Peabody – Middleton Rail Trail

Beautiful walking trails.
The best part is the trail between Crystal Lake and the former Cy Tenny park (now known as Lt Ross Park). It’s flat, heavily-​wooded, and passes behind many offshoots of Crystal Lake and Elginwood Pond.
The long stretch between Crystal Lake and the Middleton border is also very good. It’s flat, although it’s not as well shaded as the Cy Tenny branch.
The best parking for the Ross-​CrystalLake-​Middleton path is at the strip mall across from Crystal Lake.
The western part (from Leheigh Clinic along Brooksby Trail) is also very nice, although it’s only 1.5 miles long. It’s flat and lots of trees.
–Andy

Just took the dog for a walk down the Independence Greenway Rail Trail today – it’s really convenient and takes you through a more peaceful part of town. I’m glad the city of Peabody invested so much into this trail. Definitely surprised there weren’t more families out today riding their bikes!

I am a professional biker. Perhaps you’ve seen me on TV at the French Open or maybe in the movie Breaking Away.
Maybe Not. However, you will definitely see me fly by you on the Peabody Rail Trail.
If you want to have a fun ride on the north shore here is what you should do:
1. Bring your bike to the North Shore Mall in Peabody where you will find (for later) the Cheesecake Factory, Legal Seafoods, PF Changs, and a brand new Nordstroms.
2. Pick up the brand NEW rail trail behind the Doctors offices by the giant Mall sign.
3. Follow the nice paved trail through the woods, into Peabody, it dumps you out near a Jewish Cemetary in a residential neighborhood, then you ride up Lowell Street to Tedeschi’s where you bear left on Johnson and straight to Cy Tenney Park.
4. Play frisbee, go on the swings, by a drink at vending machines or chill at picnic tables or join in Softball game…
5. Jump back on best part of rail trail and ride under overpass and into consevation area, through lakes, (behind my house, hi Cappy) see deer, fisher cats, raccoons, turtles and all other animals constantly trying to get in my house.
6. Come out behind Hannefords plaza and have a hot dog or slush at new stand. The dogs are awesome. He has a whole barbecue grill set up with tons of toppings!
7. Continue on towards Middleton, stop at quarry and take pics. It’s huge and beautiful, see more nature as you ride through woods. Ends in middleton. Now ride back.
Don’t ring my doorbell. I’m not home.
Very nice scenic, easy, fun ride. Can also just drive to Cy Tenney and park there for even easier ride.
But if you do you can’t enjoy clams on half shell and Martini’s at Legals to celebrate a great ride. (or cheescake at Cheesecake Factory or Thai Lettuce Wraps at PF Changs)
This review was Lance Armstrong approved.
Enjoy and drive carefully! No autographs!