Autumn is the perfect time of year to enjoy being outdoors in New England. The humidity is low, temperatures are mild and Mother Nature never disappoints with her spectacular display of colors as the leaves change every year.
Massachusetts has miles of trails for hiking, biking, bird watching, and walking with family, friends, or your best canine companion. Along the North Shore in particular, there are a host of rail trails, many with scenic vistas, that allow residents and visitors alike to enjoy a day out in nature.
The Northern Strand Trail, formerly the route of the Saugus Branch Railroad, has become a must-visit rail trail destination currently spanning the communities of Everett, Malden, Revere, Saugus, Lynn, and eventually may continue on to Nahant beaches and the cities of Somerville and Boston. This trail, also referred to as the “Bike To The Sea” trail, is geared toward connecting communities and allowing residents to bike from urban communities to the sea along a protected, mostly paved path.
The Trail
According to Bike To The Sea online, “Currently, the 11-mile long trail begins near Rt. 16 in Everett. Soon it will connect directly to the Encore Casino and one day it will go all the way to Assembly Row in Somerville and onto Boston.”
The trail travels past locations in Malden such as the old Maplewood and Linden rail stations to the spectacular vistas of Rumney Marsh in North Revere. In the future, local families will be able to pedal, run, or walk to the Saugus Ironworks. Currently, the path is built to the Saugus River and is now being completed to the Lynn waterfront and will connect to Nahant and Revere beaches.
Community Access Points
While there are many informal access points to the Northern Strand Trail, there are some common access points where there is plenty of parking.
In Everett, you can access the trail behind Gateway Center or Rivergreen Park. It then runs past the Madeline English School before entering Malden behind the Bell Rock cemetery.
In Malden, there are two main access points for the trail near Malden Square. These include the westbound side of Rte. 60, across the street from Malden High near the hockey rink parking lot and the eastbound side of Route 60 behind the Dockside Restaurant.
In Revere, you can access the trail where Lynn Street meets Wesley Street in Malden, near the Revere line.
In Saugus, you can access the trail where Salem Street meets North Marshall Street in Revere, near the Saugus line. (Source: BikeToTheSea.com)
Events Along The Northern Strand Trail
Each community along the trail is unique unto itself with festivals, community events, and sponsored walks/runs along the trail. To view all the events involving Bike To The Sea visit the calendar of events and get planning your next run, bike ride, or family walk on the North Shore of Massachusetts.