DISCOVER THE MIGHTY MERRIMACK

A COMPLETE GUIDE TO EXPLORING THE MERRIMACK RIVER

AMESBURY • GROVELAND • HAVERHILL • METHUEN

NEWBURY • NEWBURYPORT • SALISBURY • W. NEWURY

15 Riverfront Parks and Trails line the banks of the Merrimack River.

PARKS AND TRAILS

Boaters will find launches, docks, and full service marinas.

BOATING

Fishing the Merrimack – take your own boat or board a charter!

FISHING

Hundreds of species of birds can be seen on the Merrimack.

BIRDING

You can jet-ski, kayak, canoe, and boat along the river to the ocean.

WATER SPORTS

Explore the beaches that await at the mouth of the Merrimack River.

BEACHES

discover THE MIGHTY MERRIMACK

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ON THE WATER TOURSBEACHES

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.

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 RESERVATIONSalisbury 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.

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.

9th Wave 54R Merrimac Street Newburyport, MA866-984-9283www.9thwave.net

Captain’s Fishing Parties10, 82nd StreetNewburyport, MA 1-800-427-1333www.CaptainsFishing.com

Harbor ToursWaterfront Promenade Park Newburyport MA603-682-2293 www.harbortours.com/

Newburyport Whale Watch54 Merrimac StNewburyport, MA 978-499-0832 www.newburyportwhalewatch.com

Methuen Clean River Project Norm’s Whitehorse Restaurant510 Lowell St.Methuen, MA 978-973-7255 www.cleanriverproject.org

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PHOTO: GARY MILES

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PHOTO: TRISH MCGREGOR

HIGHLIGHTSRIVERFRONT PARKS AND TRAILS

Alliance ParkLower Main StreetAmesbury, MA

Deer Island Amesbury, MA

Pines Recreation Area 222 Main Street Groveland, MA

Bradford Rail Trail29 Middlesex StreetHaverhill, MA

First Landing Park197 Water Street Haverhill, MA

River Front Park77 Washington StreetHaverhill, MA

River Rest Park 130 Water StreetHaverhill, MA

Cashman Park Pop Crowley WayNewburyport, MA

Clipper City Rail TrailPop Crowley Way or 25 Boston Way (MBTA station)Newburyport, MAwww.coastaltrails.org

Hale Park Water Street between Marlboro & Harrison StreetNewburyport, MA

George Washington Landing Park30 Ferry StreetHaverhill, MA

Merrimack River Trail- Buttonwoods Section236 Water StreetHaverhill, MA

Merrimack River Trail - Hannah Dustin Rest Area1313 River StreetHaverhill, MA

Riverside Park & Merrimack River Trail161-163 Lincoln AvenueHaverhill, MA

Joppa Park Water StreetNewburyport, MA

Maudslay State ParkCurzon Mill RoadNewburyport, MA

Moseley Woods 14 Spofford Street Newburyport, MA 01950www.moseleywoods.com/

Waterfront and Waterfront Promenade Park 38R Merrimac StreetNewburyport, MA

Old Eastern Marsh TrailFriedenfels RoadSalisbury, MA www.coastaltrails.org

The Clipper City Rail Trail in Newburyport is a 1.1 mile multi-use 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.

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PHOTO: DAVID PETTYPHOTO: SALISBURY CHAMBER

PHOTO: DAVID PETTY

The River Cities of the mighty Merrimack

are a wonder of natural beauty, history,

beaches, festivals, and trails and parks.

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

DISCOVER THE MIGHTY MERRIMACK

SALISBURYBEACH

PLUMISLAND

PHOTO: DAVID PETTY

PHOTO: DAVID PETTY

PHOTO: DAVID PETTY

AMESBURY

FISHINGKAYAKING

The Lowell Boat Shop and Museum is in its 220th year of operation. It continues to build dories and skiffs in the time-honored tradition of seven generations of the Lowell family.

Lowell Boat Shop 459 Main Street • Amesbury, MA

978-834-0050 www.lowellboatshop.com

HISTORIC LOWELL BOAT SHOP

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.

Erica Lee II55 Hay Street Newbury, MA978-462-8859www.ericaleeii.com

Captain’s Fishing Parties10, 82nd Street Newburyport, MA 800-427-1333www.captainsfishing.com

Harpoonist Fishing Charters364 Merrimac Street Newburyport, MA 603-508-0486www.harpoonist.com

Incognito Sport Fishing1 Sally Snyder Way Newburyport, MA978-478-8469www.incognitosportfishing.com

Mistie C ChartersCashman Park Newburyport, MA 978-420-2112www.mistieccharters.com

Obsessed ChartersPlum Island Point10 82nd Street Newburyport, MA978-510-1081www.obsessedcharters.com

Rocky Point Fishing Charters346R Merrimac Street Newburyport, MA978-360-4246www.fishnewburyport.com

Schools Out Fishing 54 Merrimac Street #2Newburyport, MA 978-815-6404www.schoolsoutfishing.com

Clipper FleetBridge Marina Salisbury, MA 978-465-7495www.clipperfleet.com

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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.

Joppa Flats and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport provide thousands of acres of kayaking heaven.

Newbury Kayak and Canoe291 High Street (Rt. 1A)Newbury, MA 01951978-465-0312www.newburykayak.com

Newburyport Kayak 92 Merrimac Street Newburyport, MA 978-462-5510www.plumbislandkayak.com

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PHOTO: MISTIE C CHARTER

PHOTO: CARRIE TAYLOR,PLUM ISLAND KAYAK

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FESTIVALSBIRDING

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! www.facebook.com/RiverRuckus

YANKEE HOMECOMINGNewburyport’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. www.yankeehomecoming.com

RIVERFRONT MUSIC FESTIVALSponsored 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! www.theriverboston.com

MERRIMACK RIVER EAGLE FESTIVALThe 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.www.newburyportchamber.org

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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 Refuge6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA978-465-5753 www.fws.gov/refuge/Parker_River/

Massachusetts Audubon Society– Joppa Flats1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA978-462-9998www.massaudubon.org

PHOTO: TEAM HAVERHILL

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.

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Amesbury Town Ramp 14 Merrimac Street Amesbury, MA (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 Haverhill, MA$10 fee.

Newbury Town RampNewbury Turnpike Route 1, Newbury, MA (public launch, parking for Newbury residents only)

Cashman ParkSally Snyder Way Newburyport, MAMassachusetts State-run launch facility. Parking, pumpout and restrooms. $10 fee.

Salisbury Beach ReservationBeach Rd. Rte. 1A Salisbury, MAwww.salisbury-beach.org

Hatters Point Marina 60 Merrimac Street Amesbury, MA 978-388-7333 www.hattersmarina.com

Larry’s Marina 14 Merrimac Street Amesbury, MA978-388-5111 www.larrysmarina.com

Abbott’s Marine Services, Inc. 269 E. Broadway Haverhill, MA 978-373-5360

Kazmiera Marina, Inc. 72 Coffin Avenue Haverhill, MA978-374-2100

Riverfront Marina 292 High Road Newbury, MA 978-465-6090www.riverfrontmarine.com

Lowell’s Boat Shop459 Main Street Amesbury, MA 978-834-0050www.lowellsboatshop.com

Mackenzie’s Landing Marina 14 Pleasant Valley Road Amesbury, MA 978-388-0902 www.amesburymarina.com

Kazmiera Marina, Inc. 72 Coffin AvenueHaverhill, MA 01830978-374-2100

Riverfront Marina 292 High RoadNewbury, MA 978-465-6090www.riverfrontmarine.com

Merri-Mar Yacht Basin 364 Merrimac StreetNewburyport, MA 978- 465-3022www.merri-maryachtbasin.com

Newburyport Harbor Marina51 Water StreetNewburyport, MA 01950978-462-3990www.newburyportmarinas.com

Hilton’s Marina54 Merrimac StreetNewburyport, MA 01950978-462-3990

Windward Yacht Yard 58 Merrimac StreetNewburyport, MA 01950978-462-6500

Newburyport Boat Basin346R Merrimac StreetNewburyport, MA 01950978-465-9110

Riverfront Marina 292 High Road Rt. 1ANewbury, MA 01951978-465-6090www.riverfrontmarine.com

Yankee Landing Marina 386 Merrimac StreetNewburyport, MA 01950978-463-0805www.yankeelandingmarina.com

Bridge Marina 179 Bridge RoadSalisbury, MA 01952978-462-2274www.bridgemarinama.com

Cove Marina 8 Friedenfels StreetSalisbury, MA 01952978-462-4998www.covemarina.net

Ring’s Island Marina 16 1st StreetSalisbury, MA 01952978-465-0307www.ringsislandmarina.com

BOAT LAUNCH AND DOCKS

KAYAK & CAR TOP BOAT LAUNCH

Riverside Park163 Lincoln AveHaverhill, MA

Water StreetJust west of Joppa flats Newburyport, MA

Plum Island Point20 Point RoadNewburyport, MA

Salisbury Town Launch/DockFirst & Second StreetRings IslandSalisbury, MA

Ferry LandingFerry LaneWest Newbury, MA

Plum Island Bridge Newburyport, MA

PUBLIC DOCKS:

William “Red” Slavitt Docks100 Washington StreetHaverhill, MA

Newburyport City Docks 38R Merrimac StreetNewburyport, MA

Rings Island Salisbury Town Launch/DockFirst & Second StreetSalisbury, MA

MARINAS AND BOAT YARDS

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PHOTO: DAVID PETTY

The Amesbury Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Foundation www.amesburychamber.com

978- 388-3178

The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce978-373-5663

www.haverhillchamber.com

The Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and Industry

978-462-6680www.newburyportchamber.org

North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau

978-465-6555www.northofboston.org/

The Salisbury Chamber of Commerce978- 465-3581

www.salisburychamber.com

For More Information Visit www.TheRiverCities.com or

www.northofboston.org/TheRiverCities