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.
Families flock to Goodwill Park in Falmouth to enjoy grassy lawns and sandy beach along the cool waters of Grews Pond.
Size: 86 acres
Parking: Three free parking areas on Goodwill Park Road
Facilities: Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Grills, Trash, Pavilion, Playground
Parking: Three free parking areas on Goodwill Park Road
Facilities: Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Grills, Trash, Pavilion, Playground
Explore nature, history, and spectacular coastal beauty along the rugged shores of Gooseberry Island in Westport.
Size: 73 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking lot (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Restrooms (seasonal)
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking lot (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Restrooms (seasonal)
Escape the crowds for windswept dunes and crashing waves at Little Compton's Goosewing Beach Preserve.
Size: 75 acres
Parking: Large paved lot at South Shore Beach; fee to park, Memorial Day – Labor Day
Facilities: Learning Center (seasonal)
Parking: Large paved lot at South Shore Beach; fee to park, Memorial Day – Labor Day
Facilities: Learning Center (seasonal)
Take in the sounds of frogs and singing songbirds in a former cranberry bog on the trails around Grassi Bog in Marion.
Size: 36.55 acres
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
This sandy beach in Bourne is a local favorite thanks to its cozy neighborhood vibe and fascinating views of Cape Cod Canal.
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking lot
Facilities: Trash
Facilities: Trash
This Woods Hole boat ramp is a gateway for boaters and anglers to the waters of Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound.
Parking: One parking spot at ramp for loading and unloading; metered street parking available throughout Woods Hole
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Dock (wood/floating)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Dock (wood/floating)
This Bourne boat ramp is a great place to launch paddle crafts or small boats, as well as a popular fishing spot.
Parking: Small unpaved parking lot (space for 6-7 cars) on Little Sandy Pond Road
Facilities: None
Facilities: None
From hilly glacial remnants to lush salt marshes, Great Neck Conservation Area in Wareham has something for everyone.
Size: 104 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Explore pine forests and salt marshes overlooking the entrance to the Cape Cod Canal at Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary.
Size: 219 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Great Rock Bight Preserve offers a secluded beach great swimming, sunbathing, surfcasting and sunsets, plus other habitat treasures.
Size: 28.5 acres
Parking: Medium-sized, unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized, unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Walk through wetlands and a red maple forest with long ties to Marion’s history at Hagemann Woods.
Size: 23 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area (space for about 5 cars)
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved parking area (space for about 5 cars)
Facilities: None
Discover Plymouth’s peaceful ponds and woodlands by foot or canoe at Halfway Pond Conservation Area.
Size: 409.6 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking areas on Mast Road and at the intersection of Gallows Pond Road and West Long Point Road
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Parking: Small unpaved parking areas on Mast Road and at the intersection of Gallows Pond Road and West Long Point Road
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Venture through deep pine and beech forests that provide a vital lakeside home for Plymouth wildlife.
Size: 124 acres
Parking: Small unpaved pull-off at intersection of Halfway Pond Rd. and Mast Rd.
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved pull-off at intersection of Halfway Pond Rd. and Mast Rd.
Facilities: None
Hamlin Crossing’s peaceful wildflower meadow and quiet woods in Acushnet are a perfect place for a short, refreshing walk.
Size: 9 acres
Parking: Small roadside parking area on Hamlin Street across from entrance
Parking: Small roadside parking area on Hamlin Street across from entrance
Take in scenic water and woodland views around the seven ponds of this wildlife management area in Rochester.
Size: 70 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area off Hartley Road (space for 3-4 cars)
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Parking: Small unpaved parking area off Hartley Road (space for 3-4 cars)
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
This 3,100-acre forest in Rochester, Marion, and Mattapoisett is maintained for hunting, though adventurous explorers will also find much to love.
Size: 3,104 acres
Parking: Large unpaved parking area at the end of Dexter Lane
Facilities: None
Parking: Large unpaved parking area at the end of Dexter Lane
Facilities: None
Explore dense forests, forested wetlands, and wildflower-rich former farmland at Headwaters Conservation Area in Westport.
Size: 133 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area (space for 1-2 cars) off Blossom Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved parking area (space for 1-2 cars) off Blossom Road
Facilities: None
With calm waters and a roped-off swimming area, Hen Cove Beach in Bourne is perfect for families with small children.
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking area
Facilities: Trash
Facilities: Trash
Launch from Hen Cove Landing in Pocasset to reach Red Brook Harbor, one of Cape Cod’s favorite boating destinations.
Parking: 2-3 parking spaces for vehicles and trailers; additional vehicle parking at Hen Cove Beach
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Pier (wood)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Pier (wood)
Herb Hadfield's woods, wetlands, and meadows surround Angeline Brook, a pristine coldwater trout stream in Westport.
Size: 152 acres
Parking: Two small gravel parking areas
Facilities: None
Parking: Two small gravel parking areas
Facilities: None