With deep forests, rocky coasts, and rich salt marshes, Buzzards Bay is a haven for wildlife of all types. Migratory birds flock to our shores along the Atlantic Flyway, while frogs and salamanders thrive in the vernal pools that pop up in our woods each spring. So grab a pair of binoculars and visit one of these places to seek out our region’s special birds and wildlife.
This quiet boat launch in Westport is the perfect place to begin a paddling adventure on the Westport River West Branch.
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Glide down the tranquil Agawam River for a long paddle or a freshwater fishing trip from Agawam Mill Pond Boat Launch in Wareham.
Parking: Large paved parking area
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch
The Agawam River Trail in East Wareham offers a peaceful stroll, vistas of the Agawam River, and a paddling launch.
Size: 8.5 acres
Parking: Small parking area along the end of Knowles Avenue
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Parking: Small parking area along the end of Knowles Avenue
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Discover rare trees, exotic flowers, and peaceful public green space at this richly landscaped former nursery in New Bedford.
Size: 6 acres
Parking: Street parking on garden side of Shawmut Avenue; contact staff for off-street handicapped parking
Facilities: Bicycle Rack, Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Picnic Tables, Visitor Center
Parking: Street parking on garden side of Shawmut Avenue; contact staff for off-street handicapped parking
Facilities: Bicycle Rack, Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Picnic Tables, Visitor Center
Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary in Dartmouth protects a delicate coastal ecosystem for migratory birds.
Size: 611 acres
Parking: Three medium-sized gravel/grass parking areas on Horseneck Road and Allens Neck Road
Facilities: Picnic Tables, Bicycle Rack
Parking: Three medium-sized gravel/grass parking areas on Horseneck Road and Allens Neck Road
Facilities: Picnic Tables, Bicycle Rack
Apponagansett Park in Dartmouth is a fun summertime destination that truly offers something for everybody.
Parking: Large paved parking lot (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Pier (wood), Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash, Playground, Food/Concession
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Pier (wood), Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash, Playground, Food/Concession
Take in some of the most breathtaking views on Martha's Vineyard from these trails above and around the Gay Head Cliffs.
Size: 49.4 acres
Parking: Large paved parking area on Aquinnah Circle
Facilities: Visitors Center, Bicycle Rack, Benches, Restrooms (seasonal)
Parking: Large paved parking area on Aquinnah Circle
Facilities: Visitors Center, Bicycle Rack, Benches, Restrooms (seasonal)
The Arthur F. Dias Town Landing provides boaters with easy access to beautiful Apponagansett Bay in South Dartmouth.
Parking: Large paved parking lot (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Pier (wood), Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash, Playground, Food/Concession (seasonal)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Pier (wood), Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash, Playground, Food/Concession (seasonal)
Explore the remnants of World War II-era radio towers among Marion's woods and wetlands.
Size: 109 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Explore a Marion cranberry bog that has been actively cultivated for over 80 years, with stunning views of woods and wetlands.
Size: 248 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Barges Beach is part of Buzzards Bay Coalition's Cuttyhunk Reserves and located just off the ferry dock on Cuttyhunk Island. Local history and natural beauty come together on Barges Beach, a one-of-a-kind barrier beach on the east end of Cuttyhunk Island.
Size: 24 acres
Parking: None
Facilities: None
Parking: None
Facilities: None
Whether you’re ready to go boating, paddling, or swimming, you’ll find a place to play at Barlows Landing in Bourne.
Parking: Medium-sized paved vehicle parking area with additional gravel parking for vehicles and trailers
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Pier (concrete), Kayak Launch, Picnic Table, Trash, Bicycle Rack
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Pier (concrete), Kayak Launch, Picnic Table, Trash, Bicycle Rack
Have an island adventure on the pristine beaches and shallow waters of Bourne's Bassetts Island.
Parking: None
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch (shoreline), Picnic Tables
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch (shoreline), Picnic Tables
Explore Falmouth’s fascinating glacial past at Beebe Woods, a 400-acre swath of protected forest near Woods Hole.
Size: 400 acres
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking lot at Cape Cod Conservatory; Small unpaved parking area off Ter Heun Drive
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking lot at Cape Cod Conservatory; Small unpaved parking area off Ter Heun Drive
Facilities: None
Besse Park’s sport fishing pier in Wareham Center is a hotspot for local anglers looking for stripers and snapper blues.
Size: 1.56 acres
Parking: Small paved parking lot
Facilities: Pier (wood), Dock (floating), Trash, Picnic Table
Parking: Small paved parking lot
Facilities: Pier (wood), Dock (floating), Trash, Picnic Table
Betty’s Neck in Lakeville offers miles of secluded trails and freshwater views in the Assawompset Pond Complex.
Size: 350 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Facilities: Picnic Tables, Visitor Center (limited hours)
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Facilities: Picnic Tables, Visitor Center (limited hours)
The deep, clear waters of Big Sandy Pond in Plymouth are a delight for freshwater anglers.
Size: 134 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: Boat Ramp
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: Boat Ramp
Birch Island in Wareham isn’t actually an island. But with river views in every direction, you might mistake it for one!
Size: 20 acres
Parking: Medium sized parking area at the end of Station Street
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium sized parking area at the end of Station Street
Facilities: None
Escape the summer crowds at Falmouth's Black Beach or with a paddle through Great Sippewissett Marsh.
Size: 190 acres
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking area at Chapoquoit Beach; resident beach sticker required to park in summer
Facilities: None; Restrooms, Trash, Shower at Chapoquoit Beach (seasonal)
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking area at Chapoquoit Beach; resident beach sticker required to park in summer
Facilities: None; Restrooms, Trash, Shower at Chapoquoit Beach (seasonal)
Savor the serenity to be found in the woods and along the shore of this strand of ponds that empty into Blackwater Brook.
Size: 106 acres
Parking: Small, unpaved parking area, plus several turn-out parking spots along the access road
Facilities: No
Parking: Small, unpaved parking area, plus several turn-out parking spots along the access road
Facilities: No