| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
None, MA |
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 | Trails: |
Methuen Rail Trail, Nevins Bird Sanctuary Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, March 21, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I parked at Methuen/Salem NH trailhead parking lot (Hampshire Road in Salem, right across from CVS) |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
railroad bridges |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
no issues |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
plenty - why not? |
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 | Bugs: |
none yet |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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|
 | Comments: |
Hadn't been on this since all the railings/woodwork was installed at popular crossings. Pretty windy and cold but basically saw only 2 people the entire time on this 2-mile long trail (I did an out-and-back jog) even tho it was mid-afternoon. I have to say, although parts are very historic, the southern end kind of creeped me out. With noone around, going through the tunnel under the Methuen Fire Dept square gives a bad vibe - there are really big stone walls on either side and you get this feeling that if something happened, you wouldn't be able to just "run away" - you'd be trapped. Then, at the southernmost end, there are some "camps"; with no foliage in the woods you can see evidence of people living in there. Not sure if anyone was actually in the tents? So, on my way back northbound, I figured I'd try the Nevins Bird Sanctuary "trail" as sign said "1/2 mile" of trail and showed a nice little map. Pretty soon there are no markers and you're wandering around near another possibly abandoned? camp with lots of garbage and no trail. Because of the undergrowth, there are only a couple really skinny paths out and back to the rail trail. In general, even with people around, I probably wouldn't recommend going off-trail, and if you are on-trail, be aware of your surroundings at all times. |
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 | Name: |
Becca Munroe |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-03-21 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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