Fresh air, fun, freedom and exercise - all amazing benefits of riding a bike for both kids AND adults! The North Shore offers some fantastic trails and paths for families to get outside and enjoy this healthy outdoor activity.
Below are some great local spots to seek out warm weather adventures on two wheels.
Please be aware that many of these trails are multipurpose so be mindful and respectful of others using the trails.
Please follow CDC and local government guidelines regarding social distancing when getting exercise.
Newburyport Harborwalk Rail Trail
3 Tournament Wharf,
Newburyport, MA 01950
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.
Parking:
26 Hobart Street
Danvers, MA
142 Pine St.
Danvers, MA
1 Sylvan St.
Danvers MA
Little River Trail
Hale St,
Newburyport, MA 01950
This trail is very woodsy compared to the other trails in Newburyport. There are cool rock sculptures among the path. Great family path for older kids. You have a paved bike trail and a wooded hike all in one location.
Clipper City Rail Trail
Newburyport, MA 01950
Parking Locations:
MBTA Communter Rail Parking Lot: North of Route 1 traffic circle in Newburyport turn left on Parker St. Paid parking in the MBTA lots.
Washington Street Trailhead: Entrance to the Clipper City Rail Trail on Washington Street in Newburyport, MA. Follow Winter Street (which is a one way street) to Washington Street. Limited parking is available on street in and around the trailhead entrance.
High Street Trailhead: Entrance to the Clipper City Rail Trail on High Street in Newburyport, MA. Free parking is available on street around the trailhead entrance.
Low Street Trailhead: Entrance to the Clipper City Rail Trail on Low Street in Newburyport, MA. Free parking is available at the Graf Skating Rink on Low Street west of the trail.
Cushing Park: Free parking for the Clipper City Rail Trail at Cushing Park on Kent Street in Newburyport, MA.
Parker Street Trailhead: A few free parking spaces are available at the Parker Street entrance.
The Clipper City Rail Trail (3.3 miles, paved) connects the MBTA commuter rail station to the Harborwalk along the waterfront. A newer section goes along the Merrimack River then through the South End under High St. to Parker St. in Newbury.
It showcases sculptures, a gallery of local paintings, and views over the Merrimack River estuary with great birdwatching.
Castle Neck River Reservation
107 Essex Road,
Ipswich, MA
The 32-acre Castle Neck River Reservation on Ipswich Road is located across from Maplecroft Farm and between the Pony Express Fields and the tidal Great Marsh. Explore trails that pass through hayfields, woodlands and salt marsh along the tidal Castle Neck River in Ipswich. This property offers excellent bird watching and beautiful views of the surrounding fields and woodlands.
Iron Rail Trail
25 Rubbly Rd.
Wenham, MA
Willowdale State Forest
252 Ipswich Rd.
Topsfield, MA 01983
Explore 40 miles of trails at Willowdale. If you're looking for something water-based, check out Hood Pond west of Route 1.
There are 2 turnouts for parking along the side of Ipswich Road. There is a third turnout on Linebrook Road on the opposite side of the park.
Chebacco Woods
Chebacco Rd.
South Hamilton, MA
An extensive and well maintained trail system goes through evergreen and deciduous woodlands and along two large ponds. The trails in the woods wind up and down glacial eskers and connect to other trails on the Gordon College property. The trails along the ponds are wide and smooth, with beautiful views. Chebacco Road is off Essex St (Rte22) in Hamilton. Entrance is on the west side of Chebacco Road. Space for about 8 or 9 cars. There is a sign. There is also parking at Gordon College.
Bridge St. Bike Trail
Salem MA
The Bridge Street Bike Trail begins near Curtis Park and travels south through downtown Salem, closely following the Bridge Street Bypass. The short trail runs through residential, retail and commercial areas, offering views of the North River along the way. From Route 1A, take March Street to access the northern starting point for the trail.
At the southern end of the trail, paid parking is available off Bridge Street near the MBTA rail station.
Amesbury Riverwalk
Amesbury, MA
The Amesbury Riverwalk (also known as the Powwow Riverwalk) carries visitors between a resurgent waterfront district on the Powwow River to a modern shopping center on the outskirts of this historical mill town. The 1.3-mile paved trail is part of the Coastal Trails Network, which one day will link several northeastern Massachusetts communities with 30 miles of trail.
To reach the western trailhead at Heritage Park from I-95, take Exit toward MA 110 W and Amesbury. Head west on MA 110/Macy St. for about 0.2 mile, and turn right onto Elm St. Go 1.3 miles and turn left onto Chestnut St., and then go 0.2 mile and turn right onto County Road/Water St. Go 0.1 mile and turn right into a parking lot. The trailhead is across Water St. in Heritage Park.
To reach the eastern trailhead at Carriagetown Marketplace from I-95, take Exit ) toward MA 110 W and Amesbury. Head west on MA 110/Macy St. 0.4 mile, and turn right into Carriagetown Market-place at the traffic signal. Go about 300 feet and turn left and then right to access the rear of the shopping center. Parking and the trailhead are on the left.
Bradford Rail Trail
Middlesex St.
Bradford, MA
The Bradford Rail Trail occupies a former Pan Am rail corridor, beautifying an area that once lay strewn with garbage and weeds. The city and numerous dedicated volunteers created the mile-long path for pedestrians, cyclists, joggers and other non-motorized users.
The path extends between Middlesex Street and South Elm Street in Bradford. As yet, it has no benches or other amenities, and the trail is surfaced with a thin layer of recycled asphalt chips. As the Bradford Rail Trail has no lights, it will be closed at dark.
