Biking Coastal Trails
By Chris Garby, CZM

As Budget and Grants Manager for the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), most of my work days are filled with numbers and reports, a job that doesn’t get me out of the office very often. To counterbalance all the time I spend indoors at my desk, in my spare time I’m an avid cyclist. During the 6 years that I’ve been cycling, I’ve found some great coastal routes. The rides detailed in this article don’t require any special type of bike—road, mountain, or hybrid will all do the job!—and they will take you through the towns of Amesbury, Newburyport, Newbury, Rowley, and Ipswich along the Powow and Merrimack Rivers and long stretches of the Great Marsh, and by parks and reservations, including Deer Island, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, and Crane Beach.

Amesbury/Newburyport - Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Total approximate mileage roundtrip: 21 miles

Best suited for: beginners, families

Please note: The section between the Powow Bikeway & downtown Newburyport can be tricky so please take extra caution crossing Route 110 and the area around Chain Bridge in Newburyport.

This trip begins on the Powow Riverwalk & Bikeway in Amesbury, directly adjacent to the Water Street Municipal Parking area (free parking). This 1.3-mile paved trail follows the route of the old Boston & Maine Railroad, connecting Amesbury’s historic Market Square to the Carriagetown Marketplace. Starting across from the parking lot, the trail follows the Powow River, a tributary of the Merrimack River, and briefly winds around some local businesses.

After 1.3 miles, take a right at the first road crossing and use extreme caution when crossing Route 110. You are now on Rocky Hill Road and you want to go straight for 0.2 miles and then take a left onto Main Street in Amesbury. Ride for about a mile until the first stop sign, then take a right and follow this over Chain Bridge into Newburyport. One feature to note, immediately before the bridge on the left is Deer Island, a small park and salt marsh. Use caution when crossing Chain Bridge (in fact it’s best to walk your bike over the bridge on the sidewalk). Take a left at the tricky four-way intersection onto Merrimac Street and follow this for about 2 miles into the center of Newburyport. This is a great chance to stop for a coffee or a snack.

From the center of Newburyport, follow State Street from Market Square up to Route 1A and take a left. There is a designated bike lane on 1A, follow this for about 1 mile and take a left on Rolfes Lane. Follow this to the end and take a left onto the Plum Island Turnpike and travel approximately 2 miles, crossing a steel-grated bridge (I recommend walking your bike over this) to Plum Island.

The road to Plum Island has a designated bike lane, making travel safer for bikers. Take the first right onto Sunset Drive and travel 0.5 miles to the refuge entrance. Parker River is, in my opinion, an excellent place to bike—definitely one of the highlights of this trip. Bring your binoculars along as the Refuge is a great place tosee an array of wildlife (especially birds) in a variety of habitats. There is an entrance fee so check the Refuge’s website at www.fws.gov/northeast/parkerriver for all the details. The route is flat, fast, and paved for 3.5 miles to the Wildcat Observation Area Parking Lot. When making this trip, be aware that on days when the winds kicks up, bike travel time can increase. After the Observation Area, I would only recommend the last 3 miles for travel via mountain bike. From here, you can return to Amesbury the way you came, or-if you’re looking for a longer ride—continue on to Ipswich.

Newbury/Rowley/Ipswich - Crane Beach

Total approximate mileage roundtrip from Parker River National Wildlife Refuge to Crane Beach: 35 miles

Best suited for: more experienced riders

From the entrance station at the Refuge, roll out back to the Plum Island Turnpike and, after 2.5 miles, take a left onto Ocean Avenue. A half mile or so will bring you to Route 1A—take a left here at the lights. Route 1A is a great bike route that winds through the picturesque North Shore towns of Newbury, Rowley, and Ipswich, crossing over the Rowley River and past long stretches of the Great Marsh (which just happens to be the largest salt marsh in New England and home to a variety of bird and plant life).

Travel along 1A south (eventually 1A south/133 East) for 10.5 miles, enjoying the scenic views of salt marshes and Plum Island Sound, eventually making your way into the town of Ipswich. Continue on 1A south through the center of Ipswich, bearing right shortly after crossing over Choate Bridge (said to be the oldest stone arch bridge in America, it was repaired after the spring storms of 2006).

We're not saying you should bring you fishing pole on your bike, just that you could. (View outside of the Crane Beach entrance.)

After 0.4 miles, take a quick left onto Argilla Road—you are now on the way to Crane Beach. You can pedal the 4.6 miles directly to the beach, or take advantage of a couple of stops along the way. Just after mile 1.9 on Argilla Road, you’ll pass Hamlin Reservation on your left. Run by The Trustees of Reservations, entrance is free and there is a one mile loop trail for hiking and mountain biking. At 2.3 miles you will pass an apple orchard on the right—a great place to stop for break, especially when apples are in season! And now, fortified with fruit (if you’re lucky), you’re just a couple of miles from the beach. (Please be aware that there is an entrance fee at Crane Beach—see www.thetrustees.org/pages/294_crane_beach.cfm for fees, restrictions, and other information.) Return the way you came to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

I biked these routes in September of 2006 and was reminded of everything I love about cycling along the coast—cool autumn days and flat, fast stretches of road bordered by great ocean views.

These routes are a small portion of the great riding found on the Massachusetts seacoast—so get out and explore!

Photographs by Chris Garby