The Wareham Land Trust safeguards about 691 acres of conservation land throughout the Town of Wareham. As of October 2023, we own 174 acres and hold conservation restrictions (CRs) on 517 acres. Most of these properties allow public access with trails that are ideal for walking and wildlife viewing while others offer canoe and kayak access to Wareham’s exceptional water resources. Below are some of the most popular conservation areas in Wareham. We encourage you to visit these beautiful properties.
The conservation areas that the Wareham Land Trust protects exist through cooperative efforts of conservation organizations, the Town of Wareham, and the Community Preservation Act (CPA). CPA funds are instrumental in acquiring open space that significantly increases permanently protected conservation land with public access for passive recreation.
Remember, some trails traverse private property; these trails are available through the generosity of private landowners who value land conservation and choose to share their land with you. Be respectful of the property owners and neighbors.
Conservation areas with public access are open year-round from dawn to dusk. No fees are charged, but the Wareham Land Trust relies on charitable contributions; these donations help support land conservation, stewardship of the preserves, trail creation and maintenance, and educational programs. Please consider a making a donation to the Wareham Land Trust today.
Conservation Land Etiquette
- These are walking trails only—No motorized vehicles
- Carry out what you carry in—No littering
- Do not disturb or remove plants or wildlife
- No fires or camping
- Do not make new trails
- Observe posted rules
- Respect the rights of property owners by staying on the trails
- Dogs must be under control at all times and always remove pet waste
- Remember to check yourself and your pets for ticks
Enjoy these conservation areas and share the landscape with others.
Agawam River Pine Barrens
Due to the current road conditions, the road is closed (gated) and access by car is only available for special events. For hiking, one would need to park out on Glen Charlie Road and hike all the way in. The term “pine barrens” refers to an ecological region characterized by dry, sandy soil that supports… Continue Reading
Agawam River Trail
This is a great place for bird watching and observing waterfowl while enjoying a scenic walk on a woodland path along the Agawam River. In addition to walking trails, this 8.5-acre riverfront preserve offers a canoe/kayak launch site. Directions: Follow Cranberry Highway/RT 28 to Depot Street. Follow Depot Street to Knowles Ave. which is… Continue Reading
Bryant Farm & Minot Forest
Minot Forest, owned by the Town of Wareham, offers several miles of scenic woodland paths. While construction continues on the former Minot Forest Elementary school, the old parking area is currently unavailable for Minot Forest trails though the trails remain open.… Continue Reading
Douglas S. Westgate & Fearing Hill Conservation Areas
These adjacent conservation areas protect 114 acres of uplands, bogs, and wetlands bordering the Weweantic River. The trail system wanders along the river, through the woods, and around several abandoned cranberry bogs. Directions: Follow Main Street to Papermill Road, less than a mile from the three-way stop at the corner of Main Street… Continue Reading
Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
This Mass Audubon preserve connects several land conservation areas and private land protected by conservation restrictions to create over 300 acres of contiguous open space. A network of paths meanders through the woods, along the marsh, and up to a lovely scenic vista that overlooks an active osprey nest. Some of these trails traverse private property; these… Continue Reading
Marks Cove Conservation Area
Marks Cove Conservation Area is a 118-acre conservation area made up of parcels that are owned by the Wareham Land Trust, Buzzards Bay Coalition, Wildlands Trust, Mass Audubon, and the Town of Wareham. Acquired over the last 20 years, this quilt of protected land offers 2.5 miles of walking trails with various loops of easy to moderate difficulty. This property features… Continue Reading
North Water Street Beach
This sandy beach is located near Onset Center. The beachfront stretches from the iconic Stone Bridge to Cove Street. High tide often obscures the beach, but there are grassy areas to sit and enjoy the view. The sunsets here, as witnessed in this photograph, are often spectacular. Directions: Follow Onset Ave. to North Water Street… Continue Reading
Red Brook Trail Network
The Red Brook Trail Network is a collaboration between the Wareham Land Trust, the Onset Water District and the Trustees, as the trail system winds through land owned by all three entities. Come explore the Red Brook watershed and adjacent Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens. The Red Brook Trail Network includes three new loops that can be accessed through the already existing trails at the Trustees’ Lyman Reserve… Continue Reading
Tweedy and Barnes
Explore the uplands, bogs, and wetlands on this 25 acre preserve and perhaps catch a glimpse of a fox or deer. Several trails offer views of the Sippican River. The Tweedy and Barnes Cranberry Company once owned this land. Careful exploration will reveal remnants of their operation. Directions: Follow Main Street, turn onto… Continue Reading
Whitlock’s Landing
Whitlock’s Landing is a small, pretty waterfront preserve that provides a scenic place to fish with direct access for non-motorized boats into the Agawam Mill Pond. This 0.5 acre preserve has off-street parking for several vehicles. Directions: From the intersection of Cranberry Highway/ Rt. 28 and Glen Charlie Road, proceed North… Continue Reading
All of the properties and maps can be found here: Printable Wareham Trail Guide (2014) [1 MB PDF]