Plum Island is an absolute gem located off the Northeastern corner of Massachusetts. This route runs the length of it north to south and back. Starting at the northern tip of the island, you’ll run through lovely residential beach neighborhoods along Northern Boulevard. You’ll turn right on the main drag - Plum Island Boulevard - to make your way over to the western side of the island, Turn left on Sunset Drive which will lead you to the entrance of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. (There is a $2 entry fee for runners and bikers.)
After passing the gate, Refuge Road will take you along miles of beautiful marshes frequented by bird watchers. (Cars do drive along the road slowly so it’s best to be aware of the cars and wear bright clothing.) The road will change from paved to a mix of dirt and gravel before reaching the turn around at Sandy Point State Reservation on the southern tip of Plum Island (go at least to parking lot). After reaching Sandy Point, you simply turn around and retrace your route to the start at the northern end.
Info for Parker River NWR can be found here:
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/parker-river
Info for Sandy Point can be found here:
https://www.mass.gov/locations/sandy-point-state-reservation
Comments
I’m hoping to get out this weekend to set a supported time with my family riding their bikes along with me. 😊
I apologize for the typo in the description above, when you start out and are heading south on Northern Blvd, you will then take a *right* turn on Plum Island Turnpike not a left. It’s pretty obvious because left would take you to the beach but I don’t want to lead anyone astray!
Today, Saturday November 9 2024, my Mom and I ran this route in 3 hours, 20 minutes as an unsupported team effort. We are very excited to potentially hold an fkt here and to honor Jenny Houlahan's effort by doing it as a family!Â
https://strava.app.link/YY7LePvfoOb
Hi! We’re attempting this route this morning. Hopefully we will have the results submitted this afternoon.
-Kerri & JasonÂ
Planning to give this route a go tomorrow morning, November 30th. Myself and two friends.Â
Make sure you bring your $2 for the toll booth attendant. The toll is open year-round, and they will not let you thru without paying. We found out the hard way. :)
Will definitely head back soon to try again.
Hi Jimmy,Â
The toll booth was closed the morning we went, both gates were open. There were a lot of bird watchers, no one collecting money though.Â
Best of luck on your attempt!Â
-KerriÂ
FYI, I completed the route today and did not need to pay at the toll both to enter. I ended up carrying $2 in quarters the whole way :)
My boyfriend and I did this route self-supported a couple of days ago, but unfortunately we turned around slightly early after touching the Sandy Point State Reservation sign instead of going all the way to the end of the parking lot, which is why it says Flagged. This was a totally unintentional error on my part and hopefully one or both of us will get out there again to hit the full 17.5 miles!