Lyman Reserve

Discover a diverse paradise of woods, wetlands, and shorelines at the Lyman Reserve, which protects a treasured coldwater trout stream as it flows into Buttermilk Bay. Owned by The Trustees, this 210-acre property spans the borders of Bourne, Plymouth, and Wareham, showcasing the unique coastal habitats and iconic scenery of upper Buzzards Bay.

Features

a man and a woman standing by the salt marsh at the Lyman Reserve in Bourne holding a blue crab

Explore the salt marsh at the Lyman Reserve, where you can catch blue crabs and discover life by the shores of Red Brook.

The Lyman Reserve sits at the mouth of Red Brook, a pristine coldwater stream where rare sea-run brook trout spawn. Led by Theodore Lyman in the late 1800s, the Lyman family purchased hundreds of acres around Red Brook to conserve a critical habitat for these native “salters.”

The land that surrounds Red Brook is ecologically rich; with wooded uplands, swampy wetlands, and sandy shores, the Lyman Reserve is a fascinating place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. Visit in summer to paddle the sparkling waters of Buttermilk Bay, or in fall to hike or fish by the red maple swamp. In the distance, catch a glimpse of the Cape Cod Canal railroad bridge towering above the trees.

Trails

More than a mile of hiking trails snake through the Lyman Reserve, providing a gateway to explore this naturally diverse treasure. (Download trail map)

From the parking area, follow the left-leading trail to discover a 1.5-mile path through wetlands and woodlands. Soak up stunning views of swamps and salt marshes as you cross a rustic footbridge over Red Brook. Keep following the trail along the stream, or turn left to loop through a patch of scrubby pine barrens.

To reach the beach, carefully cross Red Brook Road toward the yellow Lyman Cottage. You’ll enjoy the short, scenic quarter-mile trail leading to the gently lapping waves of Buttermilk Bay. For paddlers, this path is just the right length to carry a kayak or paddleboard to the water’s edge.

The Trustees recommends taking at least an hour to explore this property. But with so much to see and do here, we suggest you forget your watch at home and let adventure lead.

Habitats & Wildlife

The star of the Lyman Reserve is Red Brook, a spring-fed coldwater stream that’s home to one of the best native sea-run brook trout fisheries in the eastern United States. Red Brook is a popular destination for fly fishers – but it’s catch-and-release only to protect the future of the fishery. Freshwater wetlands along Red Brook give way to forested uplands, where a mix of pines and oaks grow.

Tucked away on the other side of the road, Buttermilk Bay’s coastal shoreline features a sandy beach and salt marsh where wildlife like herons and egrets thrive. Peek into the marsh to search for blue crabs, and watch for ospreys that nest near the shore in summer.

Property Owned By

The Trustees preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts.

Details
Size: 210 acres
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Cost: Free
Trail Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate
Dogs: Yes (on leash)
Facilities: Picnic Tables, Trash
Boat Ramp: No
Lifeguards: No
ADA Accessible: No

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Address & Contact Information
110 Red Brook Rd.
Plymouth, MA 02360
41.763837, -70.631424

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Lyman Reserve
Plymouth, 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
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Falmouth

Nearby Places To Go

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From the fish ladder to the glacial moraine, explore Bourne's natural history at Carter Beal Conservation Area.

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With over 12,000 acres to hike, bike, fish, camp, and hunt, you'll never run out of ways to have fun at Myles Standish in Carver.

Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore pine forests and salt marshes overlooking the entrance to the Cape Cod Canal at Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary.

Current Issues

Restoring Streams & Wetlands

The Coalition is working to restore damaged streams and wetlands in places like the Acushnet River, the Weweantic River, and the Mattapoisett River to protect clean water and improve the health of the Bay ecosystem so fish, wildlife, and people can thrive.

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