Merrimac River Trail

Directions to Parking for

The Merrimac River Trail in Andover

The Merrimac River Trail is ten mile long foot path (though adventurous off road cyclists rate it a fairly challenging stretch of single track) extending along the southern bank from Lawrence to Lowell, passing through Andover and Tewksbury along the way. Capitalizing on the long, linear, 76 acre Merrimac River Reservation and using it to connect the Deer Jump and Spaulding Reservations, the Trail wanders the River's edge, past Pine Island (once home to the greatly feared Pentacook Indians), across streams, up and down hill, and through a variety of habitats. In spite of all this it is, apparently, the site of periodic foot races; here's the best description we've found of what to expect from it, excerpted from Scott Duhaime's posting on the Cambridge Running Club's website: "Flowing as it does through two of New England's largest and oldest mill cities, one would be hard pressed to consider the Merrimack River bucolic; yet the trail that runs along it is a great rural escape. With the quiet expanse of the Merrimack as its constant partner, the trail winds through extensive stands of hemlock and huge white pines, broad meadows filled with wild flowers, while sturdy foot bridges assist the navigation of numerous brook crossings. The footing is generally good for a trail, and the hills are few, but some are very steep! Seasonal changes shape the personality of the trail. When it's hot, viridescent trees and natural "air conditioning" from the water offer summer respite, while a late afternoon sun turns the river into a shimmering ribbon of gold. The resplendent beauty of the fall is captured in full, kaleidoscopic fire. A light snowfall In November or December can absorb all sound and turn the trail into a tranquil beach of fine white sand. In quiet times, one can see and hear many birds, including belted king fishers, flickers, wood thrushes, cormorants, great blue herons, hawks, ospreys and robins; animals can include woodchucks, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks and field mice."

Getting to the Trail is surprisingly easy; here's how:

From Route 128/95 merge on Route 93 North via Exit 37B for Concord NH (if you're coming up Route 93 from Winchester or Stoneham, just cross over 128/95) and drive 14.3 miles north on Route 93 (over Route 495) to the River Road exit, Exit 45 (look for road signs saying River Road S. Lawrence/Lawrence Riverfront St Park). At the end of the ramp turn left on River Road and continue a short distance (about 0.1 miles) to Old River Road and turn left again. You probably won't spot an Old River Road sign, but you will see prominent signage directing you to the Marriett Courtyard and Wyndam Hotels. Continue down Old River Road, past the Marriett, to the big Wyndam parking lot at its end. This lot features a monster satellite dish in its far right hand corner. Park somewhere near it; the trailhead is close by.

From Route 128/95 the driving time to the satellite dish is about twenty minutes.

*** Good Luck !!! ***