); Proctor School off Grove Street by the tennis courts; at Park Street near Main; at the Village Shopping Center off Main Street; at the Route 1 crossing.
Salisbury Point Ghost Trail
The 1.8-mile stonedust trail runs from Lions Park to Rabbit Road in Salisbury. This route is part of the larger Coastal Trails Network that links such coastal towns as Amesbury, Salisbury, Newburyport and Newbury. The path is scenic and well-maintained, making for a smooth and effortless bike ride. Salisbury Point Ghost Trail is a perfect spot for summer or fall cyclists.
Parking and trail access: You can access the trail from three convenient parking areas at Lions Park, Bartlett Street and Rabbit Road. To reach Bartlett Street from I-95, take Exit 58 (Route 110 east) and continue for about 2 miles; then turn left on Bartlett Street. The parking lot is on your left.
