Find the top rated horseback riding trails in Merrimack, whether you're looking for an easy short horseback riding trail or a long horseback riding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a horseback riding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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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.
A lot of work has been done to this trail in the spring of 2024. Although most trails in this area took a hit due to bad weather, people have stepped up and cleaned and improved this trail considerably. Several washouts were repaired and the Mason section of the trail was graded and ruts were filled in. This is an easy trail with lots of things to see and explore. An old quarry with a great history is just off the main trail and worth exploring. The trail is well marked and easily assessable. There is ample parking at several spots along the trail.
A very nice paved 10 mile (one way) trip with plenty of birds & turtles. Park at Rivers Edge Parking to get started. Along the way the posted history is interesting, there are 3 large dams to check out and on this beautiful sunny day lots of wildlife. Once you get to Valley Falls area the trail ends and on-street begins. We continued on for maybe 2 miles but the signs were not consistent and the traffic was troublesome enough we turned back. Our rating only applies to the paved 10 mile section.
This was an OK trail. We enjoyed that it was pretty well marked with the exception of one crossing near some train tracks. Too many road crossing points. Portions of the trail were rough because of roots growing under the pavement. We actually saw a runner take a pretty nasty spill because of the rough surface. It was nice to check it out, but we won’t go out of our way to come back.
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.
The part between Sudbury Rd and the wildlife refuge entrance at White Pond Rd is dirt and can be impassable mud. The rest of the gap is pretty sketchy, two-lane road with no shoulder. The wildlife refuge is great too.
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.
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