For dog owners, part of the fun of outdoor exploration is having your faithful companion by your side. Fortunately, there are lots of dog-friendly parks, trails, and beaches in the Buzzards Bay region where you and your four-legged friend can get some fresh air and exercise.
For any of the places below, make sure to follow all posted rules for dogs. Some spots allow dogs “under voice control,” whereas others require dogs to be on a leash at all times. Wherever you go, always pick up after your pet to keep our local waters clean.
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
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)
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
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
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
Peek back into West Falmouth's agricultural history with a walk through Bourne Farm's open fields and hilly woodlands.
Size: 35 acres
Parking: Large unpaved parking lot
Facilities: Water Fountain, Trash
Parking: Large unpaved parking lot
Facilities: Water Fountain, Trash
Bourne Recreation Area is a gateway to fishing, walking, and bicycling along scenic Cape Cod Canal.
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic tables, Trash
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic tables, Trash
Discover quiet, hilly woods that feel forgotten by time at Bourne Sisters Woodland in Bourne.
Size: 22 acres
Parking: Small parking area on the east side of County Road; additional parking across the road at the Leary Property
Facilities: None
Parking: Small parking area on the east side of County Road; additional parking across the road at the Leary Property
Facilities: None
Take a short, scenic walk to the sandy shores of the Weweantic River at Brainard Marsh in Marion.
Size: 6.1 acres
Parking: Small gravel roadside parking area
Facilities: Bicycle Rack
Parking: Small gravel roadside parking area
Facilities: Bicycle Rack
Discover spectacular coastal scenery among protected woods and wetlands at Brandt Island Cove District in Mattapoisett.
Size: 132 acres
Parking: Roadside parking at the end of Anchorage Way and Whalers Way
Facilities: None
Parking: Roadside parking at the end of Anchorage Way and Whalers Way
Facilities: None
Hike, picnic, or bird watch among some of the Cape’s most unusual habitats at this Falmouth preserve.
Size: 68 acres
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area on Blacksmith Shop Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area on Blacksmith Shop Road
Facilities: None
Located in the urban North End of New Bedford, Brooklawn Park is refuge for local residents seeking some fresh air.
Size: 85 acres
Parking: Large paved parking lot; additional on-street parking around the park
Facilities: Restrooms, Trash, Picnic Tables, Playground
Parking: Large paved parking lot; additional on-street parking around the park
Facilities: Restrooms, Trash, Picnic Tables, Playground
Enjoy the peaceful beauty of Bread and Cheese Brook along Brookside Conservation Area's streamside trail in Westport.
Size: 9 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area (space for 3-4 cars) off Route 177
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved parking area (space for 3-4 cars) off Route 177
Facilities: None