- by Lamacchia Realty
AMESBURY'S SALISBURY POINT
GHOST TRAIL
The Amesbury Ghost Trail is more than just a scenic walk along a wooded rail trail. The Ghost Trail is part of the storied history of industry and manufacturing that took place in the 1800’s when Salisbury and Amesbury, Massachusetts, were nationally recognized as the hubs of carriage production.
Before the automobile, horse-drawn carriages served as the primary mode of transportation. Carriages played a major role, connecting communities, enabling trade and commerce, and led the development of city infrastructure and roads being built.
The Amesbury Carriage Museum’s research shows that at its peak, Amesbury held the title of ‘largest carriage manufacturer in the country for a time’. Finished carriages were sent by rail across the country. To protect them from soot and damage during transportation, the carriages were wrapped in white muslin cloth, giving the carriages the appearance of ghosts floating along the rails. Locals referred to these trains as ‘ghost trains’, which is now better known as its moniker, Ghost Trail.
Planning Your Visit
The Ghost Trail is not a fully paved rail trail. The trail is made up of crushed stone and asphalt, making it popular with runners, walkers, and mountain bikers – and of course, people walking their dogs. The trail is approximately 2.5 miles in length, depending on the route you take.
As part of the Essex National Heritage Area and Coastal Trail Coalition, this path also includes placards with interesting historical facts, including those about the train robbery that took place in 1926.
Parking
There are three public parking areas along the Ghost Trail.
- Lion’s Park – 90 Lion’s Way, Salisbury, MA – this is the largest parking area off the trail
- Bartlett Street Trail Head – (near the Dairy Queen on Rt. 110) – the small parking area is approximately 600 ft from the turn onto Bartlett Street on the left.
- Rabbit Road – Just off of Rt. 110 in Salisbury, turn onto Rabbit Road (just after Old Elm Street), the parking lot is located on the right.
Essentials for the Ghost Trail
Comfortable shoes are the key to a great rail trail experience. The trail is mostly flat and made up of crushed stone and some paved areas.
Clothing in layers will keep you comfortable. Depending on the day and the weather, wearing layers will ensure you are comfortable.
Phone – be on the ready to take some scenic pics and try out an app to track your steps or help you identify the local flora and fauna.
Water – even on short walks it is important to stay hydrated.
Dog leash and pet waste bags – Even well-behaved dogs must be leashed on the trail, and please remember to clean up after your pet.
Find Your Way Home
At Lamacchia Realty, our agents don’t just know the area neighborhoods; they know the history and the traditions that make these communities so special. Our Newburyport and Amesbury office REALTORS® want to help you discover more than just a property, they want to guide you to a place that feels unmistakably yours.