The Bay Circuit was first proposed in 1929 as a 200 mile long chain of public open space stretching from Newbury to Kingston. Over the years, many goals of the original plan have been realized and the Bay Circuit Trail (BCT) serves to connect the many "jewels" along this greenway.

In Newbury, the trail passes through the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm(SPNEA) and Old Town Hill Reservation(TTOR) and joins the Merrimack River And the Parker. Much of the trail is on roads, many of which travel through historic areas or through the picturesque salt marshes that make up much of the town's landscape.

The northern terminus of the BCT is at the Atlantic Ocean at Plum Island Beach. The trail runs in common with the Merrimack River Trail(MRT) west along the Plum Island Turnpike to the Joppa Flats Education Center and Wildlife Sancuary(Mass. Audubon). The MRT continues along the Merrimack River to Maudslay State Park, New Hampshire and ultimately Canada.

To the south, the trail enters Rowley and goes on to Prospect Hill(DEM), Willowdale State Forest and Bradley Palmer State Park(DEM) in Ipswich, and continues west around Boston to Duxbury Bay.

Parking along the route is available on Plum Island in both public and commercial lots, at the Audubon Center, at the entrance to Old Town Hill, along the Lower Green, and at the beginning of the Rowley section of the BCT, adjacent to the Rowley recycling center on Redgate Rd.

The trail is marked with white blazes and BCT badges at major turns, consistant with marking along the entire Bay Circuit route.

In the fall of 1999, a new section of trail was added connecting Boston Rd. and Hay St. This is a delightful off-road section which crosses several wetlands on boardwalks which were constructed with the aid of TTOR, FOOT, an NRTA grant, and the help of many generous volunteers. The trail skirts the saltmarsh and passes by some interesting rock formations. One still can view Quill's Pond but through the woods instead of from Hay St.

The newest addition to the trail is a short section completed in the fall of 2001, which adds a 1/4 mile of off-road trail on the western flank of Old Town Hill.

0.0 A 

Turn your back to the ocean and walk with caution down the Plum Island Turnpike. From the drawbridge one can survey the Merrimack River from the Atlantic to Newburyport and Plum Island Sound all the way to Crane’s Beach in Ipswich. After passing the historic PI airport, proceed to Audubon’s Joppa Flats Center on the north side of the road. The future entrance to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Welcoming Center is on the south side of the turnpike immediately west of the BCT.

2.1 B 

Eliza Little Trail(SPNEA) - After crossing the highway with caution, proceed south on the marked trail, skirting the airport grass runway, through the fields of the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm to the homestead. Looking back to the north from the farmhouse, you will enjoy a sweeping view of the Merrimack and the Atlantic beyond.

2.6

This handsome stone and brick house dates back to the 1675-1700 period and is owned and operated by the Society For The Preservation of New England Antiquities(SPNEA).  Tours are available of this historic property.  The 230 acre grounds are part of a working farm - so users are asked to stay on the designated trail.

2.9

Proceed down tree-lined Little's Lane taking a left at High Road (Route IA). Notice the fine homes and farms on High Road, always a busy thoroughfare since colonial times.  Glimpses of Plum Island and the barrier dunes can be seen between the houses on the left.  A rewarding stop is Tendercrop Farm to admire the local produce, dried flowers, and a buffalo that may be fed. Drinks and snacks sold.

3.5 C 

Take a right onto Hay Street just beyond Tendercrop Farm.

4.0

Right onto Green St. for one short block, then left at Boston Rd. At a green gate on the left enter a new part of Old Town Hill Reservation (TTOR). Take a left off the cart road onto a blazed footpath over three boardwalks with saltmarsh views through the trees. At the next cart road go left to Hay St. and right on Hay.

5.3

After crossing the Little River (one of the main tributaries of the Parker River) turn left onto Newman Road where one realizes the vastness of the Newbury salt marshes, a photogenic spot that gives pleasure in all seasons and provides fishing, swimming and canoeing activities as the river meanders through the marsh.

5.8

Old Town Hill Reservation(TTOR) - As you start up the hill, enter a footpath on the left opposite a green gate (alternate: continue on Newman Road to the Lower Green). Left at cart path and follow the wooded trail to the top of Old Town Hill, 100 feet above sea level, with a panoramic view of the salt marshes, Plum Island, and Newburyport. Here vistas extend to the Isles of Shoals and Mt. Agamenticus in Maine to Cape Ann.  Continue down the steep trail, passing through the turnstile and return to Newman Road. There are a number of other walking trails on this 497 acre property owned by The Trustees of Reservations.

6.7 D

Follow Newman Rd. east to the Newbury Lower Green.  Take the next right (dirt road) skirting Route IA and the Green.  The lovely 1728 Seddon House is on your right.  Now privately owned, it was once a tavern for travelers.  On the left is the old one-room schoolhouse.  Turn right on Route IA and proceed south.  Just before crossing the Parker River note the Ferry House built in 1725.  The Parker River provides access to the ocean and is considered one of New England's cleanest rivers for boating, swimming and shell fishing.

6.9

Just south of the bridge, using all caution, cross Route 1A and proceed left on Newbury Neck Rd., bearing right at the top of the hill.

7.7 E

After crossing Route 1A with extreme care once again, Continue south on Old Rowley Road, to the Rowley town line.

8.5

The Rowley section of the Bay Circuit Trail begins at Redgate Rd. continuing on Old Rowley Rd. to Rt. 1A and points south.

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   Use care and respect the lands you walk across. Leave nothing but footprints.Exercise caution when crossing roads.

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   Hunting and bicycles not allowed at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm.

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   Dogs may be allowed along much of the route but are not recommended.

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   In the warmer months of the year, expect to encounter insects. Mosquitoes, greenheads, and midgies can be a nuisance. Ticks pose a more serious risk and are especially prevalent in the Boston-Hay St. section.

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   Kent’s Island, William Forward WMA, MA Fisheries and Wildlife -  Hay St. -  saltmarsh and upland once the estate of noted author, John Marquand.

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   Great Meadow Farm, Town of Newbury - Orchard St. - walk through a beautiful meadow to the banks of the Parker River.

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   Martin Burns WMA, MA F & W -  Orchard St. - can also be accessed from the old RR bed and power line off Highfield Road, paralleling the old Downfall Road.

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   Crane Pond WMA, MA F & W - off Forest St. in Byfield - The pond is part of the Parker River - trails lead to Georgetown and Groveland.

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   Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, USFWS - Plum Island - Ocean beach and excellent birding.

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   Newbury Beach – 1.4 miles of ocean beach is available for walking , swimming, etc. with connections to Newburyport and Refuge beaches. Open when wildlife closures are in effect at the Refuge.