Garrison Trail (On I-95 Bridge)

AMESBURY, NEWBURYPORT, SALISBURY
1.9 miles, paved
Connects to Ghost Trail and Gloria Braunhardt Bike Path

  • BRYAN EATON/Staff photo. Views of Deer Island and the Merrimack River looking east from the Garrison Shared Use Path over the Whittier Bridge.

DESCRIPTION

The 1.9 mile paved Garrison Trail is the first multi-use trail on an Interstate Highway bridge in Massachusetts. It connects the communities of Amesbury, Newburyport and Salisbury via the Whittier Bridge over the Merrimack River.

It offers scenic Merrimack River overlooks with interpretive signs featuring local history and nature. The trail ramp at Ferry Road provides easy access to Maudslay State Park and its miles of scenic walking paths. 

Sites and features along with way include:

  • Maudslay State Park
  • Moseley Woods Park
  • Lowell’s Boat Shop and Museum

The trail is maintained by the cities of Amesbury and Newburyport.

CONNECTIONS


Garrison Trail to Ghost Trail: The northern end of the trail connects to the Ghost Trail at the Rabbit Road crossing in Salisbury.

Garrison Trail to Gloria Braunhardt Bike Path: The southern end of the trail ends at the Newburyport Route 113 Park & Ride. Take a left out of the Newburryporrt Park & Ride 3 and ride a short distance to the entrance of the Little River Trail system on the right.

ACCESS

The Garrison Trail can be accessed from the Newburyport Park and Ride, Ferry Road in Newburyport, Main St and Old Merrill Road in Amesbury and Rabbit Road in Salisbury.

PARKING

PARKING

Newburyport Park and Ride: 159 Storey Ave, Neewbuyrport (42.821180, -70.915158)
From I-95 take the Route 113 East exit, then turn left into the Park & Ride. Follow the road to the northern end of the parking lot for the best parking.

Amesbury Visitor Center: Main Street, Amesbury (42.837012, -70.908373)
The Amesbury Visitor Center is located at the intersection of Main St and Merrill St in Amesbury.

Old Merrill Road Parking Lot: Old Merrill Road, Amesbury (42.843752, -70.901706)
From Route 110 in Salisbury turn south onto Merrill St, then right onto Old Merrill Road, The parking loti is at the end of the street.

Rabbit Road: Rabbit Rd, Salisbury (42.846484, -70.898870)
From Route 110 in Salisbury turn onto Rabbit Road. Just past Old Elm St turn right into trail parking lot.