Joppa Park

Joppa Park provides public access to the Merrimack River in Newburyport, one of five historic access points in the area. The boat ramp is located at Joppa Flats, on the lower Merrimack River segment. Free parking is available above the ramp gates, with approximately 5 non-sticker parking spots. This access point is particularly significant for paddlers looking to explore the lower Merrimack, which has been reduced from its historical width but still offers boating opportunities in the scenic Essex County region.

The surrounding area offers excellent recreational opportunities for paddlers and naturalists alike. Just south of the launch, the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 4,700 acres of diverse habitats including salt marshes, sandy beaches, and upland areas—ideal for wildlife viewing while paddling. The site is also within the Essex National Heritage Area, a 500-square-mile region stretching from just north of Boston to the New Hampshire border. For those interested in longer paddling adventures, the upper Merrimack River Wild and Scenic Segment in New Hampshire features extended wild sections suitable for canoe and kayak trips.