New Bedford CoveWalk

Stroll along a creative connection of nature, community, and art on the CoveWalk, part of The Blue Lane in New Bedford’s South End. This city-owned paved path runs atop the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier on Clarks Cove, offering a sweeping water view for runners, cyclists, dog walkers, families with strollers, and everyone else seeking a refreshing outdoor experience.

Features

A woman riding her bike on the New Bedford CoveWalk during the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride.

Ride your bike along the CoveWalk to experience New Bedford’s unique blend of nature, art, and urban scenery.

The New Bedford CoveWalk sits atop the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier – said to be the longest in the world. Now, you can enjoy its spectacular panorama while walking, jogging, and biking. The CoveWalk’s urban location is accessible to thousands of local residents, and bright murals painted along the walkway tie the city’s artistic reputation together with its natural wonders.

From this smooth, elevated walkway, you have a front-row view of Clarks Cove and the sparkling waters of Buzzards Bay. As you walk, anglers fish along the rocks below while powerboats cruise in and out of the nearby boat ramp. In summer, small, colorful sailboats dot the water as kids learn how to sail with the Community Boating Center.

Trails

The New Bedford CoveWalk stretches for more than a mile from Cove Road to West Rodney French Boulevard. There are three entrances: one at both ends and a third near the middle. At night, the walkway is lined with hundreds of light fixtures, so this is a nice spot for a stroll in the evening.

For a longer walk or bike ride, continue south on the Saulnier Memorial Bike Trail. This flat, paved bike path connects with the CoveWalk and runs past West Beach, Fort Taber Park, and East Beach to the New Bedford HarborWalk. It’s all part of The Blue Lane, a network of pathways that connects neighborhoods along the New Bedford waterfront.

Habitats & Wildlife

Clarks Cove is home to a variety of wildlife, much of which lies beneath the water’s surface. Many different species of birds – herring gulls, terns, egrets, and wintering waterfowl – give away the presence of the cove’s abundant fish and shellfish populations. Gulls often use the CoveWalk’s flat, paved path to crack open quahogs, so keep an eye out for pieces of these beautiful purple-lined shells when you’re walking.

Property Owned By
Details
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Parking: Small paved designated parking area on Cove Road at center entrance; medium-sized paved shared parking area on West Rodney French Boulevard at east entrance; small unpaved parking area on Cove Road at west entrance
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Yes (on leash)
Facilities: Trash
ADA Accessible: Yes

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Address & Contact Information
1087 Cove Rd.
New Bedford, MA 02744
41.614917, -70.921329
Parks Recreation & Beaches Department: (508) 961-3015

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

New Bedford CoveWalk
New Bedford, MA
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Sat, June 22
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66
out of 100

Bay Health: Inner Clarks Cove

Find your water quality score in Bay Health ›