Nestles Lane Conservation Area

Acushnet

This wooded conservation area on Nestles Lane in Acushnet offers local residents a lovely walk along mossy stone walls.

Neighbors can enjoy a walk through the woods at this town-owned property hidden among the trees.

Features

Located in a quiet residential neighborhood in Acushnet, Nestles Lane Conservation Area is a convenient place for locals to take a short hike through the woods. The large pine trees here are a stand-out feature, as are the moss-covered stone walls that run throughout this property. 

Trails

You can reach the trails at Nestles Lane Conservation Area from both the northern and southern sides of Nestles Lane. We recommend the southern approach: From Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford’s far North End, turn onto Sharon Street, which becomes Nestles Lane, and drive a short distance to the end of the road. As you step into the fragrant pine woods, you’ll find yourself on a flat path. This trail, which connects the two halves of Nestles Lane, takes about 30 minutes to explore. Another trail branches off to the east through a somewhat hilly stretch of forest. The small streams that run through the woods here feed the New Bedford Reservoir and the Acushnet River.

Habitats & Wildlife

The pine forest habitat at Nestles Lane Conservation Area attracts a diverse array of wildlife. You might see mammals like deer, foxes, and raccoons, or birds like turkeys, eastern towhee, and bluebirds. Moths, beetles, and butterflies dwell in these forests, along with reptiles such as garter snakes and eastern box turtles.

Details & Amenities

Size: 85 acres
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Dogs: Yes
Facilities: None
Parking: Two small roadside parking areas along Nestles Lane (south of the property) and near the intersection of Nestles Lane and Butts Lane (north of the property)
Parking Cost: Free
Trail Difficulty: Intermediate
ADA Accessible: No

Neighbors can enjoy a walk through the woods at this town-owned property hidden among the trees.

Features

Located in a quiet residential neighborhood in Acushnet, Nestles Lane Conservation Area is a convenient place for locals to take a short hike through the woods. The large pine trees here are a stand-out feature, as are the moss-covered stone walls that run throughout this property. 

Trails

You can reach the trails at Nestles Lane Conservation Area from both the northern and southern sides of Nestles Lane. We recommend the southern approach: From Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford’s far North End, turn onto Sharon Street, which becomes Nestles Lane, and drive a short distance to the end of the road. As you step into the fragrant pine woods, you’ll find yourself on a flat path. This trail, which connects the two halves of Nestles Lane, takes about 30 minutes to explore. Another trail branches off to the east through a somewhat hilly stretch of forest. The small streams that run through the woods here feed the New Bedford Reservoir and the Acushnet River.

Habitats & Wildlife

The pine forest habitat at Nestles Lane Conservation Area attracts a diverse array of wildlife. You might see mammals like deer, foxes, and raccoons, or birds like turkeys, eastern towhee, and bluebirds. Moths, beetles, and butterflies dwell in these forests, along with reptiles such as garter snakes and eastern box turtles.

Size: 85 acres
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Dogs: Yes
Facilities: None
Parking: Two small roadside parking areas along Nestles Lane (south of the property) and near the intersection of Nestles Lane and Butts Lane (north of the property)
Parking Cost: Free
Trail Difficulty: Intermediate
ADA Accessible: No