Bourne Recreation Area

COVID-19 Update: On March 20, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers closed Canal recreation facilities. No restrooms or trash receptacles will be available, and a strict carry-in, carry-out policy is in effect for all trash and pet waste. Parking lots remain open, and visitors are urged to maintain a safe distance between themselves and other visitors while using the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway.

Situated in the shadow of the Bourne Bridge on Cape Cod, Bourne Recreation Area is a gateway to fishing, walking, and bicycling along the Cape Cod Canal. Admire views of the bridge from a new angle at this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation area, or bring a picnic to enjoy with family while you watch ships parade past.

Features

Located under the busy Bourne Bridge, Bourne Recreation Area is one of several U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas along the Cape Cod Canal. From here, you can cast a line into the canal in search of stripers and sea bass. Gaze west to the iconic Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge. Boats constantly cruise past here, adding to the canal’s fascinating scenery.

oil barge and tugs on Cape Cod Canal from bikeway

Take a bike ride on the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway from Bourne Recreation Area and watch busy ship traffic on the canal while you ride.

Trails

Bourne Recreation Area is an access point to the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway, a paved service road that runs for 6.5 miles along the canal. This wide, flat trail is perfect for all ages to bike, walk, and run on the canal’s southern shore. Start your trip west, and you’ll reach Tidal Flats Recreation Area on Buzzards Bay in just two short miles – an ideal length for a family ride or a walk with friends.

Habitats & Wildlife

In every season, the ships on the Cape Cod Canal are joined by birds: brant geese and common eider in the winter and kingfisher, ducks, and ospreys in the summer. Even bald eagles have been seen here, as have peregrine falcons and wild turkeys. Under the waves, migratory fish swim, as well as the occasional harbor seal.

Property Owned By

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers works to strengthen our nation’s security by building and maintaining America’s infrastructure.

Details
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking lot
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Yes (on leash)
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic tables, Trash
ADA Accessible: Yes

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Address & Contact Information
145 Sandwich Rd.
Bourne, MA 02532
41.746562, -70.588483

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Bourne Recreation Area
Bourne, MA
View larger map

Related Stories

URGENT – Watershed Ride Route & Weather Update
Championing two causes at the Watershed Ride

Ken Cheitlin will be riding in his ninth Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride, once again leading the charge for the Bourne Rail Trail Blazers team.

Full Story ›
10 beautiful beaches on Buzzards Bay to visit this summer

Some of these Buzzards Bay beaches are crowd favorites, while others are hidden gems waiting for you to discover.

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

Tidal Flats Recreation Area

Explore the Cape Cod Canal from Tidal Flats Recreation Area in Bourne, located at the foot of the iconic railroad bridge.

Buzzards Bay Recreation Area

Explore the Cape Cod Canal from Buzzards Bay Recreation Area in Bourne, located at the foot of the iconic railroad bridge.

Herring Run Recreation Area

Herring Run Recreation Area's name tells you why it's special — it's home to a herring run on Cape Cod Canal.

Current Issues

Nitrogen Pollution

Nitrogen pollution is the greatest long-term threat to the health of Buzzards Bay. We all contribute nitrogen pollution to our local waterways. Fortunately, we can all do our part to stop it.

Read More ›