Mattapoisett

The Mattapoisett Bike Path Committee was established more than twenty years ago. Shortly after, the Friends of the Mattapoisett Bicycle and Recreational Path was established. The Friends support the completion of the bike path, stay informed, get out the vote when necessary, and raise money for design and other items the Town government cannot fund.

The route of the South Coast Bikeway through Mattapoisett is a 4.5 mile multi-use path running along the shore of Buzzards Bay, through our historic small town, and into quiet wooded areas in Southeastern Massachusetts. As of May 2023, more than 50% of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail is complete.

Phase 1A Currently, a 2.0 mile section of the path from the Fairhaven town line to Depot Street in Mattapoisett is complete (2023.)

Boardwalk Bike path raised on pilings stands above the marsh and river.

10th Bristol Representative William Straus (D- Mattapoisett) holds up the freshly cut ribbon, Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver stand left — 10th Bristol Representative William Straus (D-Mattapoisett) holds up the freshly cut ribbon, Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver stand left

Phase 1B called the “Shining Tides section”, was completed and opened in 2023 and features elevated sections with breathtaking views of the Harbor and the Mattapoisett River. The Town, state and local officials and cyclists celebrated the opening with a ribbon cutting event.

Phase 2 of our rail trail (which runs from Depot Street to Marion’s path) will be built in segments:

Phase 2A which runs from Depot Street to North Street (1.1 miles), has passed the 10% design phase, and 25% design is underway for the segment between Depot Street and Industrial Drive.

Phase 2B which runs alongside Industrial Drive (.47 miles), is designed and the Town is actively seeking construction funding.

At the end of Industrial Drive, a segment called the “Marion Connector” (.64 miles ) is complete. This segment connects Mattapoisett to Marion’s future rail trail and includes a parking area. Marion’s path is anticipated to begin construction in fiscal year 2026. Our Town is excited that communities from Swansea to Wareham are making the South Coast Bikeway a reality and component of the larger East Coast Greenway!

Local groups

To learn more about the Mattapoisett Rail Trail go to the Mattapoisett Rail-Trail Website.