Northern Strand & Lynn Rail Trails, MA
• 4-star trail
• 10 to 11 miles each way
• Easy | Low gradient
• Everett-Malden-Saugus-Lynn, MA | Greater Boston
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Shiny new bridge and paved trail over the salt marshes near Lynn, MA.
The recently revitalized Northern Strand Community Trail and updated Lynn Community Path combine to provide an excellent resource for commuters and recreational users alike travelling along almost ten miles of smooth asphalt. Well segregated from motor traffic and including thoughtfully designed safe road crossings - particularly in the towns of Saugus and Revere - the trails are a great place for a stress free walk, run or bicycle journey.
Though there's not much sightseeing within the suburbia and light commercial development around the towns of Everett and Malden, there are numerous parks and playgrounds to explore on the route. Next to the trail are many community gardens; and the sweet smells emanating from the bakery in downtown Malden reminded me of my youth growing up next to a chocolate factory.
| ⬤ 4★ Northern Strand & Lynn Community Path
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX? |
Views improve as we progress North and Eastward on this former Boston & Maine Saugus Branch Railroad, past the Seaplane Basin and the expansive salt marshes of Rumney Marsh Reservation. After continuing through the town of Saugus the sightlines open up again onto more salt marshes. Birdwatchers join the ranks of the trail users here, taking advantage of the observation platforms and bench seating for their ornithophile observations.
Recent investments in the Lynn Community Path are very apparent, and begin with the shiny new steel truss bridge that spans the Saugus River as it weaves its way through the marshland. What was once a narrow dirt trail is now a smooth asphalt path leading in the direction of downtown Lynn, where you'll find a new linear playground complete with a zipline which appeared to be very popular. The trail ends abruptly at the disused Bennett Street bridge, shortly before the old railroad alignment returns to the active commuter rail lines.
Zip-code themed bike rack, and an over-optimistic trail map.
We also noticed that the tall blue trail maps along the route are even more optimistic than the 'Bike To the Sea' organization that works hard to develop these trails. Although a lot has been accomplished, the route that exists today still ends over half a mile from the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean.
What we assume to be future proof design, the blue map is not yet accurate and the described route through Lynn along Common Street and onto Lynnway includes roads that distinctly lack infrastructure suitable for safe bicycling. Regardless, we're thankful for all the work done to date and hope that one day we can reach the ocean without jostling for space with motor vehicle traffic.
⚠ Trail Conditions: Smooth asphalt throughout with some well-designed crosswalks. Nominally flat.
Thoughtfully designed road crossings make trail users feel welcome.
The Encore hotel and casino close to the trail's Southern terminus
Tangents:
• Other Maps: TrailLink, Public Map at AllTrails
• External Link: East Coast Greenway
• External Link: Bike To The Sea
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article
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