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.
This farm and forest along the Mattapoisett River in Rochester was preserved for birds — and explorers like you!
Size: 79.74
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: Picnic table
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: Picnic table
With pretty views and peaceful waters, Silvershell Beach is a favorite summer spot for families in Marion.
Size: 2 acres
Parking: Large unpaved parking area; Marion or Rochester resident privilege sticker required to park at all times
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Playground
Parking: Large unpaved parking area; Marion or Rochester resident privilege sticker required to park at all times
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Playground
Known for its educational signs, this Little Compton reserve is popular among hunters, hikers, paddlers, and curious young explorers.
Size: 433 acres
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area on Coldbrook Road; small unpaved parking area on John Dyer Road
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area on Coldbrook Road; small unpaved parking area on John Dyer Road
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Soak up the spectacular natural beauty of the Slocums River at the Slocum’s River Reserve in South Dartmouth.
Size: 47 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Smith Farm offers a peek at Dartmouth's coastal habitats, from forested swamps and ponds to scenic salt marshes.
Size: 140 acres
Parking: Small dirt roadside parking area on Smith Neck Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Small dirt roadside parking area on Smith Neck Road
Facilities: None
Swim, soak up the sun, cast out a fishing line, or take a long walk along the rock-scattered shore at this Little Compton beach.
Size: 9.6 acres
Parking: Large unpaved parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Kayak launch (shoreline), RV camping with town permit
Parking: Large unpaved parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Kayak launch (shoreline), RV camping with town permit
Peaceful, scenic Squeteague Harbor Beach is tucked into a quiet corner of Cataumet in Bourne.
Parking: Limited parking along beachway off Squeteague Harbor Road
Facilities: Trash
Facilities: Trash
Star of the Sea Reserve shines as a quiet place to explore forests and wetlands on Apponagansett Bay in Dartmouth.
Size: 43.75 acres
Parking: Roadside parking by trailhead (marked with boulders)
Facilities: None
Parking: Roadside parking by trailhead (marked with boulders)
Facilities: None
A small, hidden gem tucked away from the crowds, Stony Beach embodies Woods Hole’s low-key style.
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area; resident beach sticker required to park in summer
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Shower
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Shower
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
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
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
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