Best Hiking Trails on the South Coast

The South Coast might surprise you with its hiking. While the Cape gets all the attention for coastal walks, our region offers thousands of acres of conservation land, state forests, and hidden trails that most people never discover. From the vast wilderness of Freetown-Fall River State Forest to quiet coastal paths along Buzzards Bay, these trails showcase the South Coast's diverse landscapes: dense forests, salt marshes, rivers, ponds, and Atlantic coastline.

This guide covers the best hiking trails across all 20 South Coast towns, with practical details about distance, difficulty, what to expect, and where to park. Whether you want a quick nature walk or a challenging all-day hike, you'll find it here.

Understanding the Trail Ratings

• Easy: Flat, well-maintained, suitable for families and beginners. Under 3 miles.
• Easy-Moderate: Some hills or uneven terrain, generally well-marked. 2-5 miles.
• Moderate: Hills, potentially rough terrain, requires basic fitness. 3-7 miles.
• Moderate-Challenging: Significant elevation, longer distance, or potentially confusing trails. 5-10 miles.
• Challenging: Difficult terrain, long distance, navigation skills helpful. 8+ miles.

Freetown-Fall River State Forest

The crown jewel of South Coast hiking. This 5,441-acre state forest spans Freetown and Fall River, offering the most extensive trail network in the region.

Wampanoag Commemorative Canoe Passage

• Distance: 3.5 miles one-way (7 miles round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Multiple access points; parking off Slab Bridge Road
• Highlights: Follows the Assonet River through pine forests, several river crossings on bridges, historical significance as Native American route
• Best for: Longer hikes, solitude, river scenery
• Notes: Trail can be wet in spring; wear waterproof boots. Well-marked with blue blazes.

Ledge Road Trail System

• Distance: Various loops, 2-8 miles possible
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate depending on route
• Trailhead: Parking areas off Bell Rock Road and Ledge Road
• Highlights: Pine barrens, rocky outcrops, pond views, excellent for mountain biking too
• Best for: Loop hikes, families, dogs
• Notes: Popular with mountain bikers on weekends. Multiple trail intersections—bring a map or use AllTrails app.

Profile Rock

• Distance: 2 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Trailhead: Profile Rock parking area off Route 24
• Highlights: Famous rock formation resembling a face, short hike to unique geological feature
• Best for: Quick hike with a destination, kids, photography
• Notes: The rock is cool but small—don't expect Mount Rushmore. The hike through pine forest is lovely.

Copicut Woods (Freetown-Fall River State Forest section)

• Distance: Varies, up to 10+ miles of trails
• Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging
• Trailhead: High Street entrance (Freetown side)
• Highlights: Remote, rugged, true wilderness feel. Includes parts of the larger Copicut Reserve.
• Best for: Experienced hikers, solitude seekers, wildlife watching
• Notes: Easy to get turned around—bring map, compass, or GPS. Cell service is spotty. This is serious hiking.

General Freetown Forest Tips:

• Download trail maps before you go (available from MA DCR website)
• Tick checks are essential—Lyme disease is prevalent
• Hunting season (fall/winter)—wear blaze orange if hiking during hunting periods
• Free parking at all trailheads
• No facilities—plan accordingly

Dartmouth Trails

Dartmouth has invested heavily in conservation land, creating an excellent network of accessible trails.

Destruction Brook Woods

• Distance: 3-5 miles of trails (various loops possible)
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Trailhead: Fisher Road parking area
• Highlights: 557 acres, boardwalks over wetlands, diverse habitats, excellent bird watching, well-maintained trails
• Best for: Family hikes, nature photography, accessible hiking
• Notes: Some of the best trail infrastructure on the South Coast. Educational signs throughout. Popular with dog walkers.

Slocum's River Reserve

• Distance: 2-3 miles of trails
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Destruction Road or Rock O'Dundee Road
• Highlights: Salt marsh views, tidal river, coastal ecosystems, connects to Destruction Brook
• Best for: Coastal hiking, bird watching, easy walks
• Notes: Bring binoculars—excellent for shorebirds and waterfowl.

Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary

• Distance: 2 miles of trails
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Horseneck Road (near Westport border)
• Highlights: Barrier beach, salt marsh, pond, exceptional bird watching (managed by Mass Audubon)
• Best for: Nature lovers, birders, beach-forest combination hike
• Notes: Small parking fee for non-members. Worth every penny for the habitat diversity.

Little River Reserve

• Distance: 1.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Potomska Road
• Highlights: Tidal creek, marsh views, short but scenic
• Best for: Quick nature fix, sunrise/sunset walks

Westport Trails

Gooseberry Neck/East Beach Area

• Distance: 2-4 miles (various routes possible)
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Trailhead: East Beach Road (very limited parking)
• Highlights: Coastal trails, beach access, Atlantic views, rocky outcrops, wild and beautiful
• Best for: Coastal hiking, beachcombing, solitude
• Notes: Parking is extremely limited—arrive early. Trails are informal and can be hard to follow. Worth the effort.

Cherry & Webb Conservation Area

• Distance: 2-3 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Drift Road
• Highlights: Farmland views, meadows, peaceful walking
• Best for: Easy nature walks, less crowded alternative

New Bedford & Fairhaven Trails

Fort Taber/Fort Rodman Loop

• Distance: 1-2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Fort Taber Park, New Bedford
• Highlights: Harbor views, historic fortifications, Hurricane Barrier walk, city waterfront access
• Best for: Urban hiking, combining history with nature, accessible walks
• Notes: Paved and unpaved paths. Great for sunrise/sunset. Free parking.

Buttonwood Park Loop

• Distance: 1.5 miles around pond
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Multiple park entrances, New Bedford
• Highlights: Historic park, pond views, paved paths, playground access
• Best for: Family walks, stroller-friendly, casual exercise

Phoenix Bike Trail (Fairhaven)

• Distance: 2.3 miles one-way
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Fort Phoenix to Sconticut Neck Road, Fairhaven
• Highlights: Paved rail trail, waterfront views, connects fort to neighborhoods
• Best for: Biking, walking, jogging, family outings
• Notes: Fully paved and accessible. Popular with cyclists.

Mattapoisett & Marion Trails

Mattapoisett River Reserve

• Distance: 3-4 miles of trails
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Trailhead: Brandt Island Road, Mattapoisett/Rochester line
• Highlights: River views, forested trails, interpretive signs about ecology and history
• Best for: Peaceful nature hikes, educational walks, families
• Notes: Well-maintained by local conservation group. Some wet areas in spring.

Aucoot Woods (Marion)

• Distance: 2-3 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Point Road, Marion
• Highlights: Coastal forest, quiet trails, accessible from village
• Best for: Local walks, dog-friendly hiking

Acushnet & Rochester Trails

Acushnet River Reserve

• Distance: 1-2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Main Street, Acushnet (near sawmill)
• Highlights: Historic sawmill, herring run in spring, riverside trails, picnic areas
• Best for: Short family hikes, historical interest, spring herring viewing
• Notes: Peak visit time is late April/May for herring run.

Rochester Conservation Lands

• Distance: Various, typically 1-3 miles
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Trailhead: Multiple small parcels throughout Rochester
• Highlights: Rural character, cranberry bogs, quiet woods
• Best for: Exploring off-the-beaten-path conservation areas
• Notes: Less developed than Dartmouth trails but peaceful and scenic.

Rehoboth Trails

Palmer River Wildlife Management Area

• Distance: 2-4 miles of trails
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Trailhead: Access points along County Street, Rehoboth
• Highlights: River valley, wetlands, diverse wildlife, less crowded than state forests
• Best for: Wildlife watching, quiet hikes, fishing access
• Notes: Trails can be wet and informal. Hunting area in season—check regulations and wear orange in fall.

Hidden Gems & Lesser-Known Trails

Haskell Swamp Wildlife Management Area (New Bedford/Dartmouth)

• Distance: 2-3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate (can be very wet)
• Highlights: True swamp ecosystem, wildlife, solitude
• Best for: Adventurous hikers who don't mind wet feet
• Notes: Bring waterproof boots. Remote and wild.

Cornell Pond (Fall River)

• Distance: 1-2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Small pond, neighborhood trail, accessible urban nature
• Best for: Quick walks, local access for Fall River residents

Seasonal Hiking Guide

Spring (March-May)

• Best trails: Acushnet Sawmill (herring run), Destruction Brook (wildflowers), coastal trails (migrating birds)
• Conditions: Muddy! Trails are wettest in spring. Waterproof boots essential.
• Wildlife: Peak bird migration, wildflowers, amphibians active
• Caution: Ticks become active in April—check carefully after every hike

Summer (June-August)

• Best trails: Coastal trails for breeze (Allens Pond, Gooseberry Neck), shaded forest trails (Freetown)
• Conditions: Trails dry out; can be hot and buggy in forests
• Wildlife: Nesting birds, butterflies, dragonflies
• Caution: Mosquitoes in forested wetlands; ticks remain active; poison ivy is lush

Fall (September-November)

• Best trails: Freetown State Forest (foliage), Destruction Brook, Mattapoisett River Reserve
• Conditions: Perfect hiking weather, dry trails, comfortable temperatures
• Wildlife: Migrating birds, active mammals preparing for winter
• Caution: Hunting season starts mid-fall—wear blaze orange in state forests and wildlife management areas
• Bonus: Peak foliage typically early-to-mid October

Winter (December-February)

• Best trails: All of them! Winter hiking is magical and uncrowded
• Conditions: Can be icy, snowy, or surprisingly mild. Dress in layers.
• Wildlife: Easier to spot animals in leafless forest; winter birds; track identification in snow
• Caution: Daylight is limited—start early. Hunting seasons continue into winter in some areas.

Hiking Safety & Preparation

What to Bring

• Water (more than you think you need)
• Snacks or lunch for longer hikes
• Trail map or GPS app (AllTrails is excellent for South Coast trails)
• Phone (even if no service—can still use GPS)
• First aid kit basics
• Sunscreen and hat
• Bug spray in warm months
• Whistle (for emergencies)
• Blaze orange if hiking in hunting season

Footwear

• Spring: Waterproof hiking boots mandatory
• Summer: Trail runners or light hikers work fine on dry trails
• Fall/Winter: Boots with good traction; consider traction devices for icy conditions

Tick Prevention

Lyme disease is endemic on the South Coast. Take it seriously:

• Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks
• Tuck pants into socks
• Use permethrin on clothing and DEET on skin
• Stay on trails; avoid brushing against vegetation
• Check yourself thoroughly after every hike, especially hairline, armpits, groin
• Shower soon after hiking
• Know how to properly remove ticks
• Watch for bullseye rash or flu-like symptoms in following weeks

Trail Etiquette

• Stay on marked trails - Prevents erosion and habitat damage
• Pack out all trash - Leave no trace
• Yield to uphill hikers - They have momentum; you don't
• Hikers yield to horses - Rare on South Coast but good to know
• Keep dogs leashed - Required on most conservation land, respectful to others
• Don't pick plants - Leave nature for others to enjoy
• Be quiet at dawn/dusk - Prime wildlife viewing times

Best Hikes For...

• Beginners: Phoenix Bike Trail, Buttonwood Park, Fort Taber loop
• Families with kids: Destruction Brook, Acushnet Sawmill, Profile Rock
• Serious hikers: Freetown State Forest (Wampanoag Trail), Copicut Woods
• Bird watchers: Allens Pond, Slocum's River Reserve, any coastal trail
• Fall foliage: Freetown State Forest, Destruction Brook, Mattapoisett River Reserve
• Solitude: Copicut Woods, Haskell Swamp, weekday hikes anywhere
• Dogs: Most trails allow leashed dogs; Freetown State Forest is very dog-friendly
• Winter hiking: Destruction Brook (well-maintained), coastal trails (less ice)

Resources

• AllTrails app - User-generated trail info and GPS tracking for most South Coast trails
• Massachusetts DCR website - Official maps for Freetown-Fall River State Forest
• Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust - Trail maps and info for Dartmouth conservation areas
• Local conservation commissions - Each town has info on local trails and conservation land
• Mass Audubon - Info on Allens Pond and other sanctuary trails

Final Thoughts

The South Coast's hiking might not have the drama of the White Mountains or the coastal fame of Cape Cod, but that's part of the charm. These are quiet trails where you can hike for hours and see only a handful of other people. They're forests where the only sounds are wind, birds, and your own footsteps. They're coastal paths where you can watch the tide change the landscape before your eyes.

Whether you hike for exercise, nature connection, solitude, or just to get the dog outside, the South Coast delivers. Five thousand acres of state forest. Hundreds of acres of coastal conservation land. Hidden trails through swamps and along rivers. It's all here, mostly free, mostly uncrowded, waiting for you to lace up your boots and explore.

See you on the trail.