Danvers Rail Trail
The Danvers Rail Trail is a non-motorized shared-use path linking schools, downtown Danvers, parks, residential areas, and trails in the neighboring towns of Middleton, 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 north-south trail is 4.3 miles long and connects to trails in Peabody and Wenham.
A new 2.9 mile section of the trail is currently being built from the existing trail at the Wayne Marquis Park northwest, where it connects to the Middleton Rail Trail.
NEWS ALONG THE TRAIL
Earth Day 2026 Spring Cleaning Saturday April 25
After a very cold and very snowy winter, warm Spring weather is a good time to clear out a winter’s collection of trash, branches, and other debris appearing now along the trail.
In support of Earth Day 2026 and in collaboration with Danvers’s town-wide Earth Day clean up events, join us on Saturday April 25 to help clean up the trail for the springand summer.
Rail Trail volunteers should meet at the Hobart Street lot at 9:00 am. We will break up volunteers into two or three small groups to work on different sections of the trail. We aim to complete our work by 12:00 pm. Please confirm your interest in working on the trail by contacting us at info@friendsofdanversrailtrail.org.
If you would like to work in other areas of the town, please follow up using this Town of Danvers information page: 2026 Town Wide Clean Up Work will go on rain or shine! Wear weather appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, and work gloves. Trash bags and disposable gloves will be provided.
See you Saturday April 25!
Mother’s Day Walk – Saturday May 9
Join us for our spring Mother’s Day Walk led by The Friends of The Danvers Rail Trail and other volunteers. We will meet at the Hobart Street parking lot at 11:00 am.
Final walking route will be decided closer to the 9 th and depend on weather and trail conditions. Walks tend to between three - and five-miles long, but walkers can select a distance that meets their needs. Mothers, Fathers Grandparents, children, and dogs on leashes welcome! We will have dog walkers starting out at 11:15 am. Walkers will be provided with Mother’s Day favor.
This is a free event, however donations to the Danvers Rail Trail are always appreciated. For those new to trail it relatively level with a stone dust surface, however after a rain it can be wet in spots. Come prepared with the right footwear and outerwear.
Cycling Without Age on the Trail
Cycling Without Age Massachusetts, a non-profit organization which provides joy and vitality to older adults through the magic of the bicycle, will soon be offering rides on the trail. Northshore residents, Carol White and Jack Foster act as “pilots” offering free rides to seniors and the mobility challenged using their a safe and comfortable “tri-shaw” to carry two passengers along the trail.
More information on Cycling Without Age can be found in this brochure. Carol and Jack will join us at our May 9th Mothers Day walk to demonstrate their tri-shaw. To set up a ride, you can contact Carol and Jack directly at carol.white@cyclingwithoutage.com or jfoster@nehidta.org.
Woodcock Encounter Along the Trail
By Andrew McNulty, Biologist, Birder, and Rail Trail Enthusiast
Over the next few weeks, if you are strolling the Rail Trail near sunset, keep your ears out for peents and chirps. If you're lucky enough to witness a woodcock's courtship display, it will likely be the only time you see a woodcock all year. Read More Here.
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.
TRAIL ALERTS
Rail Trail Maintenance & Cleanup
Please be aware that town staff will be out on the trail over the next few weeks clearing brush and debris in preparation for growing season and users may run in to Town equipment and staff on the trail working.
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.
Special Thanks To Our $500 Mile Marker Sponsors!
Align Credit Union
Texas Roadhouse - Danvers
Diane & Gary Langlais
Kowalski Dental
Venezia Landscaping
Danvers Rotary