Best Bike Routes Along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway
June 22, 2026
The Essex Coastal Scenic Byway is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in New England — and it’s even better on two wheels! Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist looking for a scenic road loop or a casual rider seeking a flat, family-friendly path, the Byway’s 14 communities have something for everyone.
Clipper City Rail Trail (Newburyport)
Distance: 3.3 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Type: Paved off-road trail
The most beginner-friendly dedicated route on the Byway, and a great option for families. The Clipper City Rail Trail connects the MBTA Commuter Rail station to the Newburyport Harborwalk along the Merrimack River, with a newer extension running along the riverbank to Cashman Park. The trail is lined with public art and sculpture, making it as much a cultural experience as a physical one.
The trail can be extended by connecting to the Eastern Marsh Trail into Salisbury, adding several more miles of paved path through coastal marshland.
Don’t miss: The public art installations throughout the trail, the waterfront views at Cashman Park, and downtown Newburyport’s restaurants and shops.
Lynn Shore & Nahant Loop (Lynn, Swampscott & Nahant)
Distance: 5–8 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Type: Paved path atop seawall + road sections
The southern part of the Byway offers some of the most dramatic ocean views of the entire route. The Lynn Shore & Nahant Beach Reservation is a paved path that runs from Swampscott through Lynn to Nahant atop the seawall separating the road from the beach. The Nahant Heritage Trail extends the loop further around the Nahant peninsula.
This route is also the southern gateway to the Northern Strand Community Trail, a growing off-road path along the former Saugus Branch Railroad. With goals to eventually connect to Boston, it’s a key facet in the region’s emerging trail network.
Don’t miss: The seawall views of Lynn Harbor, Nahant Beach, and Lynn Heritage State Park.
Plum Island & Route 1A (Rowley to Newburyport)
Distance: 15–20 miles | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Type: On-road with dedicated bike lane on Plum Island Turnpike
One of the most scenic and accessible rides on the Byway! Route 1A from Rowley to Newbury is flat, has a decent shoulder, and delivers sweeping views of the Great Marsh along the way. Once in Newburyport, you can connect to the Clipper City Rail Trail and downtown waterfront, then head out via the Plum Island Turnpike to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for a ride through one of the most protected barrier beach ecosystems on the East Coast.
Don’t miss: The Great Marsh views along Route 1A, the Plum Island waterfront, and the wildlife refuge.
Cape Ann Loop (Gloucester & Rockport)
Distance: 10–20 miles | Difficulty: Intermediate | Type: On-road (limited dedicated bike lane)
Winding around the Cape Ann coastline, passing Good Harbor Beach, the granite shores near Pebble Beach, and the charming Annisquam Village neighborhood before arriving in downtown Rockport, the Cape Ann Loop lets bikers see the best of the North Shore’s coast.
Riders can choose from three loop options: the shortest (about 10 miles) from Routes 127A to 127 between Gloucester and Rockport, the loop up to Halibut Point State Park (about 14-miles), or the full Cape Ann peninsula (around 16 miles). Both Gloucester and Rockport are served by the MBTA Commuter Rail, making this a great car-free day trip from Boston.
Don’t miss: Bearskin Neck in Rockport, Folly Cove overlook, the Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial, and Stage Fort Park.
Ipswich Coastal Ride (Ipswich)
Distance: ~25 miles | Difficulty: Intermediate | Type: On-road, low-traffic rural roads
For riders who want scenery over speed, Ipswich Coastal Ride for you. A popular 25-mile loop begins at the Ipswich Riverwalk Mural, crosses the Ipswich River pedestrian bridge to the historic South Green, and winds through Great Neck, Little Neck, and the surrounding farm country. The roads are quiet and the combination of marsh views, colonial architecture, and open farmland makes this one of the most scenically diverse rides on the entire Byway.
Don’t miss: The Crane Estate and Castle Hill overlook (accessible from Argilla Road), Great Neck views of the Great Marsh, and the historic First Period houses along High Street.
The Border to Boston Trail
The Border to Boston Trail is a developing 28-mile shared-use trail linking eight communities from the New Hampshire border to the Boston area. Key segments are already open or under development. When complete, it will create a continuous off-road corridor along the Byway. See the developing route here.
Plan Your Byway Bike Adventure
Whether you’re hopping on the commuter rail with your bike to explore Cape Ann for the day or planning a multi-day self-supported tour of all 14 communities, the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway is a world-class cycling destination. Pick a route, pack a snack, and hit the road!
For more information and trip planning resources, visit coastalbyway.org.
Did all that biking work up your appetite? Check out our list of Seafood Restaurants Along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway!