The Right-Hear Audio Beacon System helps people who are blind or visually impaired explore the Clipper City Rail Trail in Newburyport safely and independently.
🔹 What Are Right-Hear Beacons?
Right-Hear beacons are small Bluetooth devices placed along the 1.6-mile Clipper City Rail Trail. They send location-based audio messages to your smartphone using the Right-Hear app.
Each beacon tells you exactly where you are and what’s around you — such as turns, crosswalks, benches, art displays, or trail connections.
🔹 What You’ll Need
A smartphone (iPhone or Android).
The Right-Hear app, which is free to download from the App Store or Google Play.
Bluetooth turned on — this allows the app to connect to the nearby beacons automatically.
Headphones or earbuds (recommended for the best experience).
🔹 How to Get Started
Open the Right-Hear app before you arrive at the trail
Make sure Bluetooth and Location Services are both turned on.
As you walk, the app will automatically detect nearby beacons and play audio guidance.
You’ll hear directions like “You are approaching the start of the Clipper City Rail Trail” or “The trail continues straight ahead for 500 feet.”
You can adjust the language in the app settings — Right-Hear supports 36 different languages.
🔹 What the Beacons Tell You
Each of the 17 beacons gives helpful, location-specific information, such as:
Where you are on the trail, which direction to walk or turn, crossings
When you are near the end of the trail or at the waterfront
You can replay or repeat any message at any time in the app.
🔹 Tips for the Best Experience
Keep your phone unlocked and your screen facing flat while walking.
to maintain the compass directions.
If you use a guide dog or cane, you can follow your usual travel techniques while listening to the app. The beacons work in all weather, day or night.
The Right-Hear Beacons on the Clipper City Rail Trail give everyone the freedom to explore Newburyport’s scenic waterfront independently — with audio guidance, 36 language options, and safety built in every step of the way.
The trail is open — come walk, listen, and enjoy the journey!
