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.
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.
Thank You Abiomed for Your Earth Day Clean Up
Thank you to the large group of Danvers-based Abiomed, Inc. employees who helped clean the trail and other park locations in Danvers on April 22, Earth Day 2025. Fortunately, they had a nice spring day for their work. The Abiomed folks headed south on the trail to clear trash and debris. Some split off to clean the area around the Mill Pond dam.
We were fortunate this year that the trail has been relatively clean after a low-snow winter. But still about 50 bags of trash were collected and removed. Thank you again to the many Abiomed and other volunteers that honored Earth Day and helped the Town of Danvers.
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?
Thank you, Essex North Shore Tech!
A group of 25 Essex North Shore Tech Health Assisting and Plumbing students spent the day cleaning the Danvers Rail Trail adjacent to the school along Maple Street. They gathered and hauled out many bags of trash and other debris. Their work helps keep the trail attractive and safe, and is appreciated by all trail users.
For more information about Essex North Shore Tech see: https://essexnorthshore.org/
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New Flashing Beacon At Chestnut Street!
The Danvers Natural Resources team installed a much needed flashing beacon at rail trail Chestnut Street crossing on Thursday March 13th!
Thank you to the amazing Natural Resources team!!
Rail Trail Pocket Park
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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.
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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