Clipper City Rail Trail—the other half

Railroad remnant on Clipper City Rail Trail

The Clipper City Rail Trail (CCRT) connects the Newburyport MBTA station with the historic downtown of Newburyport and the harbor area. There is another CCRT half: its trailhead is located about 2000 ft east of the train station on Parker Street. From the CCRT trailhead arch at the MBTA station go east on Parker Street. After managing the Highway 1 traffic circle, continue east on Parker Street and find the CCRT trailhead on the left—just past the cemetery.

Railroad blocks next to Clipper City Rail Trail

Like the already highlighted first half, this CCRT section features nature, art and history alongside the paved trail. About one third of it is a greenbelt trail, the following third leads through neighborhoods and the final third is an open-air art gallery with paintings of local sceneries.

The following pictures showcase sites and art between you can find between Parker Street and Water Street, where the CCRT turns into the Newburyport Harborwalk trail.

Crab sculpture at High Street underpass

“Dog on bicycle” riding in a CCRT neighborhood garden

“Cat on bicycle” riding in a CCRT neighborhood garden

The art walk passage

“Swallows Over Plum Island” by Leah Grimaldi

“Men Clamming, Plum Island Basin” by Christine Bobek

“Yellow House, Water Street” by Cynthia Kowal

“Green Dory” by Marjet Lesk

“Bartlett Mall: A Hide and Seek Adventure” by Jason Harris

“Old South Church” by Susan Orfant

“Foggy Evening on the River” by Wenda Chelter

“Sunset at Joppa Flats” by Stephanie Noah

“Cross Farm Hill, Plum Island” by Skip Motes

“Boston & Maineat Water Street Crossing” by Alan Bull

“Dream” sculpture near CRRT/Water Street junction

Joggers on CCRT approaching Harborwalk trail

Note: All pictures were taken in mid-July, 2020.