Shaw Farm Trail

Explore beautiful coastal farmland and forests on Shaw Farm Trail, which connects Nasketucket Bay State Reservation with the popular bike path through Fairhaven and Mattapoisett. Stretching for nearly a mile, this Buzzards Bay Coalition trail offers local hikers, runners, birders, and families a place to discover Nasketucket Bay.

Features

Shaw Farm Trail winds through acres of coastal land that were preserved as part of a large conservation project the Buzzards Bay Coalition completed in 2014. The land along the trail provides habitat for wildlife and protects clean water in Nasketucket Bay. As you hike Shaw Farm Trail, enjoy the view knowing that these forests and fields have been protected forever.

Whether you want to take a family nature walk or a long hiking adventure, Shaw Farm Trail is a beautiful and convenient place to enjoy the outdoors. Soak up the scenery as you walk past idyllic stone walls, through meadows, and over boardwalks that cross streams and ferns.

a man walks on a trail through the woods

Whether you’re looking for a short walk with friends or a longer hike through the woods, Shaw Farm Trail is a perfect destination for anyone who loves exploring the outdoors.

Trails

Shaw Farm Trail is located on the popular Phoenix Bike Trail/Mattapoisett Rail Trail just east of Shaw Road in Fairhaven. There’s a bike rack at the trailhead, which makes it a perfect spot to stop and take a scenic walk. (Download trail map)

The trail connects the bike path with Nasketucket Bay State Reservation. Walk for about one mile, and you’ll reach the Bridle Trail at the state reservation. From here, we recommend walking all the way to the shores of Nasketucket Bay, where stunning views of water and wildlife await.

Much of Shaw Farm Trail passes through private property. Please stay on the trail and respect the land, private property, and other visitors during your visit.

Habitats & Wildlife

Shaw Farm Trail is a gateway to gorgeous coastal forests and farmland along Nasketucket Bay – one of Buzzards Bay’s healthiest waterways. Conserving land along Shaw Farm Trail will help protect clean water in Nasketucket Bay for fish, wildlife, and people.

Birders and wildlife enthusiasts love Shaw Farm Trail for its diverse array of animals. Look for hawks and ospreys soaring over the farm, and frogs and salamanders hiding near streams in the woods. In particular, this area provides habitat for eastern box turtles, which are vulnerable to human development.

Hunting is allowed around Shaw Farm Trail, so make sure to wear blaze orange during hunting season.

Property Owned By

The Buzzards Bay Coalition is a membership-supported nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration, protection, and sustainable use and enjoyment of our irreplaceable Bay and its watershed.

Details
Size: 0.9 miles
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Parking: Street parking on Shaw Road in Fairhaven; Large unpaved parking area at Nasketucket Bay State Reservation
Cost: Free
Trail Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate
Dogs: Yes (on leash)
Facilities: None
ADA Accessible: No

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Address & Contact Information
97 Shaw Rd.
Fairhaven, MA 02719
41.645880, -70.845394

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Shaw Farm Trail
Fairhaven, MA
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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

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.

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