Newburyport Rail Trails, MA


• 4-star trail
• 3 mile loop
• Easy | Low gradient
• Newburyport, MA | Northeast Region
.   MA Rail Trails   A waterfront scene with a pier extending into the water. Several buildings, including one with a large sign that reads ‘Market,’ are visible. In the background, a town with various buildings and church steeples is seen against a partly cloudy sky
Newburyport harbor and marina area.

Newburyport, originally a part of the larger town of Newbury, was settled by English immigrants in the early 1630s. Its strategic location along the Merrimack River made it a natural hub for trade and shipping. By the 18th century the town had evolved into a significant shipbuilding center. In 1848 the Eastern Railroad completed a branch line to Newburyport, offering regular passenger services and facilitating freight transportation from the harbor.

Today Newburyport is best known as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its picturesque coastline and historic architecture. While the harbor and downtown areas remain the primary attractions, the Clipper City Rail Trail, which encircles the outskirts of the downtown area, provides additional opportunities for exploration and recreation.

⬤ Asphalt   ⬤ Rough   ⬤ Bike Lane   ⬤ Road   ⬤ No Access   ⬤ Parking  
⬤ 3★ Clipper City Rail Trail   3.5 mi ea way, easy, gain 70ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions* GPX?
 P  *Free parking    $  Paid parking. See map for more.

Recent improvements to the Clipper City Rail Trail and the Harborwalk have made a big difference to the experience of being a pedestrian or bicyclist in the town. Big changes to the waterfront have introduced a wide pedestrianized area that previously required navigating a poorly surfaced parking lot. A very pleasant asphalt paved trail now follows what was once the route of the harbor-side railroad tracks, now decked out with benches, picnic tables, grassy lawns and art installations. The trail parallels, and sometimes combines with the wooden harbor-front boardwalk.

Bicycle riders will need to dismount for the length of this section, and should only start pedaling again once they're parallel with the old customs house. On weekends it might be worth remaining dismounted for even longer, as the harbor-front trails are very popular and awash with pedestrians enjoying a very agreeable car-free area.

A peaceful public park features a wide brick walkway paralleled by a narrower asphalt path. Lampposts line the route beneath leafy trees that offer shade. To the right, a modern sculpture resembling sail shapes stands prominently near picnic tables and benches. In the distance, visitors stroll and enjoy the space, with a marina and docked boats visible to the left.
Big changes to Newburyport's waterfront trails.

The most rail-trail-like segment of the Clipper City Rail Trail runs between the Memorial Bridge and the passenger rail station a mile away to the south. This paved section of rail trail runs through green and leafy townscape, under bridges and over roads, almost uninterrupted except for a single, quiet road crossing.

Completing the loop, the eastern side of the rail trail passes through another neighborhood, along a brief section of road biking down a quiet residential street. The trail continues through light woodland and parkland on its way to meet with Parker Street. The Parker Street section has recently been upgraded with an improved bicycle lane, but this final section suffers from a multitude of road crossings and sidewalk use. A complete lack of directional signage also gives you no indication that you're linking two sections of rail trail together.

A compact black and red train engine play structure sits on a bed of wood chips within a shaded, wooded area. The engine features a large front grill, a bell mounted above, and the number “10” painted on its side. It's clearly decorative, designed for children or themed ambiance rather than function. In the background, a paved path curves through green grass and dense trees.
One of several play structures along the rail trail route.

The Clipper City Rail Trail is also furnished with several play structures for children, and a wide selection of artwork that ranges from trail-side sculpture to underwater scenes presented within the shade of a bridge structure.

Several parking options are available. Paid parking can be found by the harbor-front and at the MBTA passenger rail station. We prefer to park in free roadside spots where the rail trail intersects with High Street, along the eastern segment of rail trail. Our 'directions' link included above will navigate you to this place.

A tranquil marina scene shows several boats docked along a wooden pier that stretches into the water. The pier features lampposts and benches, with a few people leisurely strolling along it. Lush greenery and trees border the left side, while the boats moor to the right, floating calmly in the clear water. Above, a cloudless blue sky completes the peaceful waterfront atmosphere.
Harborwalk boardwalk section is fully pedestrianized.

On our map we've also included in gray, the location of several other former railroad branches. Furthermore, we've linked to continuing rail trails that head either north or south out of Newburyport. Taking the new cycle path over the Memorial Bridge will lead to the Old Eastern Marsh Trail that links to additional trails, and ends at the New Hampshire Border. Heading south, there is a section of unimproved rail trail that can be tackled by hybrid bicycles, that leads towards rail trails at Byfield, Georgetown and Boxford. Check out our complete New England Rail Trail map to learn more.

⚠ Trail Conditions: Smooth flat asphalt throughout. Busy pedestrian harbor-front section requires dismount. Many road crossings along Parker Road.

A whimsical marine-themed installation features a large stylized anglerfish sculpture mounted on a textured stone wall. The fish’s bulging eyes, toothy grin, and arched lure convey playful exaggeration. Surrounding it are bright red crab and curled seahorse sculptures, alongside coral-like accents that suggest an imaginative underwater scene. Dim reddish-purple lighting casts dramatic shadows across the stonework, amplifying the surreal ambiance and anchoring the scene in a theatrical, cave-like setting.
Undersea artwork under shade of a bridge structure.

A scenic view of a coastal area with a walkway running parallel to the shore. On the right, there is a row of houses facing the water, and on the left, there is a body of water with land visible in the distance. The sky is clear with few clouds. In the foreground, two individuals are walking on the pathway, one wearing white and the other in dark clothing. There are benches along the path for people to sit and enjoy the view.
Joppa Flats on the Merrimac, by the East section of Clipper City

Tangents:
• TrailLink: Clipper City Rail Trail & Harborwalk
• AllTrails Public: Clipper City Rail Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us


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