Horseneck Beach - Gooseberry Island

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Amy Wilmot and myself are offering a series of interpretive hikes at DCR properties in the Southeastern Mass district. Horseneck Beach Reservation, is spread out over 600 acres of barrier beach and salt march and is one of the most popular facilities in the Massachusetts State forest and parks system. Located at the western end of Buzzards Bay, Horseneck is a 2 mile long beach. At the eastern end of the reservation is Goosebury Island, which juts one mile into the ocean and offers interesting rocky beaches and excellent birding terrain. Snowy Owls have been spotted there as well and many other aquatic water birds. There is always something interesting to discover on this exposed and ever changing shoreline property.

This will be a relaxed five mile hike with a lunch break on Goosebury Island. Amy, and myself will offer historical and natural insights at key points along the hike. The beach can be breezy, so prepare for winter conditions. Bring along hat and gloves and an extra layer of clothes. Leashed dogs will be allowed on this hike.

We may stop for a light lunch, chowder, coffee or homemade pies at the nearby Bayside Restaurant after the hike. For those wishing to walk another mile or two, Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary is across the street from the Bayside.

Directions: Take I 195 to Exit 10. Follow Rt 88 South 12 miles. After crossing over the Westport River Bridge, bear left and look for first Parking lot on right after traveling another 1/2 mile.

https://www.newbedfordguide.com/the-secret-history-of-gooseberry-island/2015/05/07

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