Clipper City Rail Trail Art
A vibrant paved trail connecting Newburyport's charm with nature, featuring public art, gardens, and wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Clipper City Rail Trail Art
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant paved trail connecting Newburyport's charm with nature, featuring public art, gardens, and wildlife.
"This is the best rail trail I have ever walked and brought my kids too."
🗺️ Check Trail Maps
Google Maps may show the wrong location; verify trail access points before you go.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The paved trail is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. Enjoy the easy, flat terrain.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 11 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Public Art Installations
Along the trail
Discover a vibrant collection of sculptures and artwork interspersed with nature, adding a unique artistic flair to your walk or ride.
HarborWalk Connection
Downtown Newburyport
Connect to the scenic HarborWalk for picturesque waterfront views and a taste of Newburyport's charming coastal atmosphere.
Gardens and Green Spaces
Various points along the trail
Enjoy beautifully maintained gardens and lush green spaces, offering peaceful spots for relaxation and appreciation of local flora.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
Along the trail
Keep an eye out for diverse aquatic birds and small mammals like chipmunks and squirrels in this natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Trail's Two Parts
Parking and Access Points
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Trip report: bicycling day trip on the newly connected Newburyport, MA area rail trails
I stumbled on this newly connected trail network accessible by commuter rail + bike and wanted to share them with folks in the area. They bring you through the perfect blend of quaint towns, art displays, riverfront, beachfront, forest, marsh, countryside, and encounters with…
🗺️ Check Trail Maps
Google Maps may show the wrong location; verify trail access points before you go.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The paved trail is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. Enjoy the easy, flat terrain.
Moving from SF to Greater Boston
Anyone moved from San Francisco to Newburyport, MA? Looking for honest perspectives Hey everyone, My wife and I are strongly considering a move from San Francisco to Newburyport, MA and I'd love to hear from anyone who's made a similar transition. We're particularly interested…
📸 Capture the Art
Don't miss the diverse sculptures and art installations scattered along the path.
🐶 Leash Your Pets
Many visitors walk their dogs, so keep them leashed for a pleasant experience for all.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Check Trail Maps
Google Maps may show the wrong location; verify trail access points before you go.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The paved trail is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. Enjoy the easy, flat terrain.
📸 Capture the Art
Don't miss the diverse sculptures and art installations scattered along the path.
🐶 Leash Your Pets
Many visitors walk their dogs, so keep them leashed for a pleasant experience for all.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Plenty of benches and green spaces make it ideal for a leisurely lunch break.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Clipper City Rail Trail, calling it a 'gem' and the 'best rail trail' they've ever walked. They praise its well-maintained paved path, beautiful natural surroundings, and the delightful inclusion of art installations and gardens. It's highly recommended for its peaceful atmosphere and family-friendly features, though some lament the loss of its original post-industrial feel.
"A Local's Review: The Newburyport Rail Trail - A Serene Escape
As a resident of Newburyport, I'm fortunate to have access to the Newburyport Rail Trail, and it truly is a gem. My recent walk, captured beautifully by my wife, reaffirmed why this trail is a go-to for both a quick stroll and a more substantial outdoor excursion.
The trail itself is a wonderfully maintained paved path, perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. It offers an immersive natural environment, flanked by mature trees and verdant foliage.
For anyone living in or visiting Newburyport, I highly recommend dedicating some time to explore this beautiful and well-loved local treasure. It's the perfect spot to reconnect with nature, get some fresh air, and appreciate the serene side of our vibrant community."
Olivares & Molina Team YOUR REALTORS
"This is the best rail trail I have ever walked and brought my kids too. Google Maps has the wrong location. The location Google Maps has is actually on the trail itself which has no vehicle access to it. The trail is actually in two parts. One starts near 40;Parker Street and connects to the HarborWalk in downtown Newburyport. Then there is the downtown Newburyport access which takes you to the other end of the rail trail. The goal is to make the entire trail a loop.
Along the way there are sculptures, artwork, gardens, a playground, a wind turbine, parks, restaurants, a gallery, a Coast guard station and the chance to see aquatic birds and possibly chipmunks, squirrels and rabbits. You will encounter lots of people either walking their dogs, riding their bikes or skateboards or stopping to eat their lunch. Maybe in the winter, they might be cross country skiing but I don't know if they plow the rail trail in the winter.
There are many streets that access the rail trail. The best parking I have seen is near the downtown Newburyport access. I think you have to pay if you use the MBTA parking lot.
The rail trail is definitely worth checking out, especially if you love walking! I have walked most of it and I intend to go back because I enjoyed it so much!"
Stephen Priest
"It was a nice, clean and paved trail. I’d say it’s kid-friendly. It’s almost completely flat so my son had an easy time biking. There are sculptures, informative signs, plenty of benches and a lovely garden along the way. It’s a short bike ride but if you’re looking for a quiet run or something I think it’s lovely. The parking is free. The platform leads to a ramp that starts the trail."
L Moher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail is in two parts. One starts near Parker Street and connects to downtown Newburyport's HarborWalk. The other downtown access point leads to the other end. Be aware that Google Maps might show an incorrect location.
The best parking is often found near the downtown Newburyport access point. The MBTA parking lot may have a fee.
Yes, the trail has direct access to the current MBTA station, making it convenient for public transport users.
Absolutely, there are many streets that provide access to the Clipper City Rail Trail, offering flexibility in your starting point.
Yes, the trail is paved and mostly flat, making it an easy and enjoyable ride for cyclists of all levels.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Clipper City Rail Trail is free to access and enjoy.
The rail trail is generally open from dawn until dusk, offering ample time for exploration.
No advance booking is required as the trail is a public space and free to enter.
The main restriction is to be mindful of others and keep pets leashed. Enjoy the open access!
While generally open year-round, it's advisable to check local conditions, especially during winter for potential plowing.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a variety of sculptures and artistic installations that enhance the natural beauty of the trail.
Yes, there are plenty of benches strategically placed along the trail, perfect for taking a break and enjoying the scenery.
Absolutely! It's a great spot for families, with a playground, gardens, and a flat, easy path for kids to bike or walk.
Visitors often spot aquatic birds, chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits in the natural habitats along the trail.
Yes, the trail features informative signs that provide interesting details about the local environment and history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the trail passes by restaurants and offers direct access to downtown Newburyport, which has numerous dining options.
Yes, visitors often bring their own food for picnics, and there are plenty of spots to enjoy a meal outdoors.
While not explicitly mentioned, the proximity to downtown Newburyport means cafes and snack bars are easily accessible.
Definitely! The trail has numerous benches and green areas perfect for a picnic lunch.
Downtown Newburyport offers a variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to more upscale dining experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
The art installations, gardens, and the connection to HarborWalk offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, the trail provides opportunities to photograph local wildlife, birds, and the surrounding natural landscapes.
Mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
The unique sculptures and the views from the HarborWalk connection are popular subjects for photos.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to photograph the art and share their experiences.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit