Phoenix and Mattapoisett Rail Trail

The trail is predominantly flat and mostly paved, following the former bed of the Fairhaven Branch Railroad, which ensures a gentle grade. The Mattapoisett section also features several boardwalk areas, particularly as it traverses sensitive coastal marshes. For those seeking a more traditional walking experience, there are forested footpaths available beyond the paved sections, especially near Mattapoisett Neck Road.

You'll experience a diverse array of landscapes, including residential neighborhoods, woodlands, and farmlands. A significant portion offers picturesque views of saltwater estuaries like Little Bay and the Nasketucket River. The Mattapoisett section is particularly scenic, with elevated bridges and boardwalks providing stunning vistas of the ocean and marshland, rich in bird, fish, and shellfish life.

The trail offers several points of interest. You'll cross the Mattapoisett River Bridge on the Phoenix Rail Trail, and pass by the Nasketucket Creek. A spur trail leads to a scenic overlook of Little Bay, and the "Shining Tides Mile" in Mattapoisett is a newly constructed boardwalk section winding along the shore of Mattapoisett Harbor. The trail itself is part of the larger Phoenix Rail Trail.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all trail users and to protect local wildlife, especially in sensitive marsh areas.

Access points are available in both Fairhaven (for the Phoenix Bike Trail section) and Mattapoisett (for the Mattapoisett Rail Trail section). Specific parking areas can be found at various points along the route, often near road crossings. For the Mattapoisett section, parking is typically available near Mattapoisett Neck Road or other designated trailheads within the town.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, making them ideal for hiking. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer, especially on exposed sections. Winter can provide a unique, quiet experience, but be mindful of potential ice on paved sections and boardwalks.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access or use the Phoenix and Mattapoisett Rail Trail. It is free and open to the public.

Absolutely! The trail's flat, mostly paved surface and gentle grade make it an excellent choice for beginners, families with children, and users of all ages and abilities. The diverse scenery and boardwalk sections add to its appeal for a leisurely outing.

Yes, the Phoenix and Mattapoisett Rail Trail is a crucial segment of the broader South Coast Bikeway, an ambitious project aiming to create a 50-mile continuous system of bike paths. The route also passes through sections of the East Coast Greenway (MA complementary Cape Cod route), the American Perimeter Trail, and provides access to additional walking paths within the Nasketucket Bay State Reservation.

The Phoenix and Mattapoisett Rail Trail is primarily an out-and-back route, combining two contiguous rail trail sections. While it's not a loop in itself, its connection to other paths and access to the Nasketucket Bay State Reservation offer opportunities to extend or vary your journey.

Given its diverse habitats, especially the saltwater estuaries and coastal marshes, you have a good chance of spotting various birds, fish, and shellfish. Keep an eye out for marsh birds, waterfowl, and other coastal wildlife. The wooded sections may also host common woodland creatures.