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Routes
Hiking trails & Routes
United States
Massachusetts
Essex County
Newburyport

Clipper City Rail Trail and Harborwalk Loop

Easy

4.6

(3572)

14,587

hikers

Clipper City Rail Trail and Harborwalk Loop

01:42

6.61km

30m

Hiking

Hike the easy Clipper City Rail Trail and Harborwalk Loop for scenic river views, public art, and historical insights in Newburyport.

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

2.56 km

Clipper City Rail Trail — Harborwalk section

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Clipper City Rail Trail offers a nice hiking experience along the shores of the Merrimack River. The trail follows the route of a former railway, providing a flat and well-maintained path with beautiful views.

Tip by

2

3.37 km

Rear Range Light

Highlight • Monument

The Rear Range Lighthouse is the sister lighthouse to the Front Range Lighthouse, just a few blocks north on the waterfront. It was built in 1873 as one of two range lights for guiding ships up the river to the city's harbor. Today, the Rear Range Lighthouse offers tours and high-end dining experiences at the top of the lighthouse with the proceeds going toward the preservation of these historic structures. Both the Front and Rear Range Lighthouses were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 and are considered iconic landmarks of Newburyport.

Tip by

3

3.48 km

Front Range Lighthouse

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

4

4.15 km

Hilton's Marina

Highlight • Structure

Hilton's Marina, 3 miles (ca. 5 km) from Merrimack River. Nearby, visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and other activities. Situated in a classic New England seaport, it offers a charming experience.

Tip by

5

4.69 km

Clipper City Rail Trail (West)

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

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 and connects through the South End under High Street to Parker Street in Newbury.

Tip by

B

6.61 km

End point

Train Station

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.99 km

364 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

5.16 km

774 m

163 m

142 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

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Weather

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Today

Sunday 10 May

20°C

9°C

28 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park for the Clipper City Rail Trail and Harborwalk Loop?

The trail offers convenient access to downtown Newburyport's shops and restaurants, suggesting parking options would be available in the downtown area. The trail also links directly to the Newburyport MBTA Station, which often has parking facilities.

How can I get to the trail using public transport?

The Clipper City Rail Trail provides excellent connectivity, linking the Newburyport MBTA Station directly to the waterfront. This makes it very accessible via public transportation.

Is the Clipper City Rail Trail and Harborwalk Loop dog-friendly?

While the trail is a multi-use pathway, specific dog regulations (like leash laws) are not detailed in the provided information. However, multi-use paths in urban areas typically require dogs to be on a leash. It's always best to check local signage upon arrival.

What is the best time of year to visit the trail?

The trail is suitable for year-round use due to its paved nature. However, for the most pleasant experience, spring, summer, and fall offer vibrant scenery and comfortable temperatures. The Harborwalk section provides beautiful views of the Merrimack River, which can be enjoyed in any season.

Can I use the trail in winter?

Yes, as a paved, multi-use pathway, the trail can generally be used in winter. However, conditions may vary depending on snow and ice. Always exercise caution and check local weather conditions before heading out.

Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to use the trail?

No, there is no mention of permits or entrance fees required to access the Clipper City Rail Trail and Harborwalk Loop. It is a public multi-use pathway.

What is the terrain like on the Clipper City Rail Trail and Harborwalk Loop?

The trail is primarily a paved, multi-use pathway. It is noted for being almost completely flat, with less than 100 feet of elevation gain. This gentle terrain makes it suitable for various users, including those with strollers and wheelchairs.

Is the trail suitable for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, the trail is almost completely flat and paved, making it highly suitable and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

How long does it take to complete the Clipper City Rail Trail and Harborwalk Loop?

The full continuous loop around the core of Newburyport is approximately 3.3 to 3.9 miles long. For hiking, the estimated duration is about 1 hour and 40 minutes, but this can vary depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the sights.

What kind of scenery and features can I expect along the route?

The loop connects diverse parts of Newburyport, offering a mix of urban and natural scenery. You'll enjoy the scenic Clipper City Rail Trail — Harborwalk section along the Merrimack River with views of the water and the Gillis Bridge. The trail also features public art installations, historical interpretive signs, unique seating options, and passes through residential areas and parks.

Are there any specific highlights or landmarks to look out for?

Yes, along the route, you can see several notable landmarks. These include the Rear Range Light, the Front Range Lighthouse, and Hilton's Marina. The trail itself, particularly the Clipper City Rail Trail (West) and the Harborwalk section, is a highlight with its public art and historical markers.

Does the trail connect to other paths?

Yes, the Clipper City Rail Trail is part of a larger network. It connects to the Old Eastern Marsh Trail via the Gillis Bridge Connector and forms part of the Coastal Trails Network and the Border to Boston Trail. The route also passes through sections of the Clipper City Rail Trail and the Harborwalk.

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Trail Reviews

ScottKane
December 22, 2024, Walkin in a winter Newburyport

Last September I did most of this walk and wanted to do the whole thing. Cold day but I was bundled up. Did my heart good to see kids still going sledding.

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