a guide to exploring the merrimack river

THE RIVER CITIES GUIDE WAS PRODUCED BY THE
GREATER HAVERHILL FOUNDATION IN COOPERATION WITH:
North of Boston Convention
and Visitors Bureau
978-465-6555 • www.northofboston.org
The Amesbury Chamber of Commerce
and Industrial Foundation
978- 388-3178 • www.amesburychamber.com
The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce
978-373-5663 • www.haverhillchamber.com
The Greater Newburyport Chamber of
Commerce and Industry
978-462-6680 • www.newburyportchamber.org
For More Information Visit
www.TheRiverCities.org or
www.northofboston.org/TheRiverCities
To contribute to the next update of the River Cities brochure,
contact the Greater Haverhill Foundation at 978-891-3994 or
email: [email protected]
PHOTO: NEWBURYPORT CHAMBER
FUNDED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OF TRAVEL & TOURISM
PHOTO: ROCKS VILLAGE BRIDGE - HAVERHILL, DAVID PETTY
The Salisbury Chamber of Commerce
978- 465-3581 • www.salisburychamber.com
A GUIDE TO EXPLORING
THE MERRIMACK RIVER
THE MIGHTY MERRIMACK
PHOTO: DAVID PETTY
discover
PARKS AND TRAILS
BIRDING
Hundreds of species of birds can be
seen on the Merrimack.
BOATING
WATER SPORTS
Jet-ski, kayak, canoe, paddle board and
boat along the river to the ocean.
PHOTO: GARY MILES
Boaters will find launches, docks, and
full service marinas.
PHOTO: DAVID PETTY
PHOTO: PETER ZOLTAI
Riverfront parks and trails line the
banks of the Merrimack River.
FISHING
Fishing the Merrimack – Take your own
boat or board a charter.
1
BEACHES
Explore the beaches that await you at
the mouth of the Merrimack River.
2
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.
Discover the Merrimack Valley from the river. From sailing the
river to dinner cruises and whale watches, river cities tours offer
an up close experience.
PLUM ISLAND
Methuen Clean River
Project, Norm’s
Whitehorse Restaurant
510 Lowell Street
Methuen, MA
978-973-7255
www.cleanriverproject.org
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 habitat,
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 and boating. There are two boat ramps on the
Merrimack River at the campground’s southern edge.
9th Wave
54R Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA
866-984-9283
www.9thwave.net
Harbor Tours
Waterfront Promenade Park
Newburyport MA
603-682-2293
www.harbortours.com
Newburyport Whale Watch
54 Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA
978-499-0832
www.newburyportwhalewatch.com
PHOT
O: PL
UM
PHOTO: 9TH WAVE
ISLAN
D, TR
ISH M
CGRE
G
OR
Captain’s Fishing Parties
10, 82nd Street
Newburyport, MA
1-800-427-1333
www.CaptainsFishing.com
PHOT
O: PLU
M
ILES
GARY M
BEACH,
LISBURY
ISLAN
D, TR
ISH
MCGR
EGOR
SA
PHOTO:
3
4
RIVERFRONT PARKS AND TRAILS
Alliance Park
Lower Main Street
Amesbury, MA
Deer Island
Amesbury, MA
Pines Recreation Area
222 Main Street
Groveland, MA
Riverside Park &
Merrimack River Trail
161-163 Lincoln Avenue
Haverhill, MA
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.
Cashman Park
Pop Crowley Way
Newburyport, MA
The Clipper City Rail Trail in Newburyport is a 1.1 mile 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 nonmotorized users. The trail runs through Newburyport’s historic
residential neighborhoods on its way to the waterfront and
restaurants downtown.
Bradford Rail Trail
29 Middlesex Street
Haverhill, MA
Clipper City Rail Trail
Pop Crowley Way or 25
Boston Way (MBTA station)
Newburyport, MA
www.coastaltrails.org
First Landing Park
197 Water Street
Haverhill, MA
Joppa Park
Water Street
Newburyport, MA
George Washington
Landing Park
30 Ferry Street
Haverhill, MA
Maudslay State Park
Curzon Mill Road
Newburyport, MA
Merrimack River TrailButtonwoods Section
236 Water Street
Haverhill, MA
Merrimack River Trail Hannah Dustin Rest Area
1313 River Street
Haverhill, MA
River Front Park
77 Washington Street
Haverhill, MA
Moseley Woods
14 Spofford Street
Newburyport, MA
www.moseleywoods.com
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.
Riverside Park in Haverhill 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, a volleyball
court, a skating area, two horseshoe pits, and four tennis courts.
Waterfront and Waterfront
Promenade Park
38R Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA
Old Eastern Marsh Trail
Friedenfels Road
Salisbury, MA
www.coastaltrails.org
River Rest Park
130 Water Street
Haverhill, MA
PHOTO
: DAVID
PETTY
URY
RY, SALISB
PHOTO: AL
LIANCE PARK
-AMES
BURY, DAVI
D PETTY
5
HIGHLIGHTS
PHOTO:
OLD
SBU
AIL-SALI
MARSH TR
EASTERN
R
CHAMBE
6
PHOTO: DAVID PETTY
The River Cities of the mighty Merrimack
offer natural beauty, history, beaches,
festivals, trails and parks.
SALISBURY
BEACH
MERRIMAC
AMESBURY
NEWBURYPORT
PHOTO: DAVID PETTY
WEST
NEWBURY
NEWBURY
HAVERHILL
PLUM
ISLAND
GROVELAND
PHOTO: GARY MILES
PHOTO: DAVID PETTY
PHOTO: DAVID PETTY
The Merrimack River is a water sports haven for
everything from peaceful kayaking, sailing, and
fishing, to revved up motor boats, and jet-skis.
PHOTO: DAVID PETTY
7
PHOTO: DAVID PETTY
8
KAYAKING
FISHING
When you paddle the Merrimack River, whether it’s up river in
the quiet shallows north of Methuen or in the coastal marshes,
you can see a wide variety of wildlife and landscapes.
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 boat, or take a charter on
the river.
Joppa Flats and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in
Newburyport provide exceptional opportunities for kayaking.
Erica Lee II
55 Hay Street
Newbury, MA
978-462-8859
www.ericaleeii.com
Newbury Kayak and Canoe
291 High Street (Rt. 1A)
Newbury, MA
978-465-0312
www.newburykayak.com
Captain’s Fishing Parties
10, 82nd Street
Newburyport, MA
800-427-1333
www.captainsfishing.com
Newburyport Kayak
92 Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA
978-462-5510
www.plumislandkayak.com
Harpoonist Fishing Charters
364 Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA
603-508-0486
www.harpoonist.com
PHOTO: CARRIE TAYLOR,
PLUM ISLAND KAYAK
MARITIME HISTORY
Schools Out Fishing
54 Merrimac Street #2
Newburyport, MA
978-815-6404
www.schoolsoutfishing.com
Clipper Fleet
Bridge Marina
Salisbury, MA
978-465-7495
www.clipperfleet.com
G
RT FISHIN
ITO SPO
INCOGN
Mistie C Charters
Cashman Park
Newburyport, MA
978-420-2112
www.mistieccharters.com
Rocky Point Fishing Charters
346R Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA
978-360-4246
www.fishnewburyport.com
PHOTO:
PHOTO: SUSAN DEGORGE
Incognito Sport Fishing
1 Sally Snyder Way
Newburyport, MA
978-478-8469
www.incognitosportfishing.com
Obsessed Charters
Plum Island Point
10 82nd Street
Newburyport, MA
978-510-1081
www.obsessedcharters.com
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 • Amesbury, MA
978-834-0050
www.lowellboatshop.com
Operated by the Newburyport Maritime Society, the Custom
House Maritime Museum is dedicated to preserving and
interpreting the maritime heritage of the Merrimack Valley.
Custom House Maritime Museum
25 Water Street • Newburyport, MA
978-462-8681
www.customhousemaritimemuseum.org
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PHOTO
: MIST
IE
C CHA
RT
ER
10
BIRDING
During the spring and fall migrations, thousands of land and
water birds move through The River Cities. During spring and
summer, large numbers of herons, egrets and other birds nest
and feed in the extensive salt marshes.
Each winter, bald eagles come to the Merrimack River. Nesting
pairs remain throughout the year to raise their young. Deer
Island in Amesbury is one of the ideal spots for viewing eagles.
Massachusetts Audubon Society–
Joppa Flats
1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA
978-462-9998
www.massaudubon.org
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA
978-465-5753
www.fws.gov/refuge/Parker_River
FESTIVALS
The River Cities are home to long-standing festivals with
something for every age and interest. Learn more about each of
these festivals and fairs by visiting the links below.
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!
www.facebook.com/RiverRuckus
YANKEE HOMECOMING
Newburyport’s Yankee Homecoming is the second oldest
homecoming festival in the United States. The weeklong
celebration includes nightly concerts and street performances,
a road race, fireworks show, and parade.
www.yankeehomecoming.com
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,
local, and chart topping.
www.theriverboston.com | www.newburyportchamber.org
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. Join
eagle sighting tours, live raptor demonstrations, and more.
www.massaudubon.org
PHOTO: PLUM ISLAND, TRISH MCGREGOR
ROWING
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.
The Essex Rowing Club, Inc.
also offers affordable rowing
opportunities to the public.
PHOTO: METHUEN CREW
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PHOTO: RIVER RUCKUS, TEAM HAVERHILL
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MARINAS AND BOAT YARDS
Hatters Point Marina
60 Merrimac Street
Amesbury, MA
978-388-7333
www.hattersmarina.com
Newburyport Harbor Marina
51 Water Street
Newburyport, MA
978-462-3990
Larry’s Marina
14 Merrimac Street
Amesbury, MA
978-388-5111
www.larrysmarina.com
Riverfront Marina
292 High Road Rt. 1A
Newbury, MA
978-465-6090
www.riverfrontmarine.com
Lowell’s Boat Shop
459 Main Street
Amesbury, MA
978-834-0050
www.lowellsboatshop.com
Windward Yacht Yard
58 Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA
978-462-6500
Mackenzie’s Landing
Marina
14 Pleasant Valley Road
Amesbury, MA
978-388-0902
www.amesburymarina.com
Abbott’s Marine
Services, Inc.
269 E. Broadway
Haverhill, MA
978-373-5360
Kazmiera Marina, Inc.
72 Coffin Avenue
Haverhill, MA
978-374-2100
Hilton’s Marina
54 Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA
978-462-3990
www.newburyportmarinas.com
Yankee Landing Marina
386 Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA
978-463-0805
www.yankeelandingmarina.com
Bridge Marina
179 Bridge Road
Salisbury, MA
978-462-2274
www.bridgemarinama.com
BOAT LAUNCHES AND DOCKS
Amesbury Town Ramp
14 Merrimac Street
Amesbury, MA
(public launch, parking
for 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
Haverhill, MA
$10 fee
Newbury Town Ramp
Newbury Turnpike
Route 1, Newbury, MA
(public launch, parking
for residents only)
Cove Marina
8 Friedenfels Street
Salisbury, MA
978-462-4998
www.covemarina.net
Cashman Park
Sally Snyder Way
Newburyport, MA
Massachusetts state-run
launch facility. Parking,
pump-out and restrooms.
$10 fee
Ring’s Island Marina
16 1st Street
Salisbury, MA
978-465-0307
www.ringsislandmarina.com
Salisbury Beach
Reservation
Beach Rd. Rte. 1A
Salisbury, MA
www.salisbury-beach.org
KAYAK & CAR TOP
BOAT LAUNCH
Riverside Park
163 Lincoln Ave
Haverhill, MA
Plum Island Bridge
Newburyport, MA
Plum Island Point
20 Point Road
Newburyport, MA
Water Street
Just west of Joppa Flats
Newburyport, MA
Salisbury Town Launch/Dock
First & Second Street, Rings Island
Salisbury, MA
Ferry Landing
Ferry Lane
West Newbury, MA
PUBLIC DOCKS
William “Red” Slavit Docks
100 Washington Street
Haverhill, MA
Newburyport City Docks
38R Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA
Rings Island Salisbury Town
Launch/Dock
First & Second Street
Salisbury, MA
Merri-Mar Yacht Basin
364 Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA
978- 465-3022
www.merri-maryachtbasin.com
Newburyport Boat Basin
346R Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA
978-465-9110
ATTERS
PHOTO: H
PHOTO: NEWBURYPORT HARBOR,
SUSAN DEGORGE
13
Y
VID PETT
POINT, DA
PHOTO: NEWBURYPORT TOWN DOCKS,
PETER ZOLTAI
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