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
Storm damaged cattle gate repaired.
During the recent windstorms, a large tree fell, crushing the cattle gate at the Wenham Street crossing. These gates help slow down trail users as the enter the trail from the north.
Rail Trail Volunteers, Tom Powers and Charley Lincicum, with help from the Town and Agway, replaced the gate. This will help make this crossing safer for trail users.
Thanks to all involved.
Concerns about E-Bikes and More on the Trail
Complaints about e-bike and other devices on the trail are increasing. Information we receive, including photos, is passed on to the Danvers Police Department. DPD has already confiscated over 20 vehicles not allowed on the trail, and in some cases pressed charges.
The short version - if the vehicle has an electric engine without pedals or has a combustion engine of any type, it’s not allowed on the trail, and therefore subject to enforcement and confiscation.
Type 1 and Type 2 e-bikes are allowed on the trail. In keeping with the 2022 MA Transportation Bond Bill (H.5151), Type 1 and Type 2 e-bikes are considered non-motorized, and therefore allowed by the Town of Danvers for use on rail trails. Approved e-Bike definitions are found in MA General Laws Title XIV, Chapter 90, and in the Town’s Traffic Rules and Regulations.
Definitions are:
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Type 1 Definition: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph, with an electric motor of 750 watts or less.
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Type 2 Definition: Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor that ceases to provide pedal assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph, with an electric motor of 750 watts or less.
We remind all users that the Danvers Rail Trail is a shared use path where the interactions between trail users are frequent and unpredictable, and many sections on the trail run very close to neighboring houses. We ask that cyclists travel at a safe speed. When used in the proximity of other trail users, speed should be reduced to ensure user safety. Per the Town’s Traffic Rules and Orders, cyclists must alert pedestrians when passing.
Please contact DPD at 978-774-1212 to report non-emergency e-bike issues. To notify us of issues on the trail, please see our Issues Report form.
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.
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
Mowing June 15 2026 – Some Trail Sections Temporarily Closed
The Danvers Electric Division will do summer vegetation management on their trail right-of-way for about a week starting June 15 (weather dependent). Mowing will be done between about 7:00 am and 3:00 pm.
This will result in rolling closures of sections of the trail as they move north from the Peabody line to Putnamville Park. Bushes and trees that hinder line maintenance will be trimmed.
The contractor conducting the work will be using a truck with a large mowing head and has requested that trail users stay off the closed sections so that they may work safely and quickly.
For your own safety, and ensure work is completed promptly, please respect rail closure signs and use the many alternative routes beside the trail whenever possible.
If you have questions about this work, please contact Justin Lavy at the Electric Division. He will work to address your questions. His email is jlavy@danversma.gov.
The Electric Division’s program of vegetation management under their lines is essential to keep lines clear and assure good service. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
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