Towns in the Parker River Watershed:
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Boxford
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Georgetown
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Groveland
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Ipswich
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Newbury
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Newburyport
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North Andover
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Rowley
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West Newbury
Major Tributaries:
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Beaver Brook
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Egypt River
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Little River
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Mill River
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Penn Brook
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Rowley River
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Wheeler Brook
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Deputy Director for PolicyMass Rivers is currently seeking a Deputy Director of Policy. Please click here for a detailed job description and instructions for how to apply.
Parker River Activities
Swimming
Walk, Hike, Bike
Paddling
Boating & Sailing
Fishing
Swimming
Swimming locations in the watershed:
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Refuge Beach (Newbury) is located at Plum Island.
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Stage Island (Ipswich) is located at the southern tip of Plum Island.
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Sandy Point State Reservation (Ipswich). This 77-acre beach is located at the southern end of Plum Island.
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Sandy Point Public Parking: 37-39 Refuge Road in Ipswich
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Plum Island Beach (Newburyport) is an 11 mile long barrier Island off the shore of Newburyport and Newbury.
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The parking lot is able to accommodate 150 vehicles
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Enter the parking lot using the entrance adjacent to 278 Northern Blvd, Newburyport
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Do not enter through Reservation Terrace
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Vehicles found entering there are subject to fines and towing
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Parking lot fee for non-residents
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Weekday: $15
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Weekend: $20
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Parking lot fee for Newburyport resident w/ sticker (click here for sticker)
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Weekday: $10
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Weekend: $12
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Walk, Hike, Bike
Walking, hiking, and biking locations:
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North Pool Trail (Newbury) is a migratory bird refuge with observation towers and fishing opportunities, and public tours.
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Wheelchair accessible entrance.
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Bill Forward Photo Blind Trail (Newburyport) is a 0.05 mile gravel trail.
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Hellcat Wildlife Trail (Newburyport) is a loop trail that begins at trailhead parking (Rte 101).
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Marsh Loop Trail (Newburyport) is a 0.59 mile trail along a boardwalk.
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North Pool Trail (Newburyport) is a road/gravel trail that begins at Hellcat Wildlife Trail parking (Rte 101).
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Pines Trail (Rowley) is a 0.24 mile gravel loop trail.
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Wheelchair accessible.
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Stage Island Pool Overlook (Newburyport) is a paved trail that begins at Parking Lot 6 (Rte 910).
Paddling
Paddling locations:
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Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (Newburyport). This water trail consists of two segments: Orange Trail and Yellow Trail. Click here for more information.
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Access at 6 Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport
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Newbury Kayak and Canoe (Newbury). This rental place and boat ramp allows you to either rent a canoe/kayak or bring your own. Click here for more information.
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Launching is free, but parking is $10 per day.
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Boating & Sailing
Boating locations:
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Newbury Town Landing (Newbury). Click here for information.
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Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Boat Ramp (Plum Island). Click here for information.
Fishing
The Parker River is a favorite fishing place for trout.
Fishing locations in the watershed:
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Nelson Island (Rowley). Fishing here is permitted every Sunday as well as everyday from mid-February to September 1st.
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Click here for more information.
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Sandy Point State Reservation (Ipswich). Fishing is allowed at this 77 acres beach, located at the southern end of Plum Island.
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Sandy Point Public Parking: 37-39 Refuge Road in Ipswich
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