Home › Massachusetts › Andover › Merrimack River Trail
Merrimack River Trail
4.2 ★★★★☆ 17 Google reviews · Running trail in Andover, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Merrimack River Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Merrimack River Trail
“Beautiful nature trail along the river.”
Beautiful nature trail along the river. Pretty bridges crossover streams with beautiful views. It is best to avoid the interstate to optimize the nature effect.
Very nice wooded trail. The main trail runs along the Merrimack River, with trails connecting along the way. There is parking at the far end of the hotel parking lot. The trail itself is mostly flat with some muddy areas. There are a few bridges, some in better shape than others.
Hi all! I'm a Life Scout from Troop 73 Andover, and I enjoy this trail down to the riverfront! However, like many others, I find that it is frequently muddy after rainy days.
Pretty trail, with quiet views of the river, well maintained bridges and boardwalks, not crowded on memorial weekend.
Trail conditions & character
“Pretty trail, with quiet views of the river, well maintained bridges and boardwalks, not crowded on memorial weekend.”
“There is parking at the far end of the hotel parking lot.”
“However, like many others, I find that it is frequently muddy after rainy days.”
Plan your run at Merrimack River Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
Running trails near Andover
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Raymond J. Martin Riverside Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 456 reviews
Small riverfront greenspace with a walking trail, a playground and picnic tables.
Deer Jump Reservation - A.V.I.S
4.6 ★★★★★ 106 reviews
Park offering a riverside path that's suitable for hiking, biking, and walking.
Reservoir Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 193 reviews
City views plus a track for runners, a reservoir and hills for sledding.
Boloian Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 8 reviews
Spicket River Greenway
3.7 ★★★★☆ 3 reviews
