Merrimack River Walk to Cashman Park and tidal river/salt marsh outlook

Merrimack River boardwalk near the Clipper City Rail Trail

Arriving at the the Merrimack River (also written Merrimac River) by traveling the 1.1-mile-long Clipper City Rail Trail (CCRT) from Newburyport's MBTA station to the “G-Swirl overlook,” you may want to continue trailing around by either turning right to the Waterfront Promenade and Harbor Walk trail leading to the CCRT's other half by turning left toward Cashman Park.

Cashman Park with Merrimack River

The short waterfront trail to Cashman Park passes a Sportfishing Pier and various boat ramps. The trail continues to a round platform offering an overlook of parts of the tidal Merrimack River and salt marshes.

An informational panel on the platform lists the Bald Eagle, the Salt Marsh Sparrow, the Atlantic Sturgeon, the Shortnose Sturgeon and the Atlantic Bass as species that come here as visitors or for breeding. The tidal river section contains vital salt marsh ecosystems. The panel has the following details:

The Merrimack River also contains other dynamic natural habitats such as Black Oak and Scarlet Oak Woodlands, Brackish Tidal Marshes, Salt Marshes, and Seagrass communities. These tidal creeks, estuaries and salt marshes are highly productive natural resources that provide crititical habitat for many species of birds, fish, reptiles and mammals.

Merrickmack River and inner harbor overlook