Short bicycle tours of historic Ipswich and Newburyport MA

Ipswich and Newburyport, Massachusetts are historic communities in the Essex National Heritage Area, rich with history, their streets lined with first period (1625-1725) American architecture that will transport you to the 17th century on your way out to their scenic barrier islands, Plum Island and Crane Beach.

Ipswich MA

This ride starts at the commuter rail station in Ipswich. your first stop is downtown at the Ipswich Riverwalk Mural which portrays the fascinating history of the town. Continuing through the town's historic district, you'll pass by dozens of you'll-preserved "first period" homes, built soon after the town's founding in 1630. Then head out to Jeffrey's Neck, where after a moderate climb you'll be delighted by the panoramic view of salt marshes, Plum Island, and the open Atlantic. Sometimes you stop by the Cuvilly Earth and Arts Center, which promotes ecological sustainability and environmental education. Then the ride takes you out and back on beautiful Argilla Road to a view of Crane Beach and the Great Salt Marsh . After stopping at Russell Orchards for refreshments, the ride takes you to the former Chebacco section of Ipswich, which became Essex in the 1700's. A few miles along these pastoral l roads with horse farms, forests, and winding roads lined with old stone walls is a wonderful way to wrap up your tour of Ipswich, one of the best preserved of New England's colonial-era towns. Having ridden 25 miles, return to the commuter rail station in time for the 3:00 pm train to Boston.

Go to the Ipswich Ride Page for more details and an interactive map of the town's historic district.

Newburyport & Plum Island

Start at the commuter rail station parking lot C s south of Newburyport at 10:30 a.m. and head out on the new Clipper City Rail Trail which takes you to the wide Merrimack River that has helped sustain the economy of this popular small coastal city for almost four centuries. your ride crosses Newburyport's lively downtown and continues through the historic colonial-era neighborhood shared by Newburyport and adjoining Newbury. Soon you're on the bike path to Plum Island, and a brief stop at the Joppa Flats Audubon Center. You reach Plum Island after crossing the Great Salt Marsh and turn to ride for several miles through the Parker River National wildlife Refuge, where you'll see many species of waterfowl that thrive in the extensive salt marshes. Back in Newbury, you head south on the bicycle lane along scenic Rt. 1A, and stop at Tendercrop Farm for refreshment before winding your way along the marsh on Hay Street. your return takes you to High Street in Newburyport, riding past Federal-style mansions built by sea captains in the 1800's, reaching the commuter rail station after 25 miles in time for the 2:48 pm train back to Boston.

View details and more links to this beautiful town at the Newburyport Ride Page .