Birding in Massachusetts
Harwich Conservation Trust
West Reservoir
Harwich, Massachusetts 02645
Bells Neck Conservation Area webpage
Bells Neck Conservation Area map
Also, see Bells Neck Conservation Area
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eBird Hotspot
Bells Neck Conservation Area–West Reservoir
Coordinates: 41.6841565, -70.1188803
eBird links: Hotspot map – View details – Recent visits
My eBird links: Location life list – Submit data
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.
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.
From Bells Neck Conservation Area webpage
