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.
Herring Run Recreation Area's name tells you why it's special — it's home to a herring run on Cape Cod Canal.
Parking: Large paved parking area
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Picnic Tables
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Picnic Tables
In summer, Hiller's Cove Beach is a favorite destination for Mattapoisett families to splash in warm, calm waters.
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area; parking pass required in summer (first week of July through last week of August)
Facilities: Restrooms
Facilities: Restrooms
Set on the upper East Branch of the Westport River, Hix Bridge Landing is a place to launch a boat or kayak into the river.
Size: Dawn to dusk
Parking: Large unpaved parking lot (vehicles and trailers); resident permit required to park
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Dock (wood/floating)
Parking: Large unpaved parking lot (vehicles and trailers); resident permit required to park
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Dock (wood/floating)
Called a “fisherman’s paradise," Hoppy’s Landing on West Island in Fairhaven is your gateway to Buzzards Bay.
Parking: Large crushed-shell parking area (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Pier (wood), Restrooms, Trash
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Pier (wood), Restrooms, Trash
With two miles of sand and surf, the 600-acre Horseneck Beach State Reservation is a recreational paradise in Westport.
Size: 600 acres
Parking: Large paved parking lots
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Showers (seasonal), Picnic Tables
Parking: Large paved parking lots
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Showers (seasonal), Picnic Tables
Discover Buzzards Bay’s largest freshwater river at Horseshoe Mill, part of the growing Weweantic River Reserve in Wareham.
Size: 34 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
For a short walk with big views, grab your camera or binoculars and head to Howland Marsh in Marion.
Size: 8.9 acres
Parking: Roadside parking
Facilities: None
Parking: Roadside parking
Facilities: None
Dartmouth's Howland Reserve offers visitors a taste of the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve without the vast size.
Size: 25 acres
Parking: Limited roadside parking along the west side of North Hixville Road across from gas easement and trailhead
Facilities: None
Parking: Limited roadside parking along the west side of North Hixville Road across from gas easement and trailhead
Facilities: None
Cool off at Falmouth’s Ice House Pond, a 7-acre kettle pond that's open for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and ice skating.
Size: 7 acres
Parking: Small paved parking area
Facilities: Canoe Launch
Parking: Small paved parking area
Facilities: Canoe Launch
Boaters and paddlers will find a place to launch and keep their boats at this wharf and park on Sippican Harbor in Marion.
Parking: Large paved parking lot (vehicles and trailers up to 72 hours); resident privilege sticker required for overnight parking (May 31 to September 15); limited parking for non-residents
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Dock (concrete/floating), Dinghy/Kayak Storage, Restrooms (seasonal), Showers (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Water
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Dock (concrete/floating), Dinghy/Kayak Storage, Restrooms (seasonal), Showers (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Water
An accessible boardwalk through diverse wetlands and forest holds outdoor adventures that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy.
Size: 168 acres
Parking: Large unpaved parking area next to the soccer field on Meetinghouse Lane; medium-sized unpaved parking area along West Main Road, just north of intersection with Treaty Rock Rd.
Facilities: Boardwalk, Trash
Parking: Large unpaved parking area next to the soccer field on Meetinghouse Lane; medium-sized unpaved parking area along West Main Road, just north of intersection with Treaty Rock Rd.
Facilities: Boardwalk, Trash
Local residents can come to Jones Beach in Dartmouth enjoy the calm waters of Clarks Cove and fresh air off Buzzards Bay.
Size: 2 acres
Parking: Large paved parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Playground
Parking: Large paved parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Playground
Explore a coastal salt pond and rolling glacial forests through Kelly Woodlands, a gateway to vibrant Cape Cod habitats.
Size: 3 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area (space for 4-5 cars)
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved parking area (space for 4-5 cars)
Facilities: None
This pristine crescent of sand is a peaceful place for boaters to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and beachcombing on private Naushon Island.
Facilities: None
Hike gentle inclines among whimsically twisted trees and glacial boulders at Falmouth's Kettle Holes Conservation Area.
Size: 220 acres
Parking: Small pull-off next to wastewater facility road (space for 1 car); large paved parking lot at the ice rink on Technology Park Drive
Facilities: None
Parking: Small pull-off next to wastewater facility road (space for 1 car); large paved parking lot at the ice rink on Technology Park Drive
Facilities: None
With a spring vernal pool jam-packed with wildlife, Rochester’s charming Kirby Preserve is truly is a hidden gem to discover.
Size: 3.8 acres
Parking: Roadside parking by trailhead
Facilities: None
Parking: Roadside parking by trailhead
Facilities: None
Escape the bustle of summer crowds on the quiet shores of Knowles Beach in Dartmouth.
Parking: Unpaved roadside parking along Smith Neck Road (space for 6-7 cars)
Facilities: None
Facilities: None
Take a short but fascinating walk through a salt marsh and red cedar forest at the Knowles Reserve in Dartmouth.
Size: 29.5 acres
Parking: Roadside parking along Smith Neck Road and West Smith Neck Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Roadside parking along Smith Neck Road and West Smith Neck Road
Facilities: None
With nearly 50 acres of meadows and forests on the Acushnet River, LaPalme Farm celebrates Acushnet’s pastoral charm.
Size: 47 acres
Parking: Limited street parking at the end of Blain Street
Facilities: None
Parking: Limited street parking at the end of Blain Street
Facilities: None
Whether by foot or on a kayak, make time to explore the sandy, protected shores of Lawrence Island in Cataumet.
Size: 7 acres
Parking: There is no parking lot provided at this property. For access to the trail, limited parking is available along Grassland Lane.
Facilities: None
Parking: There is no parking lot provided at this property. For access to the trail, limited parking is available along Grassland Lane.
Facilities: None