Little Bay Conservation Area (Bourne)
Bourne’s Little Bay Conservation Area packs a lot of Cape Cod scenery into one place. Here, you can stroll through rolling pine forests and explore the sandy shoreline of Little Bay – all along a single trail network. Take some time to discover this Bourne Conservation Trust property and its neighbor, Monks Park, the next time you’re seeking a walk that captures Buzzards Bay’s unique coastal geography.
Features
Take a seat and enjoy the view of Little Bay from this trailside bench atop a wooded hill at Little Bay Conservation Area.
There aren’t too many places around Buzzards Bay where you can climb hills through the forest and launch a kayak at a single location — but that’s what Little Bay Conservation Area and neighboring Monks Park have to offer. Whether you’re craving a leisurely beach walk or a quick woodland hike that will get your heart beating, you can find it here.
There’s another reason why Little Bay is worth a visit: the beautiful water views. Take a seat on one of the many trailside benches to stop and savor the sight of this sheltered bay, with wooded Tobey Island and upper Buzzards Bay in the distance. You might even see some interesting boats making their way in and out of the nearby Cape Cod Canal!
Trails
Begin your walk at Little Bay Conservation Area from one of two trailheads: forested Shore Road or Valley Bars Circle, near where the road ends at the shoreline. Both will connect you to Little Bay’s half-mile Loop Trail, which traverses the rolling woods. (Download trail map)
Want to get straight down to the water? Venture under the railroad bridge and turn right to discover a sandy path that leads through low marsh grasses to a scenic peninsula. This is a fantastic spot to explore with kids or on your own for a quiet walk.
For a longer walk, cross Valley Bars Circle to head into neighboring Monks Park. The trails at both properties are well marked with signs and maps, making for an adventure that’s suitable for nearly all outdoor explorers.
Habitats & Wildlife
Why are there so many hills at Little Bay and Monks Park? This area is part of the Falmouth moraine, which was formed by glaciers during the last Ice Age. As the glaciers advanced and retreated, they deposited large rocks and debris that created what’s now Cape Cod.
These forested hills sit right along the sandy salt marsh-lined shores of Little Bay. Many species seek shelter in these protected waters, including small fish and crabs. You can dig for quahogs here with a valid Bourne shellfish license, and it’s a great place to try and catch blue crabs with your kids.
The Bourne Conservation Trust (BCT) is a nonprofit land trust with a primary objective of acquiring land and leaving it in its natural state. The BCT owns and maintains over 200 acres of open space with miles of walking trails.
Download Property Map