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West Island State Reservation
4.5 ★★★★★ 83 Google reviews · Running trail in Fairhaven, Massachusetts · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from West Island State Reservation's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about West Island State Reservation
“The Island is very beautiful and great for swimming and fishing.”
“Go early in the morning for the best sunrise and quiet atmosphere.”
Beautiful, nature reserve with diverse habitats. Walk through the woods to the marsh and even continue out to the beach for great views of buzzards bay and cape cod.
The West Island State reservation is a wonderful place along the rocky beaches to search for all sorts of critters. You just have to walk along very buggy trails to get to the rocky beaches. It is recommended that you wear bug spray as you hike the trails.
There are many paths that can bring you to east cove which is a great place to swim. The water at the town beach is far more rough and colder. Be warned, there are tons of ticks and mosquitoes. Stay on the wider and dry main path or take a walk on the beach to get to the nicer waters.
This is one of the most lovely hikes I’ve done in awhile. It was very blustery, unpopulated and wild. My dog enjoyed her walk and we skipped stones on the water. It was a fine day.
Trail conditions & character
“The drive there is decorated with different views, which includes a cow pasture, seaside neighborhoods, and salt marsh greenery.”
“Go early in the morning for the best sunrise and quiet atmosphere.”
“Also, this place may be hard to find parking during the peak summer times, so have a few alternative beach locations.”
“And my dog really enjoyed bounding through the tall marsh grass.”
“The West Island State reservation is a wonderful place along the rocky beaches to search for all sorts of critters.”
Plan your run at West Island State Reservation
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitewestislandweather.com
- Phone+1 617-626-1250
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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