New Bedford Harbor Walk

Experience bustling New Bedford Harbor from up high on the New Bedford Harbor Walk, a city-owned walking and bike path in the South End. This newly opened paved walkway runs along the top of the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier, offering a unique view of the harbor where it meets the open waters of Buzzards Bay.

Features

The New Bedford Harbor Walk sits atop the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier on East Rodney French Boulevard. The hurricane barrier is said to be the longest in the world – and now, for the first time since it was built in the 1960s, locals can enjoy its spectacular panorama while walking, jogging, and biking along this paved, elevated path.

Palmers Island from the New Bedford Harbor Walk

The New Bedford Harbor Walk runs all the way to Palmer Island, where you can enjoy a view of the island’s iconic lighthouse amid fishing vessels on the inner harbor.

The Harbor Walk is the best place to see New Bedford’s unique mix of natural and man-made wonders. From up here, the views seem endless: look for landmarks like East Beach, Fort Taber, Butler Flats Lighthouse, Fort Phoenix, Palmers Island, the Port of New Bedford, and the sparkling waters of Buzzards Bay. Ferries and fishing vessels steam in and out of the harbor, passing through the narrow opening in the barrier just beyond the harbor walk’s end.

Trails

The New Bedford Harbor Walk begins next to the East Rodney French Boulevard boat ramp, stretching about three-quarters of a mile to its northern end at Gifford Street. Here, the harbor walk extends along the inside of the hurricane barrier past Palmers Island. At night, the walkway is lined with more than 160 light fixtures, so this is a nice spot for a stroll in the evening.

For a longer bike ride, continue south on the Saulnier Memorial Bike Trail, which connects with the harbor walk near the boat ramp and runs past East Beach, Fort Taber, and West Beach on Clarks Cove. It’s all part of The Blue Lane, network of pathways that connects neighborhoods along the New Bedford waterfront.

Habitats & Wildlife

The New Bedford Hurricane Barrier forms a dividing line between inner and outer New Bedford Harbor. The outer harbor mixes with the open waters of Buzzards Bay, creating an environment that’s full of diverse coastal life. On the inner harbor, the scene shifts to a busy industrial port lined with commercial fishing vessels.

Property Owned By
Details
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Parking: Small paved parking area at the end of Gifford Street; limited roadside parking along East Rodney French Boulevard
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
1560 East Rodney French Blvd.
New Bedford, MA 02744
41.611810, -70.907442

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

New Bedford Harbor Walk
New Bedford, 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
Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride
Sun, October 06
Sakonnnet Point to Woods Hole,
Falmouth

Nearby Places To Go

Saulnier Memorial Bike Trail

With spectacular open-water views, the Saulnier Memorial Bike Trail is the best route to tour New Bedford's scenic South End.

East Beach (New Bedford)

A wide, sandy beach on outer New Bedford Harbor, East Beach is a summertime destination for city families.

Fort Taber Park

With a sandy beach, bike path, and fishing pier, Fort Taber Park offers sweeping Buzzards Bay views steeped in history.

Current Issues

Toxic Pollution

Among all of the pollution threats to Buzzards Bay, toxic contamination has seen the greatest reductions in the past several decades. But toxic pollution is still a problem in parts of the Bay. Through strong, dedicated advocacy, the Coalition is working to make toxic pollution a relic of the past.

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Bay Health: Outer New Bedford Harbor

Find your water quality score in Bay Health ›