Opened in 1999, the Phoenix Rail-Trail packs a surprising diversity in its 3.1 miles, passing through woodlands, salt marshes, farms and commercial and residential areas. Tree-lined for much of its length, the path provides plenty of shade for a pleasant ride on hot, sunny days. Schoolchildren named the trail after nearby Fort Phoenix, within sight of which the first naval battle of the American Revolution was fought in 1775.
The trail begins in historic downtown Fairhaven across from the old ferry terminal, where steamship passengers embarked for New Bedford before the bridge was built. The trail follows the path of the Fairhaven Branch Railroad, built in 1854, which stemmed off of the Cape Cod Branch Railroad. The Phoenix Rail-Trail is the first section of a larger regional trail network that will eventually stretch from the Cape Cod Canal to Rhode Island.
The first half of the trail leads through Fairhaven's pleasant residential neighborhoods. Soon after setting out, you'll pass areas under redevelopment, including the site of the old Atlas Tack Company. The rail-trail's only major road crossing is the intersection with Route 240. From this point, the trail takes you through less populated areas, past farms with cornfields, and an outstanding vista of a salt marsh—a great place to spot birds and other wildlife. There, at approximately the halfway point on the trail, you'll note a short marked spur trail called the Little Bay Loop Trail that takes off to the right. If you want to extend your ride, you can take the spur 1 mile to Buzzards Bay. At the junction of the spur trail, a kiosk displays a map of the trail and local area.
Beyond Shaw Road the trail continues to Mattapoisett Harbor as the
Mattapoisett Rail-Trail.
To reach the Fairhaven trailhead from Interstate 195, take Exit 18 and follow State Route 240 south to US 6 west. Follow signs to Fairhaven Center via Washington Street. Follow Washington Street east until you reach Main Street, turn left and continue a few blocks to the trailhead at the Ferry Street intersection.
You can also hop on the trail from Reservation Road where the Mattapoisett Rail-Trail currently begins.
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Mattapoisett extension of Phoenix MUP
The trail is currently split into two phases: Phase 1 will start at the Fairhaven town line (where the Phoenix Bike Trail ends) and will end at Depot Street, Mattapoisett—thus linking Fairhaven center to Mattapoisett ...
"The Phoenix trail is a flat easy 4 mile paved ride. There are a couple view that are artists' and photographers' dreams.
At the 2.3 mark the view from a well placed bench offers a stunning view of the salt-marshs of the tidal basin and the bay. Many ...
"The Fairhaven bikepath is a great place to roller blade, skateboard, bike riding, or just go for a walk. It's a 4 mile walk if you want to go the whole rout.
This bikepath is actually in my back yard. If you like walking or getting exercise this is ...