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.
With its short trail through the forest, Davis Park in Acushnet is perfect for a brief escape to nature.
Size: 16.5 acres
Parking: On-street
Facilities: None
Parking: On-street
Facilities: None
Make community connections and explore a unique wilderness at Davis-Douglas Conservation Area, the headquarters of the Wildlands Trust.
Size: 232 acres
Parking: Large paved parking lot at visitor center on Long Pond Road; unpaved parking areas at Emery Preserve East and West trailheads on Ship Pond Road
Facilities: Learning Center, Bicycle Rack, Water Fountain, Restrooms (in Davis-Douglas Farm), Trash, Picnic Tables
Parking: Large paved parking lot at visitor center on Long Pond Road; unpaved parking areas at Emery Preserve East and West trailheads on Ship Pond Road
Facilities: Learning Center, Bicycle Rack, Water Fountain, Restrooms (in Davis-Douglas Farm), Trash, Picnic Tables
An easy walking trail circles through peaceful Delano Memorial Forest, passing by the placid waters of the Sippican River.
Size: 110 acres
Parking: Small parking area off Marys Pond Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Small parking area off Marys Pond Road
Facilities: None
Demarest Lloyd State Park in Dartmouth is a true gem for beachgoers, explorers, and Buzzards Bay lovers of all ages.
Size: 200 acres
Parking: Large paved parking area
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash
Parking: Large paved parking area
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash
Don’t let its name fool you: Destruction Brook Woods in Dartmouth is packed with unparalleled beauty.
Size: 283.8 acres
Parking: Medium-sized crushed-shell parking area on Slades Corner Road; small dirt pulloff on Fisher Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized crushed-shell parking area on Slades Corner Road; small dirt pulloff on Fisher Road
Facilities: None
Dike Creek Reserve stands out for its graceful mix of well-tended fields, woodlands, forested swamp, and expansive views of Dike Creek Marsh.
Size: 77 acres
Parking: Small gravel parking area
Parking: Small gravel parking area
The Doggett's Brook nature trail tucked into the woods behind the ball fields in Rochester is perfect for a walk after a game.
Size: 100 acres
Parking: Large unpaved parking area at Dexter Lane Field
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Playground
Parking: Large unpaved parking area at Dexter Lane Field
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Playground
If you want to explore a classic Wareham landscape, Westgate Conservation Area is an ideal spot.
Size: 49 acres
Parking: Small gravel parking area off Papermill Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Small gravel parking area off Papermill Road
Facilities: None
Explore forest, streams, wetlands, and a summer corn field, all at Dunham's Brook Conservation Area in Westport.
Size: 159 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
A wide, sandy beach on outer New Bedford Harbor, East Beach is a summertime destination for city families.
Parking: Large paved parking lots; additional street parking
Facilities: Pier (asphalt), Restrooms (seasonal), Trash
Facilities: Pier (asphalt), Restrooms (seasonal), Trash
This engaging nature trail in Fairhaven is a welcoming spot for the whole community to discover nature's classroom.
Size: 13 acres
Parking: Large paved parking lot at school
Facilities: Picnic Table
Parking: Large paved parking lot at school
Facilities: Picnic Table
With fields, stone walls, and golden yellow barns, East Over Reservation is a reminder of Rochester’s rural character.
Size: 75 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Facilities: None
These two tracts are part of a network of local conservation areas in Marion and Rochester that you can explore.
Size: 322 acres
Parking: Medium-sized parking area along County Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized parking area along County Road
Facilities: None
This popular birdwatching hotspot in Fairhaven offers sweeping salt marsh views from atop the stone dike.
Size: 3 acres
Parking: Street parking available on side roads along the Phoenix Bike Trail
Facilities: None
Parking: Street parking available on side roads along the Phoenix Bike Trail
Facilities: None
A natural oasis hidden in the North End of New Bedford, Flora B. Peirce Nature Trail takes visitors on a tour of forest life.
Size: 148 acres
Parking: Roadside parking on Falmouth Street
Facilities: None
Parking: Roadside parking on Falmouth Street
Facilities: None
Walk through birdsong-filled woods to the edge of rich salt pond habitat at Flume Pond in Falmouth.
Size: 28.6 acres
Parking: Small parking area across Sippewissett Rd. at Kelly Woodland
Facilities: None
Parking: Small parking area across Sippewissett Rd. at Kelly Woodland
Facilities: None
From fishing to hiking to paddling, discover a variety of activities on this eight-acre Westport property.
Size: 7.8 acres
Parking: Small pull-off area along Forge Road, on north side of Forge Pond
Facilities: None
Parking: Small pull-off area along Forge Road, on north side of Forge Pond
Facilities: None
With beautiful harbor views, a sandy beach, and a historic coastal fort, Fort Phoenix is a treasure for local residents.
Size: 9.3 acres
Parking: Three medium/large paved parking lots
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Showers (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Playground
Parking: Three medium/large paved parking lots
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Showers (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Playground
With a sandy beach, bike path, and fishing pier, Fort Taber Park offers sweeping Buzzards Bay views steeped in history.
Size: 50 acres
Parking: Large paved parking lot
Facilities: Pier (concrete), Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash, Playground, Learning/Visitor Center, Food/Concession (seasonal)
Parking: Large paved parking lot
Facilities: Pier (concrete), Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash, Playground, Learning/Visitor Center, Food/Concession (seasonal)
Explore tranquil ponds, wetlands, and woods at Bourne's Four Ponds Conservation Area and Town Forest in Pocasset.
Size: 280 acres
Parking: Small gravel parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Small gravel parking area
Facilities: None