Brandt Island Cove District
Discover spectacular coastal scenery among the protected woods and wetlands at Brandt Island Cove District. With a welcoming forested trail that leads to the shores of Brandt Island Cove, this Mattapoisett Land Trust property offers one of the best salt marsh views on the western side of Buzzards Bay.
Features
With its wooded trail that skirts the edge of a sprawling salt marsh, Brandt Island Cove District is a delight for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to explore.
Tucked behind a suburban neighborhood off Mattapoisett Neck Road, Brandt Island Cove District invites you to explore woods, waters, and wetlands that are otherwise hidden from sight. Just beyond the neat trailheads, you’ll find a stunning salt marsh view along quiet Brandt Island Cove.
For birders, Brandt Island Cove District’s bird observation platform is a destination to seek out ducks, ospreys, and songbirds. And with an interesting nature trail that takes about an hour to complete, it’s also a fantastic spot to introduce young children to hiking in the outdoors.
Trails
Brandt Island Cove District’s out-and-back trail snakes through the forest toward the water, offering peeks of the salt marsh at every turn. The whole trail is approximately 1.5 miles round-trip; for a shorter walk, begin at the trailhead on Anchorage Way. (Download trail map)
As you walk in the woods, keep an eye out for curiosities like old stone walls and twisted tree branches reaching out over the trail. About halfway down the trail, stop to climb up the bird observation stand, where you can peer across the salt marsh to look for wildlife in the distance.
Although the trail is relatively short, it has a few dips, stones, and curves to navigate. We recommend you don a pair of sturdy waterproof shoes for this adventure!
Habitats & Wildlife
The coastal salt marshes that fringe the shores of Brandt Island Cove are a rich habitat full of life. From fiddler crabs crawling over the mud to ospreys soaring overhead, you can search for wildlife high and low at Brandt Island Cove District. People have even spotted bald eagles here, so keep your eyes peeled for surprises!
The Mattapoisett Land Trust is a nonprofit organization that works to preserve land to enrich the quality of life for Mattapoisett residents and visitors. Founded in 1974, the land trust holds properties totaling more than 650 acres.
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