Frequently Asked Questions

Who is going to pick up the litter?
Not much litter is expected along the trail. The kind of people who use the trail are generally people who appreciate the outdoors and respect it. Trail rules state 'carry in- Carry out' which is the same rule used at Endicott Park. Volunteers will have periodic trail clean up days and each and everyone of us can help by always carrying a bag to pick up the trash left by less thoughtful users.
What will the finished trail in Danvers look like?
In all probability, the trail will be 10 to 12 feet wide with a firm stone dust surface and appropriate shoulders on each side when funding becomes available. It will not be plowed in winter. Mile markers have been installed every 1/10mile. Road crossings are marked with appropriate signs for both trail users and cars.
Where can I find a map of the trail?
Go to the Resources page and click on Danvers Rail Trail Map for a google map of the trail or go to www.danversrailtrail.org/interactivemap.htm for an Danvers Rail Trail Interactive Map
How will the trails be policed?
The local police department is responsible, just as they were for the unused railway. Trail users also provide a high degree of self-policing of the trail.
Who will pay for trail maintenance?
A Mile Marker Sponsorship program has been launched to help fund maintenance. Go to http://danversrailtrail.org/sponsoring.htm to learn how you can be a sponsor. Volunteers will also help to maintain the trail.
Will the communities be liable for accidents on the rail trails?
The communities will face the same liability as they currently have for accidents on the roads, sidewalks, recreation areas and conservation areas. These liability costs are usually minimal and are capped by statute.
Will motorized vehicles, especially dirt bikes, motorcycles and snowmobiles be allowed on the trails?
Motorized vehicles are forbidden in the lease agreement with the MBTA. The only motorized vehicles allowed are emergency vehicles, maintenance vehicles and motorized wheel chairs.
Will equestrians be allowed to use the trails?
Many rail trails have accommodated both equestrians and other users such as walkers and cyclists. Such mixed use is best accommodated where there is a separate unpaved path alongside the prepared (paved or stone dust) trail. As a community with few horses, the added cost to accommodate horses would probably preclude allowing them.
What is the economic impact of trails?
Retail businesses near the rail trail should benefit somewhat from increased pedestrian traffic. The experience on most existing rail trails is that property values along a rail trail either hold steady or go up after the trail is constructed.
Will the Danvers Rail Trail become heavily used like the Minuteman Bikeway in Cambridge, Arlington, Lexington and Bedford?
The Minuteman Bikeway has become a very popular and heavily used rail trail. It runs through a heavily populated area and provides a direct route in and out of Alewife Station, a terminus of the Red Line. The usage of the Danvers Rail Trails likely will be a lot less because Danvers is not near dense urban areas. The trail likely will have some use as a commuting route, but the destinations along the trail are far fewer than for the Minuteman Trail. It is anticipated that the trails in Danvers will provide a wonderful route to bicycle or walk from many homes to the shopping and recreational areas in town.
Where will users park?
Danvers already has several parking lots which, especially on week ends when trails see the most use, are not heavily utilized. The best place to park is the municipal parking lot at 10 Hobart St. near downtown and the center of the trail.
Where can I find more information on what has been experienced on existing rail trails?
We have an annotated list of information sources on our web site on the Resources page, http://danversbipeds.org/resources/index.php.
Where can I find more information on trail activity in Danvers?
Information can be found at http://www.danversrailtrail.org/ Also, we'd be happy to help. contact us and we'll respond in a reasonable period of time.
Trail signs
Danvers Rail Trail, from Chestnut north