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Swampscott Rail Trail Trailhead

4.4 ★★★★☆ 7 Google reviews · Running trail in Swampscott, Massachusetts · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Swampscott Rail Trail Trailhead'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.

Swampscott Rail Trail Trailhead — running trail in Swampscott, MA, photo 1
Open 24h

What runners say about Swampscott Rail Trail Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (7 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

One of the best rail trails of the north shore, conveniently connects to trails in Marblehead and then in salem, allowing for a pretty lengthy and extensive bike ride or walk/fun while still remaining on fairly level trails

★★★★★ — Phillip , Aug 2023

I bike or run this trail multiple times a week. It’s a huge asset to the town. At one point you go through a parking lot. That’s normal. Just east of this point is Preston Beach.

★★★★★ — Ed , Nov 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 7 reviews →

Plan your run at Swampscott Rail Trail Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • 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.
  • Websiteswampscottrailtrail.org
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Swampscott Rail Trail Trailhead

Rail Trail, Swampscott, MA 01907

Get directions

Running trails near Swampscott

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Swampscott Trail Head

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

Swampscott, MA

under a mile away

Forest River Trails

5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews

Marblehead, MA

under a mile away

Forest River Conservation Area

4.6 ★★★★★ 112 reviews

Salem, MA

BoardwalkScenicDog-friendly

This conservation area features forests, fields & marshland with 1.5 miles of hiking trails.

1.1 miles away

Wyman Woods

4.6 ★★★★★ 80 reviews

Marblehead, MA

ScenicDog-friendly

Park offering trails for hiking and biking, plus fields with wildflowers.

1.1 miles away

Marblehead Rail Trail

3.5 ★★★★☆ 2 reviews

Salem, MA

1.2 miles away

Marblehead Rail Trail

4.3 ★★★★☆ 3 reviews

Salem, MA

1.3 miles away

All running trails in Swampscott, MA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.