A COMPLETE GUIDE TO EXPLORING THE MERRIMACK RIVER

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1 DISCOVER THE MIGHTY MERRIMACK A COMPLETE GUIDE TO EXPLORING THE MERRIMACK RIVER AMESBURY GROVELAND HAVERHILL METHUEN NEWBURY NEWBURYPORT SALISBURY W. NEWURY

2 discover THE MIGHTY MERRIMACK PARKS AND TRAILS 15 Riverfront Parks and Trails line the banks of the Merrimack River. BIRDING Hundreds of species of birds can be seen on the Merrimack. BOATING Boaters will find launches, docks, and full service marinas. PHOTO: PETER ZOLTAI WATER SPORTS You can jet-ski, kayak, canoe, and boat along the river to the ocean. FISHING BEACHES PHOTO: GARY MILES Fishing the Merrimack take your own boat or board a charter! Explore the beaches that await at the mouth of the Merrimack River. 2 3

BEACHES ON THE WATER TOURS The Merrimack River meets the Atlantic Ocean with two spectacular beaches on either side of the river.

You never know The River unless you experience it from the water.

PLUM ISLAND Plum Island Point is on the northern tip of Plum Island.

The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary of 4,662 acres of diverse habitats including sandy beaches and dunes where over 350 species of

8 miles along the Atlantic Ocean abutting the Merrimack River. This 521-acre park offers swimming, boating.

3 BEACHES ON THE WATER TOURS The Merrimack River meets the Atlantic Ocean with two spectacular beaches on either side of the river. On the north side of the river is Salisbury State Reservation and on the south side of the river is Plum Island Point. You never know The River unless you experience it from the water. From full sail to exploring up-river, from dinner cruises to whale watches, The River Cities Tours offer an up close experience of The River. PLUM ISLAND Plum Island Point is on the northern tip of Plum Island. On the southern tip are public parks and beaches where you can swim, walk, bird watch, fish or just relax. The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary of 4,662 acres of diverse habitats including sandy beaches and dunes where over 350 species of resident and migratory birds are found. SALISBURY BEACH STATE RESERVATION Salisbury beach stretches 3.8 miles along the Atlantic Ocean abutting the Merrimack River. This 521-acre park offers swimming, boating. There are two boat ramps on the Merrimack River at the campground s southern edge. 9th Wave 54R Merrimac Street Captain s Fishing Parties 10, 82nd Street Harbor Tours Waterfront Promenade Park Newburyport MA Newburyport Whale Watch 54 Merrimac St Methuen Clean River Project Norm s Whitehorse Restaurant 510 Lowell St. Methuen, MA PHOTO: TRISH MCGREGOR PHOTO: 9TH WAVE PHOTO: TRISH MCGREGOR PHOTO: GARY MILES 4 5

RIVERFRONT PARKS AND TRAILS HIGHLIGHTS Alliance Park Lower Main Street Deer Island Pines Recreation Area 222 Main Street Groveland, MA Bradford Rail Trail 29 Middlesex Street First Landing Park 197

Dustin Rest Area 1313 River Street Riverside Park & Merrimack River Trail 161-163 Lincoln Avenue Joppa Park Water Street Maudslay State Park Curzon Mill Road Moseley Woods 14 Spofford Street 01950

4 RIVERFRONT PARKS AND TRAILS HIGHLIGHTS Alliance Park Lower Main Street Deer Island Pines Recreation Area 222 Main Street Groveland, MA Bradford Rail Trail 29 Middlesex Street First Landing Park 197 Water Street River Front Park 77 Washington Street River Rest Park 130 Water Street Cashman Park Pop Crowley Way Clipper City Rail Trail Pop Crowley Way or 25 Boston Way (MBTA station) Hale Park Water Street between Marlboro & Harrison Street George Washington Landing Park 30 Ferry Street Merrimack River Trail- Buttonwoods Section 236 Water Street Merrimack River Trail - Hannah Dustin Rest Area 1313 River Street Riverside Park & Merrimack River Trail Lincoln Avenue Joppa Park Water Street Maudslay State Park Curzon Mill Road Moseley Woods 14 Spofford Street Waterfront and Waterfront Promenade Park 38R Merrimac Street Old Eastern Marsh Trail Friedenfels Road The Clipper City Rail Trail in Newburyport is a 1.1 mile multiuse pathway running between the MBTA commuter rail station and the shoreline of the Merrimack River in Newburyport. The trail is a multi-use pathway for walkers, bicyclists, and other non-motorized users. The trail passes through a variety of environments including the waterfront, a residential neighborhood, and an industrial park. The Old Eastern Marsh Trail in Salisbury is a 1.4 mile paved trail extending from the Merrimack River to Mudnock Road. It passes through pristine sections of the Great Marsh with beautiful views and world class bird watching. The Bradford Rail Trail in Haverhill on the southern side of the Merrimack River occupies 1.3 miles of the former Pan Am rail lines, beautifying an area for pedestrians, cyclists, joggers and other non-motorized users. Riverside Park has five baseball diamonds, five softball diamonds, and a mile-long walking path along the Merrimack River. It has restroom facilities, three basketball courts, a street hockey area, a carry-top boat ramp, two tot-lots, a handicapped swing set, two parking lots, volleyball court, skating area, two horseshoe pits, and four tennis courts. PHOTO: SALISBURY CHAMBER 6 7

5 DISCOVER THE MIGHTY MERRIMACK The River Cities of the mighty Merrimack are a wonder of natural beauty, history, beaches, festivals, and trails and parks. AMESBURY SALISBURY BEACH PLUM ISLAND Navigable to the Atlantic Ocean from Haverhill down river through the picturesque towns of Merrimac, Groveland, Amesbury, and West Newbury; to the ocean s edge in Salisbury and Newburyport; the Merrimack River is a water sports haven for peaceful kayaking, sailing, and fishing, to revved up motor boats, and jet-skis. 8 9

KAYAKING FISHING When you paddle the Merrimack River, whether it s up river in the quiet shallows north of Methuen or it s in the Newburyport basin, you can hear the rustle of leaves and see a wide

Cast your lines off the river banks or beaches, bring your buddies and your boat, or take a charter inside or outside The River.

1A) Newbury, MA 01951 978-465-0312 www.newburykayak.com Newburyport Kayak 92 Merrimac Street 978-462-5510 www.plumbislandkayak.

captainsfishing.com Harpoonist Fishing Charters 364 Merrimac Street 603-508-0486 www.harpoonist.com Incognito Sport Fishing 1 Sally Snyder Way 978-478-8469 www.incognitosportfishing.

6 KAYAKING FISHING When you paddle the Merrimack River, whether it s up river in the quiet shallows north of Methuen or it s in the Newburyport basin, you can hear the rustle of leaves and see a wide variety of birds and landscape. There are plenty of stripers, blues, carp, pike and more to be caught in the Merrimack River and off shore. Cast your lines off the river banks or beaches, bring your buddies and your boat, or take a charter inside or outside The River. Joppa Flats and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport provide thousands of acres of kayaking heaven. Newbury Kayak and Canoe 291 High Street (Rt. 1A) Newbury, MA Newburyport Kayak 92 Merrimac Street PHOTO: CARRIE TAYLOR, PLUM ISLAND KAYAK HISTORIC LOWELL BOAT SHOP Erica Lee II 55 Hay Street Newbury, MA Captain s Fishing Parties 10, 82nd Street Harpoonist Fishing Charters 364 Merrimac Street Incognito Sport Fishing 1 Sally Snyder Way Mistie C Charters Cashman Park Obsessed Charters Plum Island Point 10 82nd Street Rocky Point Fishing Charters 346R Merrimac Street Schools Out Fishing 54 Merrimac Street # Clipper Fleet Bridge Marina PHOTO: INCOGNITO SPORT FISHING PHOTO: SUSAN DEGORGE The Lowell Boat Shop and Museum is in its 220th year of operation. It continues to build dories and skiffs in the timehonored tradition of seven generations of the Lowell family. Lowell Boat Shop 459 Main Street PHOTO: MISTIE C CHARTER 10 11

BIRDING FESTIVALS During the spring and fall migrations, thousands of land and water birds move through The River Cities.

Each winter, Bald Eagles come to the Merrimack River where a perfect hunting ground and habitat welcomes them. Nesting pairs remain throughout the year to raise their young.

gov/refuge/parker_river/ Massachusetts Audubon Society Joppa Flats 1 Plum Island Turnpike, 978-462-9998 www.massaudubon.

For more information on festivals and fairs in each community, visit their Chamber of Commerce website.

Mascot Sammy Sturgeon presides over live music, boat rides, arts and crafts, and children s activities. Most activities are free and the celebration ends with a spectacular fireworks display! www.

7 BIRDING FESTIVALS During the spring and fall migrations, thousands of land and water birds move through The River Cities. During spring and summer, large numbers of waterfowl, herons, egrets and land birds nest and feed in the extensive salt marshes. During fall, huge numbers of shorebirds pass through the area. Each winter, Bald Eagles come to the Merrimack River where a perfect hunting ground and habitat welcomes them. Nesting pairs remain throughout the year to raise their young. Deer Island in Amesbury is one of the ideal spots for viewing eagles. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Massachusetts Audubon Society Joppa Flats 1 Plum Island Turnpike, The River Cities are home to long standing festivals with something for every age and interest. These regional events draw locals and visitors alike. For more information on festivals and fairs in each community, visit their Chamber of Commerce website. RIVER RUCKUS Haverhill celebrates the mighty Merrimack River with River Ruckus in downtown Haverhill. Mascot Sammy Sturgeon presides over live music, boat rides, arts and crafts, and children s activities. Most activities are free and the celebration ends with a spectacular fireworks display! YANKEE HOMECOMING Newburyport s Yankee Homecoming is the second oldest homecoming festival in the United States. The week long celebration includes nightly concerts and street performers, a road race, fireworks show and a parade. RIVERFRONT MUSIC FESTIVAL Sponsored by 92.5 The River radio station, this free, day long celebration of new music draws thousands of people to Waterfront Park in Newburyport. The music is a blend of new and local, and chart topping! MERRIMACK RIVER EAGLE FESTIVAL The Annual Merrimack River Eagle Festival is a full day of fun indoor and outdoor activities at the Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center and Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport. Join eagle sighting tours, live eagle demonstrations and more. PHOTO: TRISH MCGREGOR Methuen Crew is a program of Essex Rowing Club, Inc. and is the scholastic rowing team for students in the Methuen Public School District. The team practices on the Merrimack River and competes against teams from across New England. CREWING PHOTO: METHUEN CREW PHOTO: TEAM HAVERHILL 12 13

MARINAS AND BOAT YARDS BOAT LAUNCH AND DOCKS Hatters Point Marina 60 Merrimac Street 978-388-7333 www.hattersmarina.com Larry s Marina 14 Merrimac Street 978-388-5111 www.larrysmarina.

com Lowell s Boat Shop 459 Main Street 978-834-0050 www.lowellsboatshop.com Mackenzie s Landing Marina 14 Pleasant Valley Road 978-388-0902 www.amesburymarina.com Kazmiera Marina, Inc.

8 MARINAS AND BOAT YARDS BOAT LAUNCH AND DOCKS Hatters Point Marina 60 Merrimac Street Larry s Marina 14 Merrimac Street Abbott s Marine Services, Inc. 269 E. Broadway Kazmiera Marina, Inc. 72 Coffin Avenue Riverfront Marina 292 High Road Newbury, MA Lowell s Boat Shop 459 Main Street Mackenzie s Landing Marina 14 Pleasant Valley Road Kazmiera Marina, Inc. 72 Coffin Avenue Riverfront Marina 292 High Road Newbury, MA Merri-Mar Yacht Basin 364 Merrimac Street Newburyport Harbor Marina 51 Water Street Hilton s Marina 54 Merrimac Street Windward Yacht Yard 58 Merrimac Street Newburyport Boat Basin 346R Merrimac Street Riverfront Marina 292 High Road Rt. 1A Newbury, MA Yankee Landing Marina 386 Merrimac Street Bridge Marina 179 Bridge Road Cove Marina 8 Friedenfels Street Ring s Island Marina 16 1st Street Amesbury Town Ramp 14 Merrimac Street (public launch, parking for Amesbury residents only) Haverhill Public Ramp 30 Ferry Street Bradford, MA The Pines Recreation Area 222 Main Street Groveland, MA (resident only launch and parking) Kazmiera Marina, Inc. 72 Coffin Avenue $10 fee. Newbury Town Ramp Newbury Turnpike Route 1, Newbury, MA (public launch, parking for Newbury residents only) Cashman Park Sally Snyder Way Massachusetts State-run launch facility. Parking, pumpout and restrooms. $10 fee. Salisbury Beach Reservation Beach Rd. Rte. 1A KAYAK & CAR TOP BOAT LAUNCH Riverside Park 163 Lincoln Ave Water Street Just west of Joppa flats Plum Island Point 20 Point Road Salisbury Town Launch/Dock First & Second StreetRings Island Ferry Landing Ferry Lane West Newbury, MA Plum Island Bridge PUBLIC DOCKS: William Red Slavitt Docks 100 Washington Street Newburyport City Docks 38R Merrimac Street Rings Island Salisbury Town Launch/Dock First & Second Street PHOTO: PETER ZOLTAI 14 15

The Amesbury Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Foundation www.amesburychamber.com 978-388-3178 The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce 978-373-5663 www.haverhillchamber.

9 The Amesbury Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Foundation The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce The Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and Industry North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau The Salisbury Chamber of Commerce For More Information Visit or

Map 1A - Newburyport, Newbury, Rowley - BAY CIRCUIT TRAIL route (as shown on map dated March 2013) (text updated May 2014)

Map 1A - Newburyport, Newbury, Rowley - BAY CIRCUIT TRAIL route (as shown on map dated March 2013) (text updated May 2014) Disclaimer and Cautions: The Bay Circuit Alliance, as the advocate and promoter of the Bay Circuit Trail, expressly disclaims responsibility for injuries or damages that may arise from using the trail.