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Mountain Bike Massachusetts Rail TrailsThe Marblehead Rail Trail and spurs are suburban trails that pass through three seaside communities north of Boston. They follow the original railbed of the Swampscott Branch of the Eastern Railroad (mid 1800s). This is a rustic hard-packed gravel bike path through mostly wooded terrain. It gets narrow and a little rough in places but is a gentle railroad grade and appropriate for mountain or hybrid bikes. This is a good trail to introduce your children to mountain biking. The two mile spur trail northwest to Salem passes through the Hawthorne Pond and Wyman Woods Conservation Areas and over bridges with beautiful views of Salem Harbor. In the summer, don't forget to pack your swimsuit for this 5-mile spin on the "The Path!" The ride snakes through seaside communities on the way from Marblehead to Swampscott, ending up near the water's edge. The scenic, rocky coastline is studded with beaches overlooking Marblehead Harbor. One small, but somewhat famous beach is called Singing Sand Beach. Dragging your bare feet on the dry sand will cause it to "sing", or make a humming sound. Other beaches include Crowninshield (Brown's) Island and Devereux Beach, the largest public beach in the area with lifeguards and numerous services. While in the area, ride to Marblehead Neck over the causeway (Ocean Ave.) for views of scenic Marblehead Harbor. Continue out to the Marblehead lighthouse with views of Marblehead Harbor and Massachusetts Bay.
History: Marblehead and Salem are both very historic and worth a visit. Marblehead prides itself as being the birthplace of the American Navy. Browse the shops, galleries and antique shops and stroll through Old Town. Salem is a charming coastal city rich in maritime history. Visit Nathaniel Hawthorne’s House of the Seven Gables, the Peabody Essex Museum and Salem Maritime National Historic Site. And of course, beware of witches! The infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692 took place here.
For more information: Marblehead Dept. of Recreation, Park & Forestry Phone: (617)631-3350
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Family/Historic
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