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Print Friendly MapThe Gillis Memorial Bridge Connector (also known as the Salisbury Rail Trail Connector,) is a 0.6-mile link between two rail-trails: Salisbury's Old Eastern Marsh Trail and Newburyport's Clipper City Rail Trail.
The paved 10-foot-wide trail goes under the Gillis Bridge (US Route 1) on the north bank of the Merrimack River, providing panoramic views of the harbor, marinas, and the Newburyport riverfront. A brick-paved promenade, benches, a picnic table, and a Scenes of Salisbury gallery of seven 4-by-7-foot paintings attached to the bridge abutment create a riverside oasis next to the trail.
A parking area is available on Friedenfels Road off US Route 1 in Salisbury.
Now that I've ridden this connector trail, I believe the description is a bit misleading. This trail connects directly with the Old Eastern Marsh Trail, runs under the north end of the Route 1 bridge from one side to the other, and connects to a sidewalk that enables one to then cross the drawbridge. This sidewalk is not suitable for cycling. Once across to the south side, the sidewalk there meets the Harbor Walk and Clipper City trails. This trail enables one to cross under Route 1 avoiding the actual Route 1 traffic - enjoying the art and river view on the way.
The description of this trail is apt. It is a really good connector between the Clipper City and Marsh trails and the art makes for an excellent touch. Great views of the Harbor. You should be aware that the sidewalk over the bridge to get to this point is just that -- a sidewalk. It is is fine shape but it is not very wide and is not separated from traffic except by the curb. There is a sign that says to walk your bike over the bridge although most I observed were riding. I went over it with my toddler in a bike trailer and it was fine but I probably would not feel too comfortable taking children over it on their own bikes or feet.
As we crossed the river from Newburyport and continued on the connector to the Marsh Trail, I was delighted to find the art work hanging under the bridge. What a classy way to enter Salisbury.
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