Clipper City Rail Trail – Plum Island Beach loop from Ipswich

Bike touring routes & trails

Clipper City Rail Trail – Plum Island Beach loop from Ipswich

Moderate

3.0

(27)

riders

Clipper City Rail Trail – Plum Island Beach loop from Ipswich

02:53

49.6km

180m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 19, 2025

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 28.2 km for 250 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

488 m

Ipswich River Pedestrian Crossing

Highlight • Bridge

The pedestrian crossing lets you enjoy the Ipswich River up close. You can see the water flowing by, which is vital for the town's history and nature. The river has …

Tip by

12.8 km

Clipper City Rail Trail

Highlight • Cycleway

The Clipper City Rail Trail connects the MBTA commuter rail station to the Harborwalk along the waterfront.

A newer section follows the bank of the Merrimack River to Water Street …

Tip by

21.7 km

Amelia Little Saltmarsh

Nature Reserve

21.9 km

Birdwatching at Sunset Drive and Refuge Road

Highlight • Natural

Great spot for Bird Watching and Photography

Tip by

23.7 km

Plum Island Beach

Highlight • Beach

A big sandy beach on the sand spit, Plum Island. The area was created by the ocean currents and the combination of the Parker and Merrimack rivers.

Tip by

27.7 km

View of the Merrimack River from Joppa Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

Joppa is a nice little park along the water and connected to the Clipper City Rail Trail. There's a few benches, inforation boards, and great views across the Merrimack River.

Tip by

28.5 km

Newburyport Harborwalk Rail Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Once an old railbed, the Clipper City Rail Trail now connects the Newburyport's commuter rail station to the waterfront.

Tip by

29.3 km

Newburyport Harbor Front Range Light

Highlight • Monument

Established in 1873, Newburyport Harbor Front Range Light and Rear Range Light guided mariners traveling the Merrimack River to Newburyport Harbor.

The range lights also helped vessels avoid a dangerous underwater obstacle known as Goose Rocks.

Tip by

29.7 km