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
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.
Thank You for Earth Day Spring Cleaning! (April 2026)
The weather cooperated on Saturday with spring-like cool and cloudy conditions. As part of the town-wide Earth Day cleanup, a group of about 45 volunteers made great progress in clearing trash and other debris from all sections of the trail.
About 60 bags of trash (bottles, papers, dog waste) were collected and removed from the trail and trail sidings. In addition, with help from Danvers Natural Resources staff, two truck-loads of brush and branches were removed.
A special thank you to Abiomed who brought a large crew out to the trail on April 22 and removed about 40 bags for trash from and along the trail.
With the weather warming, we ask that trail users and trail neighbors do not deposit waste of any kind on or along the trail. It’s illegal and restricts the ability of the Danvers Electric Division to maintain its’ right-of-way, creates a breeding ground for rats, and is generally an eyesore and safety hazard for trail users.
Thank you to the Maple Street Church, NSUU Church, DHS students, and many other rail trail enthusiasts. And to the Town of Danvers for providing the trash bags and picking up the gathered trash.
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