Biking Massachusetts' Plum Island
Tour this Classic Atlantic Ocean Barrier Island in One Afternoon!
Jun 26, 2009
Here's a tip: head to Plum Island very early in the morning on a gorgeous summer day, or plan your trip for late fall to avoid the crowds and traffic snarls. Pack a picnic and head to the beach for lunch, or stop at the Plum Island Grille on the corner of Sunset Drive. Bring the whole family for a fun and educational day and to further the cause of "No Child Left Inside."
Plum Island is accessed by one road (Plum Island Turnpike) from Newburyport, 35 miles north of Boston. The island gets its moniker from the beach-plum bushes that produce an edible plum, good for jellies.
Most of the island is the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, a 4,600-plus acre sanctuary. The Sandy Point State Reservation (77 acres) lies at the southern-most tip. The northern portion of the island is a densely populated, but charming, town that is part of two mainland municipalities, Newbury and Newburyport.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Tidal Marshes and Ocean Beaches
The bike route includes the paved roads of the town plus the paved and unpaved roads of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (admission fee: $5/car, $2/walker or biker). The terrain is relatively flat and easy to navigate. Visitors can use the convenient parking lots as their base and bike in and out of the refuge (keep ticket stub to re-enter). The larger parking lots have restroom facilities. The refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset, although the beaches are closed in the spring during nesting time.
Mountain bikes do very well on this route, which consists of paved and gravel roads. Owners of bikes with narrow or thin tires may wish to avoid the rough gravel roads in the southern part of the island. From tip to tip, Plum Island is less than 10 miles. Bikers can start at the north near the mouth of the Merrimack River and the historic, petite Plum Island Lighthouse, then wend their way through the little town's streets, bike through the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, and head to the Sandy Point State Reservation, which offers great ocean views.
The east side of the Plum Island offers a vast stretch of oceanfront, most of which is public beach accessible from the Parker River Wildlife Refuge. There are many handy boardwalks that take visitors over the dunes and directly onto the beaches. Bikes are not allowed on the boardwalk, but bikers can simply lock their bikes to the boardwalk posts.
Prime Bird Watching Opportunities
The west side of Plum Island faces spectacular tidal marshes, where visitors can view and photograph a fascinating panoply of birds — hundreds of species, with migratory populations at their height in spring and fall. Some sightings may include:
- American woodcock
- piping plover
- gray catbird
- wood-warbler
- snowy egret
- blue-winged teal
- marsh wren
- great blue heron
- marsh hawk
- northern shoveler.
Several short nature trails exist, such as the North Pool Overlook or the Hellcat Wildlife Trail. Some lead to blinds for photographing, others lead eager visitors to observation towers or viewing platforms.
The Massachusetts Audubon Society's Joppa Flats Education Center is located on Plum Island Turnpike, a short distance before crossing to the island. Bird watching tours and other educational programs for adults and kids are available.
Camping at Salisbury Beach State Park
On the mainland north of Plum Island is Salisbury Beach State Park, a huge 484-site campground. The beach here extends for almost four miles along the Atlantic and is a favorite destination for campers, beachcombers, and bathers. It's only a 5-mile drive to Plum Island, and this campground offers off-season camping. too. Reservations are via ReserveAmerica (877-422-6762).
 |
 |
 |
 |
