Bell's Neck Conservation Area (HCT)

Bell's Neck Conservation Area (HCT)

Harwich Conservation Trust Bells Neck Road Harwich, Massachusetts 02671

Bell's Neck Conservation Area Official Website
Bells Neck Conservation Area map

Tips for Birding

When submitting eBird observations at Bell's Neck Conservation Area, it is most helpful to start a new checklist for each hotspot in the conservation area. Use the general hotspot when you have a checklist that includes multiple locations or if no other hotspot or personal location is appropriate for your sightings.

About Bell's Neck Conservation Area

See all hotspots at Bell's Neck Conservation Area

Bells Neck Conservation is 259 acres with a total trail length of 2.75 miles.

In 1668, settler John Bell is believed to have acquired much of this land from the Saquatucket Native Americans. The land passed through multiple owners until nearly 300 years later, the town purchased it to protect the Herring River, West Reservoir, and buffering woodlands. Additional acreage was added over the years. The land surrounds the West Reservoir (freshwater) and East Reservoir (brackish). Trails offer views of wind-ruffled water and sweeping salt marsh. Watch for ospreys and the secretive black-crowned night heron in spring and summer. Each April, herring swim upstream along a herring ladder at the west trailhead. Canoeists and kayakers can launch near each trailhead.

Notable Trails

There are two trailheads at Bells Neck Conservation Area.

West Trailhead Parking: From MA-28 in Dennisport, take Depot Street north for 1.1 miles. Turn right onto a dirt road (to identify this dirt road, look for an open gate) and travel for 0.2 miles until you reach the parking area.
From Great Western Road, take Depot Street south 0.6 miles. Turn left onto a dirt road (to identify this dirt road, look for an open gate) and travel for 0.2 miles until you reach the parking area.

East Trailhead Parking: From Great Western Road, take Bell’s Neck Road (dirt) south. Drive 0.25 miles and on the left will be a small trailhead kiosk and parking area.

In order to protect the sensitive river herring migration, the west trailhead parking is closed to vehicle access from April 10 to June 15.

Content from Bell's Neck Conservation Area Official Website

Last updated March 3, 2024