With the official
start of summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get outside
and enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds our community. If you’re looking for an awesome spot to take
a walk or go for a bike ride, I’ve found an awesome location you have to check
out: Danvers Rail Trail! On this episode
of Keeping It Real: Living North of Boston, my daughters and I will journey
through trees and swamps, traveling on a path that was once part of the
historic Boston to Maine railroad. With
plenty of wildlife to spot and some historic spots along the way, Danvers RailTrail is the perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon with the family.
Situated along over
10 miles of packed dirt and stone pathways, the Danvers Rail Trail winds its
way through suburbs and woodlands from Peabody to Wenham, offering lots of
sights to see along the way. The Danvers
section of the Rail Trail is just one part of a bigger stretch that will
eventually span 28 miles, reaching from the Boston suburbs to the New Hampshire
border once complete. Once home to the Essex
Railroad in 1849, the abandoned railroad corridor is now a path for all to bike
and walk on while they enjoy the surrounding nature. The trail also links the neighborhood together,
connecting schools, parks, and downtown areas with historical landmarks and beautiful
natural sites
.
There’s plenty of
wildlife to spot while you traverse the trails: turtles, frogs, deer, ducks,
fox and turkeys can often be seen in among the wooded sections of the path. Eagles, hawks and a variety of bird life lend
their songs to the overall peacefulness of the area, while evidence of local
beavers can often be seen near by felled trees and dams. The best chance of seeing these busy animals
is near the SwampWalk, a wooden boardwalk that covers a portion of the Wenham
Great Swamp. This marshy area is a unique
part of the trail, and young and old alike will have great fun trying to spot
the two large beaver lodges on the pond.
Detours along the
Danvers Rail Trail are an added element of fun, including informational kiosks,
rest stops, picnic tables and historical points of interest. Near Pine Street, walkers and bikers can stop
by a local market and café for a snack or beverage, or visit the nearby RebeccaNurse Homestead to learn about the Salem Witchcraft Hysteria that took place in
the late 1600s. The trail is also the
perfect means to get around during the Danvers Family Festival, with a variety
of events through the city from June through July. It’s a great way to get exercise, enjoy the
season and explore hidden gems in the area.
Of course, there’s a
few caveats: make sure to protect yourself from mosquitoes and bugs, and watch
out for poison ivy along the trails. As
long as you keep on the path, you’re sure to enjoy the Danvers Rail Trail as much
as we did! Stay tuned for our next
episode to see where I head next, as we discover more awesome perks of living
north of Boston.