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.

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.

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.

Tripps Mill is managed by the Buzzards Bay Coalition.

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.

The AllTrails website has a description and map of a hike at Tripps Mill.