Trail Facts

Methuen Rail Trail

The 2.4-mile Trail is completely paved and runs from the intersection of Manchester and May Streets in Lawrence to Hampshire Road in Salem, NH.
Parking is available at the Depot on Railroad Street in Methuen and off of Hampshire Road in Salem, NH (behind IHOP).
Seating is available approximately every 1/4 mile north of the Trail Depot and approximately every 1/2 mile south of the Trail Depot.
NO motor vehicles including mopeds, motor bikes/scooters, gas powered bikes/scooters.
NO camping or fires.
Horses from the MSPCA may be on the Trail; please give them space.

Trail Uses:

Walking or Running

Fishing

Biking

Bird Watching

Snow Shoeing

Photography

Kayaking and Canoeing

Kayaks, canoes, and small boats are permitted in the Spicket River and Nevins Bird Sanctuary.
A boat launch is available on Garabedian Drive in Salem, NH.
Users MUST wear floatation devices and follow safe boating practices.

Dogs Welcome on Leash!

Please make sure to clean up after your pet(s) when on the Trail
Dogs MUST be leashed! This is a state law!
- Section 23-46. Restrictions Concerning Dogs A. Restraint Required No person shall own or keep a dog in the City of Methuen, outside of the confines of the owner's or keeper's property, any dog which is not held firmly on a leash not exceeding six feet (6 ft.) in length.

Give Wildlife Space

Please do not disturb the wildlife on the Trail. Look but don't touch. Also, please do not feed the animals.

Painted Turtle

The painted turtle (and others) makes their nests on or near the Trail, laying batches of eggs

Canadian Gooselings

Canadian geese are migratory birds that make their nests and raise their young in the wetlands along the Trail.

CAUTION:

Ticks

If you or your pet(s) veer off the Trail, it's recommended that you protect and check yourselves for ticks- especially in the Spring and Summer months.