By Tim Garcia, Fairhaven Sustainability Committee
As the Fairhaven Sustainability Committee, we’re always looking for ways to help our community connect with the natural beauty that surrounds us. And right now — during these crisp, quiet days leading up to Thanksgiving — is one of the very best times to step outside and truly enjoy what Fairhaven has to offer.
Late fall brings a special kind of charm to our local landscape. Leaves have mostly dropped, the summer overgrowth has thinned, and the cooler air makes outdoor exploring refreshing and comfortable. Before winter arrives and the snow settles in, we encourage residents to take advantage of this seasonal “sweet spot” and experience Fairhaven’s trails in a whole new way.
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- Ducks enjoy their time in the pond at the Long Road Water Basin/Recreation Area in Fairhaven on a recent fall day. Photo courtesy of Tim Garcia.
Many of you already enjoy our popular walking routes, and for good reason. The Phoenix Bike Path remains a community favorite, offering an easy, scenic stretch perfect for walking, jogging, or simply breathing in the crisp fall air. You’ll notice more open views this time of year, along with the last golden touches of autumn color.
The Nasketucket Bay State Reservation also shines in late November. With its sweeping salt marshes, subtle coastal colors, and peaceful wildlife activity, the area becomes especially accessible as foliage clears. Fewer bugs, firmer paths, and wide-open vistas make this a fantastic destination for families and nature lovers alike.
For those looking to stay closer to the neighborhood, the Leroy Wood School Trail, New Boston Trail, and the Long Road trail provide a friendly, easy-to-navigate option. They’re ideal for families on the long holiday weekend or anyone looking to squeeze in a quick walk before the day gets busy.
But beyond the familiar trails lies one of our favorite parts of fall hiking: the discovery of hidden paths. When the leaves drop and the vines pull back, long-overlooked trails suddenly appear — small pathways between tree lines, forgotten farm roads, and wooded cut-throughs that are nearly invisible in summer. This is the perfect time to find new routes and rediscover parts of Fairhaven that often go unnoticed.
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- Fairhaven resident enjoys a walk on a beautiful Fall Saturday on the Little Bay Extension of Fairhaven’s Phoenix Bike Trail. Photo courtesy of Tim Garcia.
Take a drive or leisurely bike ride down Sconticut Neck, West Island, Shaw Road, or the wooded areas off Mill Road, and you may spot narrow openings leading into natural pockets of town you’ve never explored. These informal trails offer quiet walks, small wildlife encounters, and a renewed appreciation for the town’s green spaces. We encourage residents to enjoy these areas respectfully — staying aware of private property — and to help us keep them clean and accessible for everyone.
As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, we invite you to make time for a walk with family, friends, or neighbors. It’s a wonderful way to unwind, reconnect, and appreciate the environment we all share. Protecting Fairhaven’s natural spaces begins with enjoying them — and this season offers the perfect opportunity.
Bundle up, take a stroll, and let the beauty of late fall remind you why sustainability matters right here at home.
How to Find Them
• The Nasketucket Bay State Reservation is in Mattapoisett, with a parking lot at 94 Brandt Island Rd. But you can access it from the Shaw Farm Trail off the Phoenix Bike Trail in Fairhaven, or the Mattapoisett Rail Trail.
• The Long Road Recreation area is off Long Road, between Adams Street and Alden Road.
• The Little Bay Extension of the bike path connects at Arsene Street and goes to Orchard Street
• The Leroy Wood School is at 60 Sconticut Neck Road
• New Boston Trail has a small gravel parking lot at 325 New Boston Rd., Fairhaven.
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