Bike the Topsfield-Wenham-Danvers Rail Trail

Come join us for a relaxed, 20-mile ride (approximate round trip) over a crushed stone dust trail. We'll start at the local bike shop in downtown Topsfield (see photo below), pass through Wenham, and then make our way southward to Danvers, MA. This ride is suitable for both hybrid and mountain bikes. The terrain is mostly flat, so we won't have to work too hard. There will be numerous road crossings along the way, but many of them have lights for bicyclists to cross. When we reach the end of the dirt trail, we'll take a quick trip through the cemetery (entrance is across from Dunkin' Donuts; see map in photos section) and over to the eastern section of the Independence Greenway Trail, in Peabody. This will add a couple of extra miles to our ride for a total distance of approximately 20 miles. We'll actually be riding two different trails that connect together: the Topsfield Linear Common & Wenham Rail Trail and the Danvers Rail Trail. These trails are part of the larger "Border to Boston" trail.

Topsfield Linear Common & Wenham Rail Trail = 4.9 miles
(we're starting halfway, so 2.5 miles)
Topsfield Linear Common Website

Danvers Rail Trail = 5.1 miles
(we're doing the entire trail)
Danvers Rail Trail Website

Independence Greenway Map

Suggested parking for this ride is at the Main Street shopping center (30 Main Street, Topsfield) directly in front of the bike shop. There is also public parking across Main Street, just a little south of the Post Office, on Park Street, along the rail trail. See the annotated Google Map in the photos section for details.

The bike shop building is the old Topsfield rail station from years ago.

Using a GPS:
Put 30 Main Street, Topsfield into your phone and you'll get to the shopping center parking lot in Topsfield. The bike shop is in the large building at the far end of the parking lot.

Safety Note: Bike helmets are mandatory on our rides. If you don't have one or forget yours, I have a couple of spare ones to lend.

Post-ride refreshments:
Zumi's in Topsfield features lots of different coffees, baked treats and ice cream.

The guest list is ON for this ride, so feel to bring a friend.

IMPORTANT: Be sure your bike is in good working order! Tires should be in good shape and pumped up, gears should shift smoothly, and your brakes should be properly adjusted. If possible, pack a spare tube in case of a flat. A hand pump or CO2 inflator is also desirable, though not absolutely necessary, as many riders will already have these items.

AS A CONDITION OF ATTENDING THIS MEETUP, YOU AGREE TO: Hold harmless, and indemnify the organizers and their relations and heirs, and all members and participants of the Meetup group from any and all claims for injury, illness, death, and/or property damage including those caused by negligence, ignorance, inexperience and other reasons. You also agree to assume all mental, physical, financial, and/or other risk associated with this meetup. Kayaking, camping, hiking, bicycling, and such other activities pose inherent risks and dangers. Participation in these activities is voluntary and dependent upon your own personal judgment. As organizers, we make no claims regarding any expertise for this outing. This is not a guided tour.

Consuming alcohol before or during any of our rides is prohibited.