A former refuge for the community's poor and ill, this coastal landscape boasts a centuries-old farmhouse and fields, with pastures bracketed by stone walls.

At Westport Town Farm, livestock graze on open fields. An antique farmhouse, dairy barn, corn crib, and stone walls dating back to Colonial times complete the picture of this bucolic working farm that served as a “poor farm” and infirmary for more than 100 years.

Explore this historic landscape along the easy, one-mile trail from the barnyard, which follows along stonewall-lined paddocks. As the trail crosses hillside pastures, it opens to an expansive view of the East Branch of the Westport River, then skirts the 10-acre hayfield before returning to the barnyard.

Westport Town Farm is not only scenic but possesses historic and ecological value. The farm’s dual legacy of nurturing those in need and raising vegetables and livestock weave together at this remarkable coastal landscape, where you’ll see ospreys, gulls, and the occasional bald eagle soar overhead.

From I-195, take Exit 10 to MA-88 South. Follow for 6.9 miles to the 4th traffic light. Take left onto Hix Bridge Road. Go 0.5 miles and take left at the stop sign (before the bridge) onto Drift Road. Town Farm is 0.6 miles on right. Parking will be on left.

A 1-mile loop trail passes through fields and pasture, affording fine views of the tidal Westport River.

The AllTrails website has a description and map of a hike at Westport Town Farm.