We'll be visiting the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and our first stop will be to walk the Hellcat Swamp Nature Trail. We'll then drive to the south end of the island for some seashore walking. There will be observation towers to climb with views of the entire island and surrounding coast! By the time we finish, we will have walked an easy 5 miles in the salty air and you may have a fine sunburn, too. Aftwerwards, we'll have a late lunch in Newburyport. 

 To reach this coastal sanctuary, drive east from US 1 in the center of Newburyport on Walter Street [farther along it is grandly called the Plum Island Turnpike]. In 3.3 miles you will cross the bridge over Plum Island River to Plum Island. In another 0.3 mile, follow the sign for the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and turn right along the road that skirts cottages on the left and salt marshes on the right. 

In 0.5 mile you will reach the sanctuary entrance. There is an entrance fee of $5. To increase your enjoyment of this hike, make sure you obtain a Hellcat Swamp Nature Trail Guide, available at the entrance station [it may also be available from a box at the start of the trail if the supply has been replenished]. 

Once through the entrance, drive south on the refuge road for 3.8 miles to Lot 4, the parking area for Hellcat Swamp Nature Trail. There are also rest rooms here. We'll be driving a blue Toyota FJ Cruiser.