The Buzzards Bay region extends far beyond the Bay’s shores. And one of the best ways for you to explore it is also the simplest: Take a walk! Hiking doesn’t require any special equipment, and it’s fun for all ages. From walks along the beach to hikes through the woods, Buzzards Bay has hundreds of places for you to discover on foot.
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
West Beach in New Bedford is well-known for its clear, calm waters, where families can splash and play on Clarks Cove.
Parking: Roadside parking open 6am-9pm; additional parking in Hazelwood Park
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Bicycle Rack, Trash
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Bicycle Rack, Trash
Walk peaceful trails beneath a bird-filled canopy in this coastal forest on the north shore of Martha’s Vineyard.
Size: 90 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area down the dirt road off Franklin Street
Facilities: Bicycle Rack, Benches
Parking: Small unpaved parking area down the dirt road off Franklin Street
Facilities: Bicycle Rack, Benches
West Island State Reservation's pristine coastal habitats offer a natural retreat that outdoor enthusiasts will love.
Size: 338 acres
Parking: Small gravel roadside parking area by trailhead
Facilities: None
Parking: Small gravel roadside parking area by trailhead
Facilities: None
Set next to windswept salt marshes on West Island, this Fairhaven beach is a paradise for outdoors lovers.
Size: 13.8 acres
Parking: Large gravel parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal)
Parking: Large gravel parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal)
History comes to life at Westport Town Farm, where you can explore a Colonial-era farm along the Westport River.
Size: 40 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Hike or picnic, explore freshwater wetlands, bird-watch or just watch the clouds pass by in this family-friendly preserve.
Size: 81 acres
Parking: Large paved parking area
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Parking: Large paved parking area
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Step back in time at the 200-year-old ruins of White's Factory, a former cotton and saw mill on the Acushnet River.
Size: 2 acres
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area with space for 8-10 cars
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area with space for 8-10 cars
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Boat out to this tree-covered island in Onset Bay to enjoy a day of swimming, shellfishing, and beachcombing, ending with one of the best sunsets around.
Size: 4.4 acres
Parking: None
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch (Shoreline), Pier/Dock (Stone)
Parking: None
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch (Shoreline), Pier/Dock (Stone)
Explore lush trails beside a woodland river, then grill up a picnic lunch in this beautiful Little Compton forest.
Size: 84 acres
Parking: Several unpaved pull-off spaces along the dirt road parallel to Dundery Brook
Parking: Several unpaved pull-off spaces along the dirt road parallel to Dundery Brook
Take an adventure through hilly pine and oak woods at William Minot Forest in Wareham.
Size: 205 acres
Parking: Large parking lot behind Minot Forest Elementary
Facilities: None
Parking: Large parking lot behind Minot Forest Elementary
Facilities: None
Peace and tranquility define Wing Pond Woods, a well-hidden gem directly off the Shining Sea Bikeway in North Falmouth.
Size: 19 acres
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
With a scenic trail through the woods to Winsegansett Pond and a beach, this Fairhaven destination is a gem to discover.
Size: 160 acres
Parking: Roadside parking at trailheads on Sconticut Neck Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Roadside parking at trailheads on Sconticut Neck Road
Facilities: None
Follow the path at Wylde Reserve in Dartmouth to the salt marshes of Demarest Lloyd State Park.
Size: 5 acres
Parking: Small roadside parking area on Barneys Joy Road; additional parking at Demarest
Facilities: None
Parking: Small roadside parking area on Barneys Joy Road; additional parking at Demarest
Facilities: None