An out-and-back ride to Plum Island with options along the way

Plum Island, the glorified sandbar that it is – technically a barrier island – stretches from Newburyport through Newbury and Rowley to Ipswich, but there’s only one road that gets you onto the island following a picturesque route. We’ll start our ride at the small park in the center of Newbury where you’ll find parking on the street easy, and it’s free. Unload your bikes, strap on your helmet and saddle up for route that will take you through marsh lands with water views. You’ll also find an optional island side trip towards the north end of Plum Island.

You’ll ride out the Plum Island Turnpike (a two-laner with a decent shoulder for the most part) past the Plum Island Airport and over the bridge to the Island.

The real treat

You’ll be visiting Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll find a tranquil Refuge Road where you can slow down to spot birds and breathe in the salt air. Be aware that the Refuge charges a reasonable $2 per bike admission at the gate, or a National Park pass will gain entrance as well.

You’ll ride south on a wide paved road through marshland, which transitions to scrub pine and sand dunes. In 3.8 miles you’ll enter the Hellcat parking lot. Lock up your bikes and walk out the path to the west to enjoy sweeping views of the Parker River/Essex Bay from an observation tower, or walk along the seaside path and see if you can spot some of the many seabirds who call the area home.

Return to the parking lot and optionally pick up the Hellcat Interpretive Trail. It’s a newly constructed boardwalk which meanders through the scrub pine woods on both the west and east side of Refuge Road. To the east if brings you out to a dune-top observation platform overlooking the open ocean.

After enjoying Hellcat area, retrace your route north out of the Reserve. Retrace the route or optionally ride north on one or both of the residential roads to the north end of the island. See the More to Explore box for other ideas for side trips to enhance your ride.

Pro Tip

This ride covers some open stretches, so keep an eye on the weather forecast as wind can be a factor in either direction. The area can be plagued with the dreaded Greenhead fly during the last two weeks of July and the first week of August. When riding, the wind pretty much prevents being pestered but as soon as you stop, beware! There are those who swear that Avon’s Skin So Soft effectively repels these flying beasts.