Tripps Mill

History and natural beauty abound at Tripps Mill, a scenic waterfront spot in the expanding Mattapoisett River Reserve. Located next to Tinkham Pond in Mattapoisett, this Buzzards Bay Coalition-owned property is an ideal place to enjoy a walk in the woods or an afternoon of freshwater fishing in the pond.

Features

the remnants of a former mill on Tinkham Pond in Mattapoisett

The remnants of an old mill at Tripps Mill offer a scenic point of interest for hikers, anglers, and nature lovers of all ages.

Tripps Mill is part of the Mattapoisett River Reserve, a growing network of 212 acres of conserved land in the Mattapoisett River valley. These habitats protect clean drinking water for residents of Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy the serene beauty that a visit to Tripps Mill offers. Journey along four miles of trails through the forest, or drop a line into Tinkham Pond and search for freshwater fish like sunfish, perch, and pickerel. (For your safety, please keep out of the spillway area.) Want a fun treasure-hunting adventure? Bring your kids to search for our hidden geocache along the pond’s wooded edge.

Tripps Mill is the site of a former sawmill along Tripps Mill Brook, a small stream that flows to the Mattapoisett River. This historic water-powered sawmill was one of many that serviced the industry in this area. Today, the remnants of the mill on Tinkham Pond are a scenic point of interest.

Trails

Tripps Mill is a gateway to four miles of trails through the Mattapoisett River Reserve’s woods, freshwater wetlands, and retired cranberry bogs. The trails here connect with The Bogs and Tinkhamtown Woodlands, offering hours of hiking adventure for explorers of all ages. (Download trail map)

Beginning at the Acushnet Road parking area, set off into the woods on a flat, easy trail that follows the flow of Tripps Mill Brook. Cross a rustic footbridge over the brook to explore a loop trail through the forest, or keep walking on the main trail toward a large, scenic freshwater shrub swamp. This habitat, rare for southeastern New England, is a great place to stop and look for wildlife.

The trails at Tripps Mill are particularly popular with dog owners. If you bring furry friends here, you must keep your dog under control at all times and clean up your dog’s waste so everyone can enjoy the trails.

Habitats & Wildlife

Tripps Mill is a refuge for a diverse array of wildlife, including birds, deer, and coyotes. In summer, watch for frogs, turtles, and dragonflies along the swamp’s quiet edge, while ospreys and red-tail hawks soar overhead. In fall and winter, ducks and geese visit to feed in shallow waters. Hunting is allowed at Tripps Mill, so make sure to wear blaze orange during hunting season.

If you’re seeking wildlife, we recommend a visit to Tinkham Pond, across the road from the parking area. You’ll often see herons and egrets wading along the pond’s swampy edge, and wildflowers bloom here in summer. Quiet visitors might even spot a turtle sunning itself on a rock.

Property Owned By

The Buzzards Bay Coalition is a membership-supported nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration, protection, and sustainable use and enjoyment of our irreplaceable Bay and its watershed.

Details
Size: 212 acres
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Parking: Small gravel parking area on Acushnet Road
Trail Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate
Dogs: Yes (under voice control)
Facilities: None
Boat Ramp: No
ADA Accessible: No

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Address & Contact Information
Acushnet Road
Mattapoisett, MA 02739
41.681779, -70.857120
Buzzards Bay Coalition: (508) 999-6363
Email: info@savebuzzardsbay.org

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Tripps Mill
Mattapoisett, MA
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Upcoming Events Near Here

Buzzards Bay Coalition Golf Tournament
Fri, October 18
12:30PM - 7:00PM
The Bay Club,
Mattapoisett
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

Nearby Places To Go

The Bogs

In the heart of the Mattapoisett River valley lies The Bogs, an oasis of forests, freshwater swamps, and cranberry bogs.

Tinkhamtown Woodlands

Tinkhamtown Woodlands and neighboring Woodcock Preserve include over 100 acres in the Mattapoisett River Reserve.

East Fairhaven School Trail

This engaging nature trail in Fairhaven is a welcoming spot for the whole community to discover nature's classroom.

Current Issues

Land Conservation

Conserving land is one of the most important ways to protect clean water in Buzzards Bay. Since 1998, the Coalition has forever preserved more than 7,000 acres of land across our region.

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