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Darwin Scott WMA

Details unconfirmedPreserve · Bernardston, MA
Right now

A 27-acre MassWildlife property centered on a small beaver pond and shrub swamp, once hayfields and later a highway construction borrow pit, now managed mainly for waterfowl viewing rather than hiking.

What to expect

Entry fee
Free
Dogs
Dogs must be leashed or physically tethered/restrained on Wildlife Management Area land under statewide MassWildlife regulation, except when engaged in licensed hunting, hunt training, or a permitted field trial; handlers must pick up and…
Hours
Massachusetts WMAs are open access with no gate.
Accessibility
No formal path or parking area exists to evaluate.
Birdwatching
Allowed Best during waterfowl migration; the beaver pond serves as a staging area.
Fishing
Allowed Subject to state freshwater fishing regulations.
Managed by
MassWildlife, Connecticut Valley District Website

What's here

Not here

No info kiosk
No kiosk or map box reported; no official parking area either.

Common questions

Are there trails here?
No maintained trail. This is a small beaver pond best visited as a quick roadside stop for birdwatching, not a hiking destination.
Where do I park?
There's no official parking area; access is informal from Depot Street.
Is there an entry fee at Darwin Scott WMA?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Darwin Scott WMA?
Dogs must be leashed or physically tethered/restrained on Wildlife Management Area land under statewide MassWildlife regulation, except when engaged in licensed hunting, hunt training, or a permitted field trial; handlers must pick up and remove waste in and near parking areas. This state rule is…
Is Darwin Scott WMA wheelchair accessible?
No formal path or parking area exists to evaluate.
What rules should I know at Darwin Scott WMA?
The site is subject to siltation from surrounding hillsides; the town periodically dredges the impoundment to manage flooding. Alcohol, off-road driving, camping, target practice, fires, and removal of vegetation, soil, or stone are prohibited on WMA land without a written MassWildlife permit.

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BetaSome details here are unconfirmed (address detail, accessibility). Details are sourced from public agency data and can change through the season. Confirm locally before you go. Updated 2026-09-13.