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.
Find surprising beauty in the old woodlands beside Great Quittacas Pond on this Middleborough trail.
Size: 35 acres
Parking: Two small dirt parking areas on either side of Long Point Rd.
Facilities: None
Parking: Two small dirt parking areas on either side of Long Point Rd.
Facilities: None
The mixture of sand and grass along Swifts Neck Beach give this cozy neighborhood beach in Wareham a natural feel.
Size: 2.1 acres
Parking: Two large paved parking lots; fee to park May 1 to October 1
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Restrooms (seasonal)
Parking: Two large paved parking lots; fee to park May 1 to October 1
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Restrooms (seasonal)
Picnic in a bird-filled meadow or launch a kayak to explore beautiful marshes at this hidden gem in Lakeville.
Size: 49 acres
Parking: Large paved parking area on west side of circular drive
Facilities: Kayak Launch, Picnic Tables
Parking: Large paved parking area on west side of circular drive
Facilities: Kayak Launch, Picnic Tables
Swim, kayak, snorkel, and beachcomb while enjoying a sweeping lighthouse view Tarpaulin Cove Beach, a public beach on private Naushon Island.
Facilities: None
Located at the head of Buzzards Bay, Taylor Point Marina offers a superb access point for boaters to explore the Bay or journey through the Cape Cod Canal.
Parking: Large paved parking lot (space for vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Pier/Dock (wood), Public Restrooms (open May 1-October 31), Private Restrooms (open year-round), Showers, Ice, Trash, Fuel, Marine Store
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Pier/Dock (wood), Public Restrooms (open May 1-October 31), Private Restrooms (open year-round), Showers, Ice, Trash, Fuel, Marine Store
Embark into the Wareham River and upper Buzzards Bay from Tempest Knob, a town-owned public boat ramp in Wareham.
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking lot (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Dock (wood/floating)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Dock (wood/floating)
In the heart of the Mattapoisett River valley lies The Bogs, an oasis of forests, freshwater swamps, and cranberry bogs.
Size: 212 acres
Parking: Small gravel parking area on Acushnet Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Small gravel parking area on Acushnet Road
Facilities: None
Explore the remnants of a 19th century industrial site perched on the rocky shores of Vineyard Sound.
Size: 20 acres
Parking: Medium-sized, unpaved parking ara
Facilities: Portable toilets
Parking: Medium-sized, unpaved parking ara
Facilities: Portable toilets
Catch a breathtaking sunset over Buzzards Bay from the protected shores at The Knob in Falmouth.
Size: 12 acres
Parking: Limited parking at the end of Quissett Harbor Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Limited parking at the end of Quissett Harbor Road
Facilities: None
The tall, rocky outcropping and panoramic water views at The Knubble beach in Westport are a treasure for local residents.
Size: 5 acres
Parking: Limited parking in designated areas (the easternmost end of Beach Avenue is periodically closed); resident beach sticker required year-round
Facilities: None
Parking: Limited parking in designated areas (the easternmost end of Beach Avenue is periodically closed); resident beach sticker required year-round
Facilities: None
At the edge of New Bedford’s urban North End sits The Sawmill, a 19-acre former lumber yard on the Acushnet River.
Size: 19 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area; additional on-street parking
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch, Learning Center (limited hours)
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area; additional on-street parking
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch, Learning Center (limited hours)
Explore the Cape Cod Canal from Tidal Flats Recreation Area in Bourne, located at the foot of the iconic railroad bridge.
Parking: Two medium-sized paved parking areas
Facilities: Trash, Picnic Table, Restrooms (seasonal)
Facilities: Trash, Picnic Table, Restrooms (seasonal)
Tinkhamtown Woodlands and neighboring Woodcock Preserve include over 100 acres in the Mattapoisett River Reserve.
Size: 107 acres
Parking: Small gravel parking area on Long Plain Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Small gravel parking area on Long Plain Road
Facilities: None
History and nature abound at Tripps Mill, a scenic trail and fishing spot on Tinkham Pond in Mattapoisett.
Size: 212 acres
Parking: Small gravel parking area on Acushnet Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Small gravel parking area on Acushnet Road
Facilities: None
Explore woods and wetlands along the Sippican River at Tweedy and Barnes in Wareham.
Size: 25 acres
Parking: Small gravel parking area; additional roadside parking
Facilities: None
Parking: Small gravel parking area; additional roadside parking
Facilities: None
The mix of open meadows, woodland paths, and sweeping ridge-line views at Waskosim's Rock Reservation make it a fascinating place to visit and re-visit.
Size: 185 acres
Parking: Medium-sized dirt parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized dirt parking area
Facilities: None
Part of the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve, Watuppa Reservation is a gateway to an expanse of protected forests.
Size: 4,800 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking areas on Blossom Road south of reservation headquarters, and on Indian Town Road at Copicut Woods
Facilities: Bicycle Rack
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking areas on Blossom Road south of reservation headquarters, and on Indian Town Road at Copicut Woods
Facilities: Bicycle Rack
Discover island adventures on the untamed shores of the Weepecket Islands, a small island chain north of Naushon.
Parking: None
Facilities: Kayak launch (shoreline)
Facilities: Kayak launch (shoreline)
Seek out a rich array of plants and wildflowers among woods and old agricultural remnants at Wernick Farm in Dartmouth.
Size: 62 acres
Parking: Two small unpaved parking lots (space for 2-3 cars each)
Facilities: None
Parking: Two small unpaved parking lots (space for 2-3 cars each)
Facilities: None
Enjoy unrivaled seclusion on sandy shores along a wildlife-rich salt marsh at West Beach, a public beach on private Naushon Island.
Facilities: None