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.
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First Day Trail Walk - 2025!
Join us Wednesday January 1, 2025 at 11:00 am for our Annual “First Day” Trail Walk
They tell us it’s great to be outdoors! What better way to start the new year and work off some “holiday cheer” than a walk on the rail trail. Charley Lincicum will lead about a 4-to-5-mile roundtrip walk along the trail, highlighting some of the sites and history along the way.
Meet at the new "Pocket Park" (just south of mile marker 2.0) by 10:45 am. Parking is available at the Hobart Street lot (next to Cherry Street Fish Market).
Our exact route will depend on trail conditions that day. Those preferring a shorter walk can start their return at any point along the way. Volunteers will act as guides and assist at crossings.
Children, and dogs on leashes welcome! Come prepared with the right footwear and outerwear. We recommend you bring along anti-skid straps for boots in case sections of the trail are icy.
Extreme weather or trail conditions may cause us to cancel the event… but a little snow, rain, or typical New England cold will not deter us! Updates will be provided shortly before the event on our website, mobile app and social media.
Light refreshments will be available at the start of the walk. Donations are always welcome!
Danvers Rail Trail Chocolate Walk 2025!
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Please join us on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 11am for our 2025 Winter Chocolate Walk! All walkers can meet at the Lahey Outpatient Center parking lot (480 Maple St, Danvers, MA 01923) and enter the trail via the Access Road.
This year we plan to walk from the Access Road for about 1.3 miles to Gregory Street in
Middleton and return – about 2.5 miles roundtrip. Weather and trail conditions will dictate our walk.
Chocolate goodies will be available for a boost of energy at both ends of the walk.
Children, and dogs on leashes welcome! Come prepared with the right footwear and
outerwear.
Should the weather or trail conditions appear to be too treacherous for a safe walk, we will
post an updates on our website, mobile app and social media.
This is a free event, but donations are always welcome!
Events
To help us plan, please register events that use any part of the trail!
For More Info On Our Mobile App
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Do you have a photo or story you would like to share about the rail trail?
Do you need to report a problem or issue on the Danvers Rail Trail?
Rail Trail Pocket Park Now Open
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The Town of Danvers has completed the “pocket park” where the current trail and extension connect (south of the Hobart St parking lot). The new park is a fantastic gateway to the trail extension heading west to Middleton. This park provides a restful area with granite benches, massive swings, and lovely plantings. Thanks to Tyler Berry and team for leading this effort and to all in the town for their support. The park will be dedicated to former Town Manager Wayne Marquis next June.
Fall Trail Projects Completed
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Thank you to several rail trail volunteers who have been busy over the past month improving and cleaning the trail.
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Nancy McNulty, Alison Brotherton, and Bill Brotherton cleaned up the south end of the trail.
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Joe Anthony, Tom Powers, and Joe Riess worked the north end of the rail picking up trash and making some surface repairs.
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Charley Lincicum organized a work party to repaint our maintenance shed. Thanks as well to Judy Lincicum, Joe Riess, Tom Powers, and Elaine Cidzik.
Maple Street Rail Trail Crossing Work Underway
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Starting on about September 24th, work began to improve the Danvers Rail Trail crossing at Maple Street (near Western Cycle and The Maple Street Church). The trail will remain open, but users are advised to follow directional signs at the crossing. Work is expected to last about a month.
The improved rail trail crossing is part of the town’s downtown improvement plan and uses Chapter 40R Downtown Funds. The project will install a new safer crossing on the rail trail by Maple Square, where the town and rail trail volunteers have observed that pedestrians typically jaywalk to save time. To the east toward Domino’s, the current crosswalk will likely be removed to recreate the parking that will be lost from this new addition. The RTAC has long advocated for improvements to the crossing and is thrilled to see this in the town’s downtown improvement plan.
Thank you in advance for your patience as the progresses.
PLEASE BE SAFE WHILE USING OUR TRAIL AND WEAR YOUR HELMETS!
THANK YOU!
DOG OWNERS
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