Maudslay State Park – Clipper City Rail Trail loop from Newburyport
Maudslay State Park – Clipper City Rail Trail loop from Newburyport
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Maudslay State Park – Clipper City Rail Trail loop from Newburyport
02:13
35.9km
210m
Gravel riding
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Martin H. Burns Wildlife Management Area
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
4.19 km
Martin H. Burns Wildlife Management Area
Nature Reserve
7.22 km
Sawmill Woods
Forest
23.9 km
Mill Pond & Pipestave Hill Recreation Area
Nature Reserve
26.9 km
Curzon Mill / Emery House Lane
Highlight (Segment) • Bridge
Tip by
28.6 km
Maudslay State Park
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
33.9 km
Clipper City Rail Trail
Highlight • Trail
34.3 km
Clipper City Rail Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
A newer section follows the bank of the Merrimack River to Water Street …
Tip by
35.9 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
13.4 km
10.8 km
8.17 km
1.74 km
1.51 km
274 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
18.4 km
11.6 km
5.50 km
222 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Monday 13 July
29°C
17°C
35 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a gravel biking route that truly offers a change of scenery around Newburyport, the Maudslay State Park – Clipper City Rail Trail loop is an excellent choice. This moderate 22.3-mile (35.9 km) route, with 697 feet (212 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 2 hours and 12 minutes, making it a perfect option for a diverse and engaging ride that blends natural beauty with urban charm.
What to expect on Maudslay State Park – Clipper City Rail Trail loop from Newburyport
The journey on this loop is a delightful transition from the serene to the vibrant. You'll begin by exploring Maudslay State Park, a former 19th-century estate, where wide dirt paths and old carriage roads wind through historic gardens, rolling meadows, and towering pines. Keep an eye out for views of the Merrimack and Artichoke Rivers, and the remnants of old foundations and stone bridges. The terrain here is mostly packed rolling doubletrack, though some moderate climbs exist, especially around Castle Hill. As you transition to the Clipper City Rail Trail, the scenery shifts to a paved, multi-use path offering picturesque Merrimack River views, public art installations, and historical markers that tell the story of Newburyport. While generally accessible, some unpaved sections in Maudslay might require a good level of fitness, and the park can be busy with pedestrians, horses, and dogs.
Planning your visit
This route is well-suited for gravel bikes, given its mix of paved and unpaved surfaces. While specific parking details aren't provided, both Maudslay State Park and the Clipper City Rail Trail offer access points. Be aware that Maudslay State Park can get quite busy, especially on weekends, so an early start might be beneficial to enjoy the quieter moments on the trails. The varied terrain makes this a great ride for most of the year, though conditions will vary with the seasons.
Trail details
- Distance: 22.3 miles (35.9 km)
- Elevation gain: 697 feet (212 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 12 minutes
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