The trail circles by each of the seven ponds in the wildlife management area.

The majority of Hartley Reservoir Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is made up of shallow flooded impoundments that were formerly part of an active cranberry bog operation. Common wetland vegetation on the property includes red maple, sweet pepperbush, water milfoil, water lily, reedgrass, and buttonbush, with the upland portions dominated by white pine, red oak, black oak, red maple, black cherry and lowbush blueberry. The remnant dike roads on the property are dominated by upland grasses, and they are maintained by regular mowing to serve as walking trails. The Mattapoisett River flows through the WMA, with a small dam located at the south end of the property. There is also a bypass canal that was created to ensure passage of River Herring that spawn upstream in Snipatuit Pond. “Grandma Hartley’s Reservoir” has served as the starting point for the annual Memorial Day Mattapoisett River canoe race since it began in 1934. 

The WMA is accessible via a small dirt parking lot located on the north side of Hartley Road, approximately 600 feet west of the intersection with Snipatuit Road. From that point, foot access is available throughout the property via the network of old cranberry bog dike roads.

Wildlife viewing is quite good due to the dike trails, habitat diversity and extent of open wetlands associated with the former cranberry bogs. The area that is now the Hartley Reservoir WMA was originally part of an active cranberry bog operation dating back to the early to mid 1900’s. At the time of the Division’s acquisition of the property in 1968, the bogs had been abandoned for some time; however the entire cranberry bog infrastructure remained including flume (water control structures) and former bog units.

Take in scenic water and woodland views around the seven ponds of Hartley Reservoir Wildlife Management Area in Rochester. This state-owned preserve is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, from fishing and boating to hiking and biking, as well as a fantastic place to spot birds, turtles, and other wildlife.  

Hartley Wildlife Management Area offers boundless water views around seven freshwater ponds.

No matter how you like to get outside, you’ll find something to do at Hartley Reservoir Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The centerpiece of this WMA is its seven ponds, created from former cranberry bogs built almost a century ago. Freshwater fish are abundant here, and the ponds’ shallow waters and many open banks make this a perfect place to introduce young kids to angling. When water levels are high enough, these interconnected ponds are great to explore by canoe and kayak, which you can launch from Snipatuit Road. In fact, the WMA’s easternmost pond, known as Grandma Hartley’s Pond, serves as the starting point for the annual Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race, which runs down the Mattapoisett River.

If you’re looking for an adventure on dry land, look no further than the stunning loop trail around Hartley’s ponds. This path is a great place to walk, trail run, cross-country ski, or mountain bike, offering incredible water views and great opportunities to spot wildlife.

Because the Division of Fish & Wildlife manages this property, hunting for waterfowl is also permitted here. Walkers and accompanying dogs should wear orange and take caution during hunting season.
Trails

Wildlife thrives around Hartley’s shallow ponds. The seven ponds are a popular place to spot birds, from hawks, wild turkey, songbirds, and woodpeckers to water-loving species like blue heron, kingfisher, and migratory ducks. In the spring, several pairs of swans nest and raise their young in these waters. 

Hartley Wildlife Management Area is usually relatively quiet, giving careful explorers the opportunity to spot shy species like foxes and deer. Black racer snakes are a common sight, basking in the sun or darting out from the undergrowth along the trail. In the ponds, you may be lucky enough to spot turtles, swimming muskrats, and even river otters. 

A 0.75-mile long loop trail cuts around and between the ponds in the southwest section of the Hartley Reservoir Wildlife Management Area. Starting just behind from the parking lot, the trail crosses through mature forest and rich wetlands, as well as between the ponds themselves. (Download trail map)

This trail is flat along most of the system and can be easily followed, but there are several overgrown side trails that may confuse explorers. When in doubt, stick to the path closest to the water’s edge. For some of the best views, we recommend following one of the small, elevated trails that cut directly across the ponds. These trails are the remnants of service paths for the former cranberry bogs; today, their banks grow thick with interesting marsh plants and flowers, and offer stunning 360-degree water views.