The Old Eastern Marsh Trail in Salisbury, Massachusetts is an easy 2.5-mile out-and-back paved and accessible trail that features beautiful vistas along the waterways near the Merrimack River.
Trail name: Old Eastern Marsh Trail.
Location: Salisbury, MA.
Allowed activities: hiking, running, cross country skiing, geocaching, picnicking, bicycling, and bird watching.
Forbidden activities: No motorized vehicles. No fishing.
Hours: Trails are open daily during daylight hours.
Fees and Parking: There are no fees for using the trails. The parking at the Friedenfels Street parking area is free of charge. For a downloadable map of trails see the link below:
https://coastaltrails.org/the-trail-network/network-map/
Pets: Dogs are permitted, but must be on a leash. Dog waste must be picked up and removed from the trail.
Accessibility: The Old Eastern Marsh Trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Sanitation: There are no trash bins along the Old Eastern Marsh Trail. There are no restrooms at the trailhead or along the trail. Visitors are encouraged to carry out all trash.
Length: This hike is an easy 2.5 miles (round trip) trail that goes out and back.
Trail information: The Old Eastern Marsh Trail is in Salisbury MA and is approximately 1.3 miles (one way) from Friedenfels Street to Mudnock Road. It is paved, wide and flat. There is ample parking at the Friedenfels Street trailhead with space reserved for those with special needs. There is an information kiosk at the start of the trail just above the parking area plaza. Bring along bug spray, water and a hat for shade, as there is limited shade out on the marsh flats. There are granite benches for resting along the trail and trail maps posted along the trail to help visitors mark their progression along the route. The Old Eastern Marsh trail passes through some beautiful salt marsh areas where several types of wildflowers, berry bushes, staghorn sumac and wild grapes grow. There is an educational placard posted at a lookout section of the marsh that identify the birds that visit or call this area home. There are no trail blaze markers on the Old Eastern Marsh Trail because the trail is obvious and paved.
The Old Eastern Marsh Trail is part of the Coastal Trail Coalition (CTC). The CTC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support and assist in the development of the Coastal Trails Network. Currently there are 20 miles of developed trail and with more trails proposed for addition. The network of trails connects the communities of Amesbury, Newbury, Newburyport and Salisbury. The trails provide a safe alternative means of recreation and commuting.
