Independence Greenway, Peabody MA

• 3-star trail
• 1 to 6 miles each way
• Easy | Low gradient
• Peabody, MA | Northeast Region
.

The image shows a wooden boardwalk leading through a natural area with trees on either side. Two individuals are walking on the path, both wearing jackets, suggesting it’s cool weather. The clear blue sky indicates a sunny day, and shadows from the railing create an interesting pattern on the path.

Walking past the Kennedy Fields wetlands on the West Trail.

The Independence Greenway runs latitudinally across the City of Peabody, MA on the route of the former Salem & Lowell Railroad that operated from 1850 until the early 1960s. Presently cleaved into two parts by the construction of Interstate 95 and State Route One, the two sections can presently only be combined only by a mile of busy road. Plans are in place to connect the two sections, but don't let that stop you from exploring these great trail sections right now.

The Western side of the trail is around 2.9 miles in length and though it snakes its way around residential neighborhoods you could be forgiven for not realizing this as the trail has a distinctly rural feel. You're never far away from water along this trail. Initially following the banks of the wooded Ipswich River, the route crosses Norris Brook, past Hoover Street Wetlands and skims across the Crystal Lake conservation area. If you're exploring on foot, there are also additional trails South of Crystal Lake which combine with the rail trail to make a pleasant loop.

The trail also skirts an aggregate quarry. Although well hidden from view, the quarry often makes itself known with occasional scheduled blasting. This only occurs at 1pm on Thursdays, proceeded by sirens, and the trail is closed around the quarry around ten minutes before the event.

Asphalt,

Road,

No Acess, ⬤ Parking Expand ↓ Map

3★ Peabody Independence Greenway 6.0 miles each way, moderate, gain 100 ft (100 ft E-W)
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

East of the busy Interstate traffic this further 1.7 mile section of trail - also known as the Peabody Bikeway - follows Proctor Brook and its associated wetlands before being crossed by another busy road, this time the Yankee Division Highway. This mostly straight section of trail passes backyards and close to Lowell Street, but remains a pleasant tree-lined journey throughout. There's one tricky intersection with Lowell Street at Prospect Street, but this is protected by traffic and pedestrian signals.

The Eastern section of Peabody's rail trail also connects with the longer hardpack Danvers-Topsfield rail trail via a connecting route through the grounds of a cemetery and only 500 feet of sidewalked road on Lowell Street.

The image shows a person riding a bicycle along a paved path next to a partially frozen body of water. Trees and shrubs are visible on the far side of the water, and the sky is clear with few clouds. Several white birds are floating on the water’s surface, suggesting a tranquil outdoor setting.

Biking past Crystal Lake on the West trail.

The City of Peabody should be commended for their work in revitalizing this former rail corridor which has proved to be extremely popular to trail users. Planned to be under construction soon, a 2.3 mile extension will take the rail trail to the city border and much closer to the Salem and Marblehead rail trails. The City also has a further phase of construction penciled in, to connect the two disparate trail sections at Ross Memorial Park.

Trail Conditions: Smooth asphalt. No discernable incline. Bifurcated by a busy 1 mi road section (with sidewalks).

The image shows an individual riding a bicycle on a paved path with wooden railings on the side. The path is surrounded by leafless trees under a clear blue sky.

The smooth asphalt on the tree-lined East Trail.

The image shows a wooden pergola structure overlooking a body of water, possibly a lake or river. Two Adirondack chairs face the water, suggesting a peaceful and leisurely setting. The background features leafless trees, indicating it might be autumn or winter, and there are houses on the far side of the water.

Take a break and enjoy some bird-watching at Crystal Lake.

Tangents:
• External Links: Public Map at AllTrails, TrailLink
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article

Trailspotting Nearby
4★ Danvers & Topsfield Rail Trails (11 mi) · 3★ Salem & Marblehead Rail Trails (6 mi) · Show Map

Rail Trails of New England
The first and only complete rail trail map. With photos, reviews and downloads.

New England Fire Towers
Discover our map of fire towers and the trails to find them.