With nearly 400 acres of coastal forests set on some of Buzzards Bay’s clearest, healthiest waters, Nasketucket Bay State Reservation is a treasure for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. At this state park in Mattapoisett, you can explore five miles of trails through woods, meadows, and salt marshes to the rocky shores of Nasketucket Bay.

Tucked away at the end of winding Brandt Island Road in Mattapoisett, Nasketucket Bay State Reservation draws all types of outdoor explorers, from hikers, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers to locals looking to take a stroll with their dogs. All trails lead to the reservation’s most beautiful feature: the shoreline of Nasketucket Bay, with views of West Island and the shining waters of Buzzards Bay beyond.

Another great feature of Nasketucket Bay State Reservation is how simple it is to reach: come by car or take a quick detour off the Mattapoisett Rail Trail to bike to the park. Plus, with the Coalition’s new Shaw Farm Trail connecting the reservation with the Phoenix Bike Trail in Fairhaven, Nasketucket is easier than ever to discover.

Few coastal bays in Massachusetts have such rich natural resources as Nasketucket Bay: extensive eelgrass meadows, abundant shellfish beds, and large fish and wildlife populations. That’s due in large part to land conservation, which includes the state reservation. The nearly 400 acres of forests and wetlands here protect clean water in Nasketucket Bay and in Buzzards Bay.

Within the state reservation, a mixed forest of pine, oak, beech, birch, and remarkably tall holly trees creates a sheltered environment for birds, reptiles, and woodland mammals. There are three vernal pools hidden in the woods, which provide critical habitat for breeding frogs and salamanders. Along the shoreline, look for whelk, oyster, and clam shells strewn among the rocks – a sign of the wealth of shellfish life in these clean, healthy waters.

Nasketucket Bay State Reservation is home to six trails, each with its own distinct character. With the addition of Shaw Farm Trail, the state reservation now has a total of five miles of trails for you to explore.

The AllTrails website has a description and map of a hike at Nasketucket Bay State Reservation.