Munn Preserve
For a sparkling view of one of Buzzards Bay’s quietest coves, look no further than the Munn Preserve in Mattapoisett. Owned by the Mattapoisett Land Trust, the Munn Preserve’s leisurely wooded trail out to the shoreline of Brandt Island Cove is a delightful place for everyone to enjoy.
Features
With its straight, flat road out to the shining waters of Brandt Island Cove, the Munn Preserve offers a refreshing walk with a beautiful finish. Families love the Munn Preserve because it’s easy to navigate and fun to explore. This property is also a destination for local dog owners, who bring their furry friends to splash along the shore.
One of our favorite features at the Munn Preserve is “Whale Rock”: a giant waterfront rock that resembles a whale surfacing from the deep. Kids will have a blast climbing up the rock (with the help of an adult!). Or come here with an evening picnic and watch the sun set over the water.
Trails
The trail at the Munn Preserve is really an old unpaved road – it’s wide, flat, and easy to walk. And at less than half a mile each way, it’s accessible for families with small children or older adults who don’t want a strenuous hike. (Download trail map)
Starting from the trailhead at the end of Mattapoisett Neck Road, follow the old road through the woods until you reach the shores of Brandt Island Cove. The shoreline to the left is private, but you can walk a little ways down the sand to the right.
Habitats & Wildlife
The Munn Preserve protects a short stretch of shoreline along Brandt Island Cove, one of the healthiest waterways on Buzzards Bay’s western shore. Salt marshes line the cove’s edges, creating a serene environment where birds flock throughout the year.
Fishing and shellfishing are allowed at the Munn Preserve, as long as you have the proper town and state licenses. If you come with kids, we recommend you bring a net, bucket, fishing pole, or quahog rake down to the beach to see what critters you can find among the sand and shallow waters!