Red Brook Pond Conservation Area

For a peaceful walk through classic Cape Cod scenery, head to Red Brook Pond Conservation Area in the Bourne village of Pocasset. With rolling trails through the woods, past working cranberry bogs, and along placid Red Brook Pond, this Bourne Conservation Trust property is an enjoyable place to explore any time of year.

Features

A woman walking in the woods at Red Brook Pond Conservation Area in Bourne.

Take a quiet walk through the woods on Red Brook Pond Conservation Area’s mile-long network of scenic, looping trails.

Red Brook Pond Conservation Area lies just a stone’s throw from bustling Red Brook Harbor. In contrast with its busy neighbor, Red Brook Pond Conservation Area is an oasis of dense forests and quiet fresh waters. For anyone looking for an escape to nature, these trails have it all: woodlands, wildlife, and even working cranberry bogs along the far end of the trail. The views are particularly beautiful in fall, when cranberries ripen red and vibrant autumn leaves reflect on the pond’s surface.

Trails

The mile-long trail network at Red Brook Pond Conservation Area forms a large loop with multiple path options. Along these sandy, well-marked trails, you can tour the entire property in about an hour. (Download trail map)

For a quick jaunt down to Red Brook Pond, take the short loop trail from the parking area. There are several benches along the pond where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the view.

To reach the longer loop walk, follow the path that runs parallel with Thaxter Road. (Make sure to follow all posted trail signs and respect private property.) We recommend you start on the North Trail, which begins across the road. The trails are hilly in spots as they climb up and down ridges – remnants of the area’s glacial past. But the trek is worth it for the views: from up high, you can gaze out over the bogs and the pond through the trees. Benches in the most scenic spots allow you to stop and stay awhile.

Habitats & Wildlife

Red Brook Pond Conservation Area’s 40 acres are home to a diverse array of habitats, from its mixed oak and pitch pine forest to the cranberry bogs and freshwater pond. This variety of habitats provides shelter for lots of wildlife. Red Brook Pond is a particularly good place to watch for wintering waterfowl, including species like buffleheads, black ducks, and Canada geese.

Property Owned By

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.

Details
Size: 40 acres
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Parking: Small unpaved parking area on Thaxter Road
Trail Difficulty: Intermediate
Dogs: Yes (under voice control)
Facilities: None
Boat Ramp: No
Lifeguards: No
ADA Accessible: No

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Address & Contact Information
Thaxter Road
Bourne, MA 02559
41.678457, -70.611163
Bourne Conservation Trust: (508) 563-2884
Email: info@bourneconservationtrust.org

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Red Brook Pond Conservation 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

Four Ponds Conservation Area – Bourne Town Forest

Explore tranquil ponds, wetlands, and woods at Bourne's Four Ponds Conservation Area and Town Forest in Pocasset.

Cataumet Greenway

See a sampling of all of Bourne’s vibrant natural scenery on one walk when you visit Cataumet Greenway.

Lawrence Island

Whether by foot or on a kayak, make time to explore the sandy, protected shores of Lawrence Island in Cataumet.

Current Issues

Cranberry Bogs

Cranberry bogs are an important part of our landscape and heritage. But with so many bogs in the Buzzards Bay region, cranberry agriculture can be source of nitrogen pollution to our waterways.

Read More ›
NA