Explore the best rated trails in Rye, NH, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Northern Rail Trail and Heritage Trail (NH) . With more than 85 trails covering 526 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We have been riding this trail for at least seven years. I am surprised to be the first reviewer. Topsfield Linear Common trail is one of the most consistently scenic trails I have ridden in eastern Massachusetts. At some point it merges with the Danvers Rail Trail so maybe most of the reviews are there. On Saturday, we parked in Topsfield Center as usual, across from St. Rose of Lima Church (that is the easiest way to find the parking lot via GPS) and decided to go north, which in the past was not at all finished and became quickly impassable. But to our surprise, work had been done on this part of the trail since we last checked, so we were able to ride the full two miles to the end in Boxford. You can't go any further because Rte. 95 is in front of you. In Topfield, it is still a narrow packed dirt trail, but the grass on both sides has been mowed. When you cross over to Boxford, the trail becomes small gravel. At the very end, for a short distance, it reverts to dirt track.
We returned to Topsfield and rode south. You pass the fairgrounds, then the Ipswich River, and The Wenham-Danvers swamp, which has a lovely .3 mile scenic scenic boardwalk through the swamp. We were probably on the Danvers trail by now. We went as far as the playground which purports to be in Wenham, and has a place to refill your water bottle as well as equipment for kids.
The part of the trail from here to the end of the Danvers trail is, to my mind, not so scenic, so I have stopped riding it.
Great parking lot off rt3 in Hooksett. Packed gravel trail for the most part. Absolutely beautiful wetlands and woods. A wildlife paradise.
Smooth paved rail trail, from start to finish. Park at Walmart, for ez access. Saw some turtles, squirrels, and big fat bunny ¿. Friendly people walking, bike riding, and an elderly lady on a mobility scooter. FUN!!!
As others mention, this is a wonderful path for commuters and it’s great to be able to bike through the series of small neighborhood parks. The history of grassroots action that preserved this path and adjoining parks is also inspiring. But during the past 5 years the safety issues along this route have escalated. Many more people on small motorized vehicles are using the path illegally and those on scooters travel at very high speeds. None of these users use or understand path etiquette, so I am concerned that it is only a matter of time before there is a very serious accident. Ride cautiously during peak commuting times and stay far to the right as other users on electrically powered vehicles will pass at high speed and with no verbal warnings. Stay safe, everyone!
I have done this trail multiple times on a bicycle and it's good urban trail to exercise .
Trail connects to the Methuen Rail Trail via a confusing ramp (at the north end of the park). It’s narrow and turns a lot so you won’t go fast, but it’s paved and was easy to follow. MBTA commuter rail near the east end. I liked it because you see a bit of the city as get through safely.
Useful as a connector and seems to be popular for recreation but you’re next to a highway the whole time
It extended the path a little bit to the west. This is a two-way separated lane next to Arsenal St, that is fine until it ends just when it’s needed most, leaving you to fend for yourself in a super dangerous intersection.
A mostly pointless path that doesn’t connect to anything because the rest of the rail route is gone. The city could make a connection through the parking lots at the east end so you can get to the Watertown Cambridge Greenway, which starts about 1/4 mile east of the harrowing intersection at Watertown Square, and the river paths.
Now extends from Fresh Pond in Cambridge/Alewife to near Watertown Sq, and connects to the Charles river paths (at a few points) and many shopping needs. Pavement is good except a spot near School St.
Trail is well used for walking so you have to ride slowly but it’s a good urban experience. Plenty of places to stop, good pavement, easy transit access. The section east of Lowell St has fewer road crossings and is less crowded. Trail is plowed in winter.
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