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Clipper City Rail Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 11 Google reviews · Running trail in Newburyport, Massachusetts · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Clipper City Rail Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Clipper City Rail Trail
“A Local's Review: The Newburyport Rail Trail - A Serene Escape As a resident of Newburyport, I'm fortunate to have access to the Newburyport Rail Trail, and it truly is a gem.”
It was a nice, clean and paved trail. I’d say it’s kid-friendly. It’s almost completely flat so my son had an easy time biking. There are sculptures, informative signs, plenty of benches and a lovely garden along the way. It’s a short bike ride but if you’re looking for a quiet run or something I think it’s lovely.
A Local's Review: The Newburyport Rail Trail - A Serene Escape As a resident of Newburyport, I'm fortunate to have access to the Newburyport Rail Trail, and it truly is a gem.
This is the best rail trail I have ever walked and brought my kids too. Google Maps has the wrong location. The location Google Maps has is actually on the trail itself which has no vehicle access to it. The trail is actually in two parts.
Very nice rail trail with informative signs, an easy ride, beautiful views of old Newburyport, and direct access to the current MBTA station.
Trail conditions & character
“The trail itself is a wonderfully maintained paved path, perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling.”
“The best parking I have seen is near the downtown Newburyport access.”
“A Local's Review: The Newburyport Rail Trail - A Serene Escape As a resident of Newburyport, I'm fortunate to have access to the Newburyport Rail Trail, and it truly is a gem.”
Plan your run at Clipper City Rail Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitetrailspotting.com
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Newburyport
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Cushing Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 38 reviews
Waterfront Promenade Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 673 reviews
Riverfront and harborfront park known for its boardwalk and green spaces.
Newburyport Harborwalk Rail Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 42 reviews
Park with walking and biking paths, plus a commuter train parking lot, and access to downtown.
Cashman Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 582 reviews
Riverfront park featuring a nautical-themed playground & a boat launch, plus sports fields & courts.
