Our Parks - CLipper city rail Trail

• Address/trail route: The Rail Trail extends for 3.9 paved miles and connects the MBTA commuter rail station at 25 Boston Way, to the Harborwalk (1.5 miles) along the waterfront. 
• The newest addition follows the Merrimack River from Market Landing Park in downtown Newburyport to the Seawall/Water Street and continues through the South End, under High Street along March’s Hill to Parker Street. There is a paved walkway along Parker Street back to the rail station to complete the loop.
• The Rail Trail also connects to the southern end of Salisbury’s Eastern Marsh Trail via Route 1/Gillis Bridge which provides panoramic views of the harbor, marinas, and Newburyport riverfront.

Parking/Access: There are trailheads to enter the Rail Trail at the MBTA commuter rail station, Low Street, Washington Street, High Street, Cushing Park, Water Street, and Parker Street.

• The Rail Trail connects to Cashman Park via a paved boardwalk.
• Free parking is available at Cashman Park. Paid parking is available downtown and at the MBTA station.

Features

• The entire trail is paved and accessible for biking, walking, jogging, dog walking, and strollers. There are also numerous benches.
• More than a dozen sculptures have been installed ranging from figurative to abstract to interactive art for children and families. There are also murals, custom planters, and garden installations to enhance this unique public space.  
• There are many points of interest along the Rail Trail including a Wildlife Habitat, an Edible Avenue of edible plants, and an Immigrant & Migrant statue.
• Restrooms are limited to the commuter rail station, Waterfront Park and seasonally at Cashman Park.

History/Wider Context

• Phase 1 of the Rail Trail was completed between 2008-2010. 
• The Clipper City Rail Trail is part of the Coastal Trails Network, which is developing in the four towns of Newburyport, Newbury, Salisbury, and Amesbury along the Merrimack River. 
• It is also part of the Border to Boston Trail, a developing trail network that will stretch 70 miles between the MA/NH border and Boston.