Question 1

Is there poison ivy on the trail?

Accepted Answer

There are spots along the trail edges with poison ivy. We encourage trail users with poison ivy and similar allergies to be diligent when using the trail, 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.
 
See this report from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for more on poison ivy and similar plants. https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tip/recognizing-poison-ivy-oak-and-sumac.

Question 2

When did the idea begin of developing a recreational shared-use path through Danvers?

Accepted Answer

Committees to develop the existing underused and abandoned railroad corridor into a linear park were formed as early as the 1970’s. The idea of a developed shared-use recreational path has been seriously considered for over a decade. This idea has been part of past and current versions of the Danvers Master, Recreational and Open Space plans.

In May 2006, Town Meeting voted to support efforts to move forward on the development of the path. In July of 2009, the Town Manager appointed a nine-member Rail Trail Advisory Committee consisting of members with broad representation from the community.

In 2019, the Friends of the Danvers Rail Trail (a 501c3) was created to support fundraising, collaborate with the Town, advocate for trail improvements, and manage related volunteer activities for the trail. This effort has proven very successful and in 2026 replaced the RTAC as the lead trail volunteer organization

Question 3

Will the path extend to other towns?

Accepted Answer

Danvers is a member of the Boston to Border (B2B) Coalition whose objective is a 28-mile-long trail including the towns of Salisbury, Newburyport, Newbury, Georgetown, Boxford, Topsfield, Wenham. The current trail connects to Peabody in the south and Wenham in the north.
In May of 2018 Danvers Town Meeting voted to improve developing a plan to connect the current rail trail to Middleton. Updates will be posted to this website as planning work progresses.

Question 4

What Are the Overall Rules for Trail Usage?

Accepted Answer

The times for trail usage are subject to the same rules that apply to all town-owned land (Section XXV.3). Usage will be restricted to dawn to dusk hours.
No lighting will be installed.
No snow removal is planned during the winter months. Thus, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, bird watching, and trekking are suitable uses.
For the full set of Regulations Governing the Use of Town-Owned Land, see section XXV.3 of the towns bylaws.

Question 5

Are Motorized Vehicles Allowed on the Trail?

Accepted Answer

Use by motorized vehicles (cars, ATV’s, mopeds, snowmobiles, etc.) is expressly forbidden in the MBTA lease, at any time of the year, with exceptions note below for the disabled.

Question 6

Are Motorized Wheelchairs or Similar Devices Used by The Disabled Okay on the Trail?

Accepted Answer

In the case of devices used by the disabled, the safe and proper use of motorized mobility devices is allowed. These devices are allowed by Federal guidelines for “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government.” Users of motorized mobility devices on the trail should keep in mind that the Danvers Rail Trail is an occasionally narrow shared use path where the interactions between trail users are frequent and unpredictable.

Question 7

Are e-Bikes allowed on the trail?

Accepted Answer

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:
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.
Type 2 Definition: Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph, with an electric motor of 750 watts or less.
 
The Danvers Rail Trail is a shared use path where the interactions between trail users are frequent and unpredictable, and many sections 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.
 
We will continue to encourage courteous and safe behavior by all cyclists on the trail.

Question 8

Is There a Speed Limit on the Trail?

Accepted Answer

Keeping in mind that the Danvers Rail Trail is a shared use path where the interactions between trail users are frequent and unpredictable, and many sections the trail run very close to neighboring houses, we ask that cyclists and mobility device users do not exceed speeds of greater than 10 mph. When used in the proximity of other trail users, speed should be reduced to ensure trail safety.

Question 9

Are Horses Allowed on the Trail?

Accepted Answer

Horses are not allowed on the trail. With no ill will towards horses or horseback riders there are several reasons we do not allow horses on the trail, which include 1) pedestrian/cyclist safety given the narrow width of the trail and trail shoulders, 2) damage to the stone dust trail surface from horse hooves, and 3) clean-up.

Question 10

What Approach is Taken to Pedestrian Safety and Emergency Access?

Accepted Answer

The Rail Trail is patrolled by the Danvers Police, weather permitting. If you have or see an emergency on the trail, call 911 and be prepared to provide the nearest mile marker number.

Pedestrian beacons and striped crosswalks have been painted at crossings, in accordance with the design preferred by DPW and public safety staff. A “cattle gate” was installed at the Wenham St crossing to ensure trail users coming from the north slow down before crossing Wenham St.
Road signs showing a pedestrian and bike symbol have been installed consistent with all other pedestrian crossings in Danvers.

With very few reports of cars/trucks on the trail (7 reports to the police between 2011 and 2016) the need for bollards was weighed against the benefit of having rapid emergency access for public safety and electric division vehicles on the trail, and the collision hazard posed for bikers. For these reasons, no bollards have been installed.

Trail users should contact us via Contact Us Form on our website or mobile app with questions/concerns regarding non-emergency safety on the trail. We will do our best to reply within in business day.

Question 11

What Maintenance Activities are Performed on the Trail, and By Whom?"

Accepted Answer

The Friends of the Danvers Rail Trail works collaboratively with the Town of Danvers to maintain the trail’s natural beauty, improve access and amenities, and encourage community engagement. Our volunteer responsibilities include:

Ensure the trail is walked 2-3 times per week to check for issues, and address as appropriate
Making smaller repairs to the trail surface such as filling holes and washouts, and repair trail entrances
Trimming/weed-whacking around mile markers.
The Porta-Potty company performs services and cleaning once or twice per week. Volunteers check the potties a few times per month to ensure they are properly maintained.
Picking up trash and dog waste 2-3 times per month.
Major spring cleanup (often as part of Earth Day activities) of winter debris,
Winter preparation in parking areas to reduce snow plowing onto the trail.

The Friends of the Danvers Rail Trail works with the Town of Danvers to address larger issues such as:
Mowing the 2-5 feet of the trail edge about every 1-2 weeks during spring to fall.
Repairing major damage to trail crossings and surface (i.e. when large equipment and specialized expertise is needed)
Repairing damage to major trail infrastructure (e.g. bridges).
Removing larger trees/branches that fall onto the trail
Addressing illegal dumping on and/or along the trail

Question 12

What is the surface of the trail?

Accepted Answer

The trail surface is compacted stone dust, which is the same surface used on the adjoining trails in Peabody, Wenham, and Topsfield. Compacted stone dust is designed to support walking, cycling (including road bikes), strollers, and mobility devices. Just how compact the surface is at any given point can vary, so caution is advised for cyclists, as the surface can be looser.

Question 13

Are Improvements Such as Gardens and Lawns Along the Trail Allowed?

Accepted Answer

The Friends of the Danvers Rail Trail encourages trail users and neighbors to maintain and make appropriate improvements to areas that runs along the trail (generally 3 to 10 feet beside the trail).

Please contact us first to review the improvements (using our Contact Us Form). If needed, we will contact the Danvers Electric Division and/or DPW for advice.

Gardens with low flowers and/or bushes, lawns, paving stones, or benches that leave a 3 foot strip for mowing, and with a commitment to maintenance are generally okay.
Any improvements must not impede Electric Division maintenance or mowing nor risk interference with power lines. Improvements must not encroach on neighboring property, without the neighbor’s permission. Improvements must not restrict trail user or vehicular sight lines at crossings.

Improvements do not in any way alter ownership of the trail right of way. Improvements may be damaged during trail and power line maintenance.

Question 14

Are Memorials Allowed on the Trail?

Accepted Answer

“In Memory” mile marker sponsorships are allowed and encouraged on the trail. See our website and mobile app Sponsorship page. Other than mile markers, other memorials are not allowed on the trail.

If an individual would like to donate a functional improvement to the trail (e.g. a bench), that we feel is in line with trail user needs, that is appreciated and will be evaluated. This item could be marked with small plaque (or something similar) noting the donation source. See the benches at Brooksby Village as an example.

Question 15

Are Signs Such as for Yard Sales, Charities, Business Advertising Allowed on the Trail?"

Accepted Answer

No. Placing advertising/announcements of any kind on Town of Danvers property is not permitted (Town Bylaws Revised February 2025, Chapter XXV “Regulation Governing the Use of Town-Owned Land” Section 3.a.l). When signs are seen on the trail, volunteers will remove the signs and do their best to notify the sign owners so they may reclaim the signs.  We will continue to place/allow signs on the trail that inform users of trail closures or guide event participants during an event.

Question 16

Can I Run and Event on the Trail?

Accepted Answer

We encourage community and other non-profit groups to hold events on the trail. Walks, family bike events, and fun runs are examples of good events for the trail.

Any event held on the trail must recognize the nature of a narrow-shared use path, and may not include bike races with speeds more than 10 mph.

Depending on the nature of the event, Board of Selectman and Danvers Police approval may be needed.

If you have events you would like to run on the trail, please let us know via our Contact Us Form and we will do our best to address your questions.

Question 17

Can I Put My Yard Waste and Other Debris on Trail Sidings?

Accepted Answer

No. The Rail Trail is town property. It runs within the Danvers Electric Division right-of-way, which includes a 10 to 15-foot strip of land on either side of the trail. Town of Danvers Bylaw Section XXV.3.a “expressly prohibits the… littering, dumping, or placing of waste of any description on Town-owned lands.”
Please treat trail users and neighbors with respect and do not dump illegally on the trail. If you see illegal dumping, please contact the Danvers Police Department and/or Board of Health.

Question 18

How Can I Support Rail Trail Activities?

Accepted Answer

Rail Trail maintenance and improvements are generally funded from donations. To help you can:
Purchase a mile marker
Make a donation
Provide in-kind services
Contact us via our website Contact Us Form to learn more.

TRAIL ALERTS

Trail Maintenance

Report An Issue Here

Swampwalk Closure

FRIENDS OF
THE DANVERS RAIL TRAIL

FAQ