Phoenix Bike Trail

With its flat, paved path through 4.5 miles of Fairhaven’s forests, salt marshes, and neighborhoods, the Phoenix Bike Trail is a safe and beautiful place for local bicyclists, runners, and walkers to explore. Whether on wheels or on foot, discover this town-managed bike path, which is part of the regional South Coast Bikeway.

Features

The Phoenix Bike Trail in Fairhaven offers bicyclists more than four miles of paved pathways to discover. The bike path is flat and mostly tucked away from major traffic areas, which makes it perfect for outdoor explorers of all ages and abilities – from young families to active adults.

Want a longer exploration? The Phoenix Bike Trail links seamlessly with the Mattapoisett Rail Trail, creating an additional mile of bike path to Mattapoisett Neck Road. Both trails are also part of the South Coast Bikeway, a growing regional system of bike paths through southeastern Massachusetts.

For hikers, the Phoenix Bike Trail is a gateway to miles of walking trails through Nasketucket Bay State Reservation. Start at Shaw Farm Trail, located just past Shaw Road near the Mattapoisett town line, and begin a journey that will take you to the rocky shores of Nasketucket Bay. Even bicyclists can get in a walk here – just lock up your bike at the rack at the trailhead, and you’ll be on your way!

two cyclists riding on the Phoenix Bike Trail in Fairhaven during the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride

The Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride runs along the Phoenix Bike Path in Fairhaven for part of its 75-mile route.

Trails

The Phoenix Bike Trail runs west to east for approximately 3.5 miles. With the additional mile on the Mattapoisett Rail Trail and another mile-long extension that snakes down to Little Bay, you can bike, walk, or jog for over five miles on this flat, easy path. (Download trail map)

Beginning at the parking area on Main Street, take the bike path through residential neighborhoods to busy Sconticut Neck Road. There’s a traffic signal and marked crosswalk here, but please take caution when crossing the road. The bike path continues past homes, farms, and forest to the Mattapoisett town line, where it transitions into the Mattapoisett Rail Trail.

Just east of Sconticut Neck Road at Arsene Street lies the Little Bay Extension, a north-south path that runs for about one mile to the marshy shores of Little Bay. We recommend you explore this offshoot, which passes through the protected land of Little Bay Conservation Area. Pause at the pier overlooking Little Bay to enjoy the spectacular water views and peaceful hum of life along the coast.

Habitats & Wildlife

The Phoenix Bike Trail packs a diverse amount of scenery into its relatively short length. From the forests of Nasketucket Bay State Reservation to the salt marshes of Little Bay, you’ll experience the best of Fairhaven’s natural beauty from this path. These coastal habitats are thriving ecosystems where countless birds, fish, and shellfish species live.

Some sections of the bike path pass through residential and business neighborhoods. These areas are more developed, but they’re not short on wildlife. Look for birds like cardinals, sparrows, and black-capped chickadees flitting through the trees. On the ground, watch for rabbits and other small mammals darting among the grass.

Property Owned By
Details
Size: 4.5 miles
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking areas on Main Street and Arsene Street
Cost: Free
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Yes (on leash)
Facilities: Bicycle Racks, Trash, Picnic Tables
ADA Accessible: Yes

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Address & Contact Information
15 Main St.
Fairhaven, MA 02719
41.633770, -70.904511

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Phoenix Bike Trail
Fairhaven, MA
View larger map

Related Stories

390 Riders Enjoy New Scenic Route at 17th Annual Watershed Ride

After a summer full of rainy weekends, 390 riders enjoyed a crisp and clear fall day at the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride on Sunday, October 1. 

Full Story ›
Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride Adds New Coastal Feature to Route

The October 1st cycling fundraiser will now include the newly opened Shining Tides Mile on the Mattapoisett Rail Trail.

Full Story ›
Must-Do Scenic Bike Rides on the South Coast

Be sure to add Sunday, October 1st to your calendar, and cross the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride off of your biking bucket list!

Full Story ›

Upcoming Events Near Here

Buzzards Bay Swim – Registration Now Open!
Sat, June 22
6:30AM - 10:30AM
Fort Phoenix State Reservation,
Fairhaven
Falmouth Road Race
Sun, August 18
Woods Hole to Falmouth Heights,
Falmouth
Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride
Sun, October 06
Sakonnnet Point to Woods Hole,
Falmouth

Nearby Places To Go

Mattapoisett Rail Trail

The growing Mattapoisett Rail Trail offers a mile-long flat, paved bike path and a short footpath to the Mattapoisett River.

Shaw Farm Trail

Stretching for nearly a mile, Shaw Farm Trail offers hikers a place to explore Nasketucket Bay’s coastal farms and forests.

Little Bay Conservation Area (Fairhaven)

Branch off from the main route of Fairhaven’s Phoenix Bike Trail to explore the scenic shoreline at Little Bay Conservation Area.

Current Issues

Land Conservation

Conserving land is one of the most important ways to protect clean water in Buzzards Bay. Since 1998, the Coalition has forever preserved more than 7,000 acres of land across our region.

Read More ›
58
out of 100

Bay Health: Little Bay (Fairhaven)

Find your water quality score in Bay Health ›