The Ghost Trail in Salisbury, Massachusetts, is an easy dog friendly walk. Chances are you won’t see a ghost, but what you will see is a tree lined path with raised flower beds, benches and historic markers that winds its way through family neighborhoods and industrial parks.  Following a nineteenth century rail line, the trail is named in memory of the Ghost Trains that traveled through this area.  During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries factories in the area used this rail line to transport their carriages and auto bodies on open freight cars to markets in Boston, New York and Detroit.  This cargo was covered in white shrouds for protection, and the white sheets flapping in the wind gave the trains a ghost like appearance, thus earning them the nickname of Ghost Trains.

Today this well maintained rail trail is 1.8 miles one way, consisting of hard packed crushed stone, and is shaded by trees, making it perfect for a warm summer day dog walk.  It is also popular for snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter. Although there are more interesting trails in the seacoast area, for those vacationing at Hampton Beach or Salisbury State Beach Reservation, the Salisbury Point Ghost Trail is a great dog friendly place to walk your dog away from the summer crowds.  This trail is part of the Coastal Trails Coalition, which is hoping to extend its trail network through Salisbury, Newburyport, Newbury and connect to existing trails in Amesbury, Massachusetts.

Dogs must remain on-leash.  Parking is available in three areas along the route.  The largest lot is at Lion’s Park, but parking may be limited when the athletic fields are in use.  There are smaller parking areas for two or three cars at the Bartlett Street and Rabbit Road trailheads where the Ghost Trail crosses public roads.

To learn more about additional places dogs are allowed in the New Hampshire seacoast, including dog beaches and trails, please visit our Dog Friendly Places page.

Ghost Trail Directions:

Parking is available in three areas along the route.  The largest lot is at Lion’s Park, but parking may be limited when the athletic fields are in use.  There are smaller parking areas for two or three cars at the Bartlett Street and Rabbit Road trailheads where the Ghost Trail crosses public roads.