The Bogs

Please Be Advised: Trails at The Bogs are temporarily closed during a planned wetland restoration. Visitors are encouraged to explore several other trails in the area, including the New Boston Trail and Tinkhamtown Woodlands. Click here to learn more.

In the heart of the Mattapoisett River Reserve lies The Bogs, a natural oasis located just minutes from Interstate 195 in Mattapoisett. With four miles of trails through woods, freshwater wetlands, and old cranberry bogs, this Buzzards Bay Coalition-owned property offers visitors a unique southeastern Massachusetts landscape to discover.

Features

a mother with two daughters on the trail at The Bogs

Families can explore The Bogs’ wide, sandy trails for frogs, birds, dragonflies, and wild-growing cranberries.

The Bogs is part of the Mattapoisett River Reserve, a growing network of 212 acres of conserved land in the Mattapoisett River valley. These habitats protect clean drinking water for residents of Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester.

The extraordinary natural features at The Bogs attract lots of local walkers, mountain bikers, and wildlife lovers. At the entrance to the property, 50 acres of cranberry bogs stretch out in front of you. Although these bogs are retired from commercial production, cranberries still grow wild in a few patches.

Along the property’s back edge, visitors will find a large, scenic freshwater shrub swamp – a rare habitat for southeastern New England. More than 120 acres of protected forest line the western slope of the property, with trails running through for visitors to discover.

Trails

The Bogs is a gateway to four miles of trails through the Mattapoisett River Reserve’s woods, freshwater wetlands, and retired cranberry bogs. The trails here connect with Tripps Mill and Tinkhamtown Woodlands, offering hours of hiking adventure for explorers of all ages. (Download trail map)

Beginning at the Acushnet Road parking area, set off down the flat, wide trails that crisscross the cranberry bogs. Meander around the bogs, search for our hidden geocache, or venture deeper into the property toward the peaceful stillness of the swamp and forest. At the end of the main trail through the woods, you’ll reach the Tripps Mill parking area. Carefully cross the road here to enjoy scenic views of Tinkham Pond.

The trails at The Bogs are particularly popular with dog owners. If you bring furry friends here, you must keep your dog under control at all times and clean up your dog’s waste so everyone can enjoy the trails.

Habitats & Wildlife

The Bogs is a refuge for a diverse array of wildlife, including birds, deer, and coyotes. In summer, watch for frogs, turtles, and dragonflies along the swamp’s quiet edge, while ospreys and red-tail hawks soar overhead. In fall and winter, ducks and geese visit to feed in shallow waters. Hunting is allowed at The Bogs, 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: 212 acres
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Parking: Small gravel parking area on Acushnet Road
Trail Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate
Dogs: Yes (under voice control)
Facilities: None
ADA Accessible: No

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Address & Contact Information
141 Acushnet Rd.
Mattapoisett, MA 02739
41.673360, -70.843869
Buzzards Bay Coalition: (508) 999-6363
Email: info@savebuzzardsbay.org

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

The Bogs
Mattapoisett, MA
View larger map
The restoration of The Bogs is funded in part by the
Massachusetts Environmental Trust.
secondary sponsor logo

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Mattapoisett River Reserve wetland restoration continues

It may look like a construction site at the Coalition's Mattapoisett River Reserve right now, but it's actually the largest "un-development," or wetland restoration, project ever undertaken on the Bay.

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UPDATE: Mattapoisett River Reserve wetland restoration continues, The Bogs and Tripps Mill trails temporarily closed

Construction to restore natural habitats at the Mattapoisett River Reserve is currently underway. Trails at The Bogs are currently closed, and the trails and parking area at Tripps Mill will be temporarily closed starting Tuesday, January 16.
Please enjoy other nearby trails that will remain open.

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Upcoming Events Near Here

Buzzards Bay Coalition Golf Tournament
Fri, October 18
12:30PM - 7:00PM
The Bay Club,
Mattapoisett
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

Nearby Places To Go

Tripps Mill

History and nature abound at Tripps Mill, a scenic trail and fishing spot on Tinkham Pond in Mattapoisett.

Tinkhamtown Woodlands

Tinkhamtown Woodlands and neighboring Woodcock Preserve include over 100 acres in the Mattapoisett River Reserve.

East Fairhaven School Trail

This engaging nature trail in Fairhaven is a welcoming spot for the whole community to discover nature's classroom.

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 ›
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Bay Health: Mattapoisett River

Find your water quality score in Bay Health ›