Events
Equine Expo & Tack Sale
Tails for the Trails
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Protecting Trails
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The North Shore area has extraordinary recreational trails. Since 1982, Essex County Trail Association has worked to protect and preserve hundreds of miles of trails in Essex, Hamilton, Ipswich, Topsfield, Wenham, and West Newbury. With the help of our team of trail stewards and many volunteers, ECTA maintains and repairs these trails in partnership with public and private landowners, land trusts and local conservation commissions. Our members provide a vital source of funding for trail projects. Come explore these incredible trails, and help us continue our work by supporting ECTA.
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UPCOMING EVENTS

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TRAIL ALERTS
Trail Alert: Biolabs temporary trail closure

April 24, 2023: New England Biolabs has begun construction of their new childcare facility. The trail from 1A to Fellows Road will be temporarily closed starting today and will remain closed for

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Donibristle Trail Project video

Donibristle Reservation, Topsfield Completed in partnership with Essex County Greenbelt, this project was a much needed solution to a muddy section of the main trail. We raised the trail, installed a

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LATEST NEWS
Fall Newsletter 2024

Click image below to read entire Fall

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RFTT 2024 Video

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TRAIL-USER REPORTS
SUBMIT A TRAIL USER REPORT
  • Willowdale / Topsfield

    Willowdale / Topsfield

    Big tree down just past the junction of trails 4 & 5 (There is a 4 trail stake there, but Im not sure which trail …Read more
  • Willowdale trail 32

    Willowdale trail 32

    Tree down across trail. High enough to duck under, but theres one branch that hangs straight down that has a sharp end, just about at …Read more
WHAT WE DO
Donovan Sagamore Hill Trail
boardwalk trail improvement by ECTA
FIND A TRAIL
Find a trail with our new Trailfinder Tool*. Select from the options on the left to find trails that meet those criteria.

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*Disclaimer: Please bear in mind that ECTA does not own the listed properties and does not guarantee the information as current. We have tried hard to list the allowed activities but some are seasonal-only, weather-dependent, or require a special permit. Landowners may have changed their rules so please follow all posted signage and let us know in the comments or via an email if you notice anything that could be updated. In addition there are some trails which may not yet be listed for certain activities. If in doubt please always check with the landowner.

FEATURED EVENTS
  • 11th Annual Spring for the Trails Half Marathon (10 May 2025)
    on May 10, 2025 at 12:00 pm

    SAVE THE DATE Saturday, May 10, 2025 Willowdale State Forest, Ipswich

  • 30th Annual Equine Expo & Tack Sale (26 Apr 2025)
    on April 26, 2025 at 1:00 pm

    SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY APRIL 26, 2025 30th EQUINE EXPO & TACK SALE Plans are underway for ESSEX COUNTY TRAIL ASSOCIATION to host the 30th annual Equine EXPO & Tack Sale to be held on Saturday, April 26th 2025 from 9-3 in the Arena Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds on Route 1, Topsfield, MA. Individuals, groups & businesses […]

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Don't forget to support us. Your dues keep the trails open!
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Make a Donation
Donations help us preserve and maintain the trails.
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