Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail
Friends of the Mattapoisett Bicycle and Recreational Path support the completion of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail
The partially completed 4.5 mile multi-use path runs along the shore of Buzzards Bay, through our historic small town, and into quiet wooded areas in Southeastern Massachusetts. We work hard to make this extraordinary path a reality. We stay informed, share what we know, get out the vote when necessary, and raise money for design and other items the town government cannot fund.
PHASE 1: Completed.
The first mile of Phase 1 (in green) opened in 2009 and runs from the Fairhaven town line to Mattapoisett Neck Road. The second mile of Phase 1, called the “Shining Tides Mile” broke ground September 2019. The west end, from Mattapoisett Neck Road to Reservation Road, opened July 2022. The section between Reservation Road and the end of Goodspeed Island Road opened April 2023. This scenic and spectacular mile that crosses the Mattapoisett River estuary, salt marshes, and Reservation Beach at the head of Mattapoisett Harbor connects neighborhoods and conservation areas with car-free biking and walking.
PHASE 2: One half mile of the two and a half miles completed.
Phase 2A (in blue) – which crosses Route 6 at Railroad Avenue and ends at the Park and Ride on North Street – is in the design stage. This section of the old railroad bed will provide a safe route to and from the Marion town line. Our fundraising efforts are currently focused on this very important connection of the South Coast Bikeway.
The eastern end of Phase 2B (in orange) opened in 2021. This half mile “Marion Connector” will eventually connect to Marion’s bikeway. The Town of Marion plans to begin construction in fall 2025. The section between North Street and the Marion Connector will be a designated shared-use path and will run alongside Industrial Drive. This section was largely designed in 2018-19 and is funded for construction.
PARKING
Parking is limited for now. Please see map for parking symbols. (Note that bike path parking is NOT allowed on Reservation Road.) Parking is available at the intersection of Depot Street and Railroad Avenue. However, do not park in the section for boat trailers only. Mattapoisett also allows on-street parking where there are no signs that prohibit it. The lots at Brandt Island Road and Old Town Landing have room for only a few cars. If you are coming from the west, our suggestion is to park in Fairhaven and start on the Phoenix Rail Trail. Public parking is available at the end of Arsene Street and near the Stop and Shop plaza.
BIKES FOR ALL
Since 2021, we have refurbished and distributed over 180 donated bicycles, helmets, and bike bells through our Bikes for All program, so that everyone can enjoy the path! Please contact Jane Finnerty at jane.mattrail@gmail.com if you would like to donate a bicycle or volunteer to help repair or transport bikes.
DONATE
To donate toward the construction of Phase 2A and trail amenities for the existing path, click the button below. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and 100% of contributions go toward these initiatives. Thank you!
ATTENTION: This new MA law is in effect now. Please visit https://www.massbike.org/new-massachusetts-vulnerable-road-users-laws-webinar-recap-faq for other road laws, including white front and red rear lights required for cyclists riding at dusk, dark, and dawn.
Watch this ORCTV short video of the Shining Tides Ribbon-cutting ceremony. https://fb.watch/lofgPzwyFa/
