Welcome To The Danvers Rail Trail
From Rails To Recreation
Danvers Rail Trail
The Danvers Rail Trail is a 4 1/3-mile non-motorized shared-use path linking schools, downtown Danvers, parks, residential areas, and trails in the neighboring towns of Peabody, Wenham, and Topsfield. Ideal for walking, biking, or jogging, the compacted stone dust trail is built along what was once part of the historic Boston to Maine railroad running from Newburyport to Danvers. The Danvers Rail Trail is managed and maintained by a group of community volunteers and provides a healthful recreational option available to all residents and visitors.
Danvers/Wenham SwampWalk Closed
For safety reasons, certain sections of the SwampWalk are closed until further notice.
For more information on the closure and the SwampWalk overall, see our SwampWalk page. Further updates will be provided by the Town as they become available.
Walk or Ride the Trail to the 2025 Topsfield Fair – October 3rd to October 13th
We all know the Topsfield Fair! One of the oldest in America, the fair was started in 1818 and has run almost every year since. The fair today features carnival rides, games and concert events in addition to the more traditional attractions, such as exhibitions of livestock, rabbits and cavies, crafts, horses and produce.
The fair also hosts the All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off.
We also know that parking at the fair can be chore. So why not ride or walk the Danvers Rail Trail (and the Topsfield Linear Common) to the Fair? Starting in downtown Danvers at the Hobart/Charter Street parking lot, it’s about 4.5 miles.
Click here for map.
New to Danvers? Check out Amenities and Attractions Along the Trail
Many trail users are taking advantage of the amenities and attractions along
the trail. The learn more about are a few of the attractions and amenities
trails users enjoy, see our Amenities page.
Do you need to report a problem or issue on the Danvers Rail Trail?
Events
To help us plan, please register events that use any part of the trail!
For More Info On Our Mobile App
Click Here
Caution - Poison Ivy Along the Trail
This year we have noticed more poison ivy along the trail edges. This might be due to the heavy spring rains or other climate changes. Remember the adage “Leaves of three, let them be”.
The poison ivy is not on the trail itself, but along many of the edges. We encourage trail users with poison ivy and similar allergies to be diligent when using the trail, just as they would with other nature trails.
When poison ivy is in locations where contact is highly likely, e.g. around benches, the town will endeavor to treat it.
Be sure to keep children and dogs away from suspicious plants. And if you, your children, or your pets, walk in or touch some of the poison ivy, be sure to wash hands, shoes, clothes, or your pet promptly. The “poison” in poison ivy is a colorless, odorless oil called urushiol, which can rub off clothes on to you after you leave the trail. If you act quickly (5-10 minutes), you can reduce the reaction by washing the urushiol off.
See this report from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for more on poison ivy and similar plants. Photo included is of poison ivy on the trail.