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.
Walk from suburban woods into dense forest and over a historic granite bridge at Paskamansett & Gidley Woods in Dartmouth.
Size: 11 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area (space for about 6 cars)
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved parking area (space for about 6 cars)
Facilities: None
Marion's Peirson Woods has an observation platform where you can view sailboats, salt marshes, and sea birds on the water.
Size: 30.34 acres
Parking: Small roadside parking area at trailhead
Facilities: Bicycle Rack, Picnic Table
Parking: Small roadside parking area at trailhead
Facilities: Bicycle Rack, Picnic Table
Hike rolling hills, snorkel pristine waters, and take in a fascinating history on this Buzzards Bay island unlike any other.
Size: 75 acres
Facilities: Dock
Facilities: Dock
Discover one of Cape Cod’s oldest farms at Peterson Farm in Falmouth, a working farm with grazing sheep alongside miles of trails through fields and forest.
Size: 88 acres
Parking: Small parking area at the end of unnamed road off McCallum Drive
Facilities: Trash
Parking: Small parking area at the end of unnamed road off McCallum Drive
Facilities: Trash
The 4.5-mile paved Phoenix Bike Trail is a gateway to Fairhaven's coastal forests and salt marshes.
Size: 4.5 miles
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking areas on Main Street and Arsene Street
Facilities: Bicycle Racks, Trash, Picnic Tables
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking areas on Main Street and Arsene Street
Facilities: Bicycle Racks, Trash, Picnic Tables
Cast out a fishing line or stroll sandy shores on the edges of Bourne’s freshwater Picture Lake.
Parking: Medium-sized parking lot on Old County Road; Bourne beach sticker required
Facilities: Kayak launch (shoreline), benches, trash (seasonal)
Facilities: Kayak launch (shoreline), benches, trash (seasonal)
Planting Island Beach’s rugged, rocky shoreline offers a panoramic view of Sippican Harbor and Buzzards Bay.
Size: 3.75 acres
Parking: Three small unpaved roadside parking areas; resident privilege sticker required at all times
Facilities: None
Parking: Three small unpaved roadside parking areas; resident privilege sticker required at all times
Facilities: None
Discover Bourne’s vibrant waterways by small boat or paddlecraft from this small boat ramp on the Pocasset River.
Parking: Limited street parking (vehicles only; no trailer parking)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch
A small, secluded spot on Priests Cove, Pope Beach in Fairhaven offers sparkling views of Buzzards Bay.
Parking: Small unpaved roadside parking area
Facilities: None
Facilities: None
Centrally located in New Bedford Harbor, this marina provides protected waters with convenient access to Buzzards Bay.
Parking: Large paved parking area
Facilities: Pier/Floating Docks (wood), Wharf, Dinghy/Kayak Storage, Restrooms (private), Showers (private), Trash, Picnic Table(s), Bike Rack, Playground, Water, Ice, Launch Service
Facilities: Pier/Floating Docks (wood), Wharf, Dinghy/Kayak Storage, Restrooms (private), Showers (private), Trash, Picnic Table(s), Bike Rack, Playground, Water, Ice, Launch Service
Family-friendly fun awaits in the fields and forest of Pulaski Park, located in New Bedford’s North End.
Size: 14 acres
Parking: Large unpaved parking area off Jordan Street
Facilities: Playground, Benches
Parking: Large unpaved parking area off Jordan Street
Facilities: Playground, Benches
Quaker Marsh in Falmouth is a peaceful spot to picnic or launch a kayak into Wild Harbor River's salt marsh-lined headwaters.
Size: .74 acres
Parking: Limited parking in small paved lot on town property next door (do not block any driveways)
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Parking: Limited parking in small paved lot on town property next door (do not block any driveways)
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Whether you're taking a day trip or keeping your boat at a local marina, start a Cape Cod adventure from this Bourne town boat ramp.
Parking: Small gravel parking area next to boat ramp (space for 1-2 cars)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch
For a peaceful walk through classic Cape Cod scenery, head to Red Brook Pond Conservation Area in Bourne.
Size: 40 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area on Thaxter Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved parking area on Thaxter Road
Facilities: None
Discover your Buzzards Bay at this free environmental exploration center in downtown New Bedford.
Parking: Limited visitor parking; Metered street parking and Elm Street parking garage available nearby
Facilities: Learning Center
Facilities: Learning Center
Hilly wooded uplands at this Dartmouth preserve capture the natural spirit of nearby Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve.
Size: 210 acres
Parking: Small gravel parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Small gravel parking area
Facilities: None
This wide, easy-to-follow woodland trail is a great place to walk, jog, or try out cross-country skiing.
Size: 17 acres
Parking: Parking Lot A, a large paved lot
Facilities: Trash, Bike Rack
Parking: Parking Lot A, a large paved lot
Facilities: Trash, Bike Rack
Take a wild adventure through thousands of acres of remote forest and swamp at Rocky Gutter in Middleborough.
Size: 3,178 acres
Parking: Two small unpaved parking areas on either end of Rocky Gutter Street (Purchase Street and France Street); a third small unpaved parking area on Wildlife Area Access Road at Purchase Street and Faye Avenue
Facilities: None
Parking: Two small unpaved parking areas on either end of Rocky Gutter Street (Purchase Street and France Street); a third small unpaved parking area on Wildlife Area Access Road at Purchase Street and Faye Avenue
Facilities: None
A bustling summer boating spot, this sandy public ramp in Dartmouth offers access to Clarks Cove and Buzzards Bay.
Parking: Large paved parking lot (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
With calm waters and sweeping views, Round Hill Beach is a stunning summer destination for Dartmouth residents.
Size: 30 acres
Parking: Parking along paved Round Hill Beach Road
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal)
Parking: Parking along paved Round Hill Beach Road
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal)