Herring Run Recreation Area, Scenic Highway, Bourne, MA, USA
https://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Cape-Cod-Canal/
Owned By: US Army Corps of Engineers
Located on the Cape Cod Canal, the Herring Run Recreation Area in Bourne is a great spot to walk, fish, take a bike ride, or simply enjoy the view. Check out the 1.4-mile Bournedale Hills Trail, or explore the paved 7-mile Cape Cod Canal Bikeway. Stop by in the spring to see herring in the fish ladder, making their way upstream to spawn at Great Herring and Little Herring Ponds.
FISHING ADVISORY: It’s important to know that some of our freshwater fisheries are contaminated with mercury, PFAS and/or other concerning substances. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health maintains an online database with up-to-date advisories regarding fish consumption, sorted by location. We recommend you consult this valuable resource when planning a fishing excursion.
Features
The 17.4-mile Cape Cod Canal is maintained by the US Army Corp of Engineers. A navigable waterway used by 15,000 vessels each year, it connects Cape Cod Bay to Buzzards Bay. There are numerous recreational opportunities on both sides of the canal. Learn more at the Cape Cod Canal website.
This land is within the region of the Wampanoag. According to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Herring River watershed contains the remains of what is believed to be the core habitation area for the Herring Pond Wampanoag. To learn more about local Native American tribes, we encourage you to interact with their members. The Herring Pond Wampanoag and the Mashpee Wampanoag share information on their websites
Trail Description
Look for the staircase that leads up to the Bournedale Hills Trail, which extends through the woods for 1.4 miles to Bourne Scenic Park. Interpretive signs along the way share some of the area’s history. This property also provides access to the paved 7-mile Cape Cod Canal Bikeway. Please note that the Bikeway is a working service road. Pedestrians and bike riders should be alert for, and always yield to, service vehicles.
Habitats and Wildlife
The Herring River (Bourne) flows into the Cape Cod Canal at this spot. Stop by in the springtime to see herring making their way upstream on their annual migration to spawn at Great Herring and Little Herring Ponds. The park itself is a long strip of grass with scattered pines and some deciduous trees, plus ornamental plantings.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the 4450-acre Herring River Watershed Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) contains eleven lakes and ponds, numerous freshwater wetlands, productive cranberry bogs, and over 250 acres of protected open space. It contains one of the most important anadromous fish runs along the coast, and Great Herring Pond supports a regionally important freshwater recreational fishery. The area lies within the Plymouth Carver Sole Source Aquifer, and thus is critical to public water supply. At least three known state-listed rare and endangered species, including the box turtle, are present.
We encourage you to follow and support the Herring Ponds Watershed Association.
Historic Site: No
Park: Yes
Beach: No
Boat Launch: No
Lifeguards: No
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Parking: Ample on-site parking at 810 Scenic Highway, Bourne.
Cost: Free
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Facilities:
Benches, picnic tables, bicycle rack, interpretive signage, seasonal visitor center & restrooms (mid-April through Columbus Day).
Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash. Always clean up after your dog!
Boat Ramp: No
ADA Access: Yes
Scenic Views: Yes
Waterbody/Watershed: Herring River (Bourne)