A roughly 1,800-acre Atlantic white cedar swamp spanning New Bedford and North Dartmouth, designated a National Natural Landmark in 1972. Access is informal, mostly roadside pull-offs rather than a developed trailhead, and the city has blocked some pull-off parking with logs.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot free · unconfirmed
Dogs
Allowed caged, bridled, or on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, unless an area is posted otherwise; never unattended or at large, and waste must be carried out. Hunting, hunting-dog training, dog sledding, sled-dog training and…
Hours
Open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset as published by the National Weather Service, unless posted or permitted otherwise. Fishing, camping, snowmobiling and other authorized nighttime activities are not held…
Kayak/Sup
Allowed unconfirmed
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round
Managed by
DCR, Freetown-Fall River State Forest office
unconfirmed · WebsiteWhat's here
Not here
No info kiosk
no trailhead kiosk or map box found; access points are unmarked or minimally marked
Worth knowing
- The reservation was designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1972 and covers over 1,800 acres across New Bedford and North Dartmouth.
Common questions
Is parking obvious at the Acushnet Cedar Swamp?
Not really. It's roadside pull-offs on Shawmut Avenue and Old Plainville Road, and some of those spots have been blocked with logs by the city.
Where do I park at Acushnet Cedar Swamp State Reservation?
Free lot (free).
Can I bring my dog to Acushnet Cedar Swamp State Reservation?
Allowed caged, bridled, or on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, unless an area is posted otherwise; never unattended or at large, and waste must be carried out. Hunting, hunting-dog training, dog sledding, sled-dog training and search-dog training are excepted (302 CMR 12.13).
What rules should I know at Acushnet Cedar Swamp State Reservation?
The City of New Bedford has placed logs blocking cars from some pull-off parking areas near the swamp, effectively restricting vehicle access at those points.