Export to Trail Guide
Create Guidebook 
Download GPX 
Print Friendly MapThe Garrison Trail is a two-lane, paved, hike-and-bike path that runs alongside I-95. The trail stretches 1.8 miles between State Route 113 in Newburyport and State Route 110 at the Amesbury-Salisbury border. The trail gets its name from William Lloyd Garrison, the famous 19th Century journalist and abolitionist who was born in Newburyport. The route takes users over the Merrimack River using the Whittier Bridge, which borrows its name from Garrison's fellow abolitionist, John Greenleaf Whittier. The Garrison Trail is part of the Coastal Trails network which connects the communities of Amesbury, Newbury, Newburyport and Salisbury. At the trail's north end, it meets the stone-dust Ghost Trail in Salisbury.
Users can access this trail at the following points (from north to south):
The trail itself is excellent. A great place for a leisurely walk, bike or skate between Newburyport and Amesbury with options to continue/connect to the rail trail for a longer trek. But while the trail is awesome, I don’t understand why people feel entitled to let their dogs roam off leash along the trail? This makes it not only uncomfortable for those walking, but dangerous for those biking or skating that don’t want to be chased by a dog, friendly or not, that can be the cause of an accident. It’s really not the dogs fault… it’s the owners ignorance and disrespect for anyone that shouldn’t have to alter what they are doing in order to be deal with your dog. If you want to walk your dog off leash, there are numerous other places nearby that can accommodate you.
We did the first two miles from Park n Ride in Newburyport up until the intersection in Salisbury before returning back for the two mile trek back. Crossing over the Merrimack River 95 Bridge was beautiful. Recommend for all bikers but especially first time riders as it’s a smooth ride.
Leisurely bicyclist’s review: I’d give it 5 stars, but it’s a bit loud as you are parallel with I-95 on the Whittier Bridge. As the state’s first trail on/adjacent to the highway and the beautiful Bridge, it’s just very cool engineering. The view of the Merrimack River from the trail/bridge is a singular, beautiful experience. A fun trail for an out and back, or a great part of an Amesbury-Salisbury-Newburyport loop. Suitable for all ages and abilities.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!
