The South Coast of Massachusetts is home to some of the best walking trails in the state. From quiet coastal paths to scenic nature reserves along Buzzards Bay, there’s plenty to explore. Often overlooked, this region offers miles of shoreline and salt marshes, along with trails that feel far removed from the crowds.
What sets the South Coast apart is its sense of space—these are places where you can walk for a while and feel like you’ve stepped away from everything.
Whether you’re after a breezy waterfront walk, a rugged island loop, or a peaceful hike through pine barrens, the South Coast offers a wide range of experiences.
Beach & Coastal Walking Trails on the South Coast
New Bedford Harborwalk, New Bedford | Start in the heart of New Bedford along this paved, accessible path tracing the harbor’s edge. Smooth and wide, it’s ideal for all ages and abilities. Along the way, keep an eye out for fiddler crabs and passing boats, with benches and picnic areas offering places to pause and take in the harbor views.
Demarest Lloyd State Park, Dartmouth | Demarest Lloyd sits quietly on the mouth of the Slocums River, overlooking Buzzards Bay. Here, easy trails wind through tidal marshes and hilly oak forest, opening to calm, expansive water views. At low tide, sandbars emerge and the shoreline transforms into a natural playground. Look for herons and egrets wading through the salt marsh. It’s peaceful, uncrowded, and well worth the trip.
Horseneck Beach State Reservation, Westport | Few South Coast destinations match the scale of Horseneck. Nearly 600 acres of protected land border a two-mile stretch of shoreline. A paved, ADA-accessible path runs alongside the beach. Nearby, Gooseberry Island offers a more rugged experience, with loop trails and panoramic views across Buzzards Bay.
Historic Coastal Parks & Nature Trails
Fort Taber Park, New Bedford | Located at the southern tip of New Bedford, Fort Taber Park blends history with scenic coastal walks. Trails wind along the harbor and beachfront, offering open sightlines across Buzzards Bay. The park features a historic fort, military museum, and walking paths that connect to the nearby Marina Park.
Frank Knowles / Little River Reserve, Dartmouth | Trails here weave through salt marshes, wetlands, and coastal fields, with subtle hints of history along the way. Keep an eye out for old stone walls and the foundations of long-ago farmsteads — quiet reminders of the land’s past before it became protected open space. Elevated boardwalk paths make this a peaceful spot for birdwatching and easy exploration of the South Coast’s natural beauty.
Fort Phoenix State Reservation, Fairhaven | Just across the harbor from New Bedford, Fort Phoenix is one of those spots locals love and visitors rarely forget. The reservation sits on outer New Bedford Harbor, offering sweeping sights of Buzzards Bay. Additionally, a path leads through the dunes to the beach, making it enjoyable to explore. Parking is available on-site, making it an easy stop to add to your route. History lovers will appreciate the preserved Revolutionary War fort right on-site.
South Coast Walking Trails & Nature Hikes
Red Brook Trail Network, Wareham | A great find for hikers, this trail system features three connected loops — Jasper’s Trail, Turtle Trail, and Kora’s Trail — woven through the Red Brook watershed and Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens. The paths wind along the river, through wooded stretches, and around abandoned cranberry bogs. Along the way, the landscape shifts subtly. Some sections, particularly along Turtle Trail, include moderately steep terrain, adding a bit of challenge.
Nasketucket Bay State Reservation, Mattapoisett | Further down the coast, Nasketucket Bay is a quieter but equally rewarding stop. Five miles of trails stretch across coastal fields and forests before reaching the rocky shore of Nasketucket Bay. The scenery is varied and beautiful throughout. It’s a wonderful spot for birdwatching, and the coastal stretches at the end of the trail are well worth the walk.
East Over Reservation, Rochester | Finally, head inland to East Over Reservation in Rochester for something a little different. This Trustees property feels like stepping back in time. Broad open fields, iconic yellow farm buildings, and two miles of elegant double-faced stone walls define the landscape. The walls alone took more than a decade to complete in the 19th century. It’s a quieter, more contemplative kind of outing. The surrounding fields support a range of wildlife, including blue-winged warblers, Eastern towhees, and cottontail rabbits.
Get Out There & Explore the South Coast
Overall, the South Coast rewards those willing to explore. From harborside walks and dune-lined paths to wooded trails and quiet coastal preserves, this region offers remarkable variety. Whether you’re visiting for the day or returning often, these walks offer a different way to experience the coastline—and, for many, a reason to keep coming back.