Bell's Neck Conservation Lands
Bell's Neck Conservation Lands
Bell's Neck Conservation Lands
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
14 reviews
Excellent
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Linda P
Ballston Spa, NY408 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
I walked the circumference of the lake entering at the bike path lot off Depot Rd. Some said beware of the Bells Neck Rd parking because it is dirt and can kick up a cloud, but there is lots of parking along Bells Neck Rd. There is also parking at the Herring Run, a very interesting structure to, yes, help the herring move into the river. Benches there for birders, wide views, swans visible on lake with cygnets, lots of dog walkers, canoe access points on Bells Neck Rd. Path is wide and well marked though trees hide a lot unless willing to go down smaller paths, probably made by random hikers. No bugs in early June.
Written 5 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StarWeez
NH650 contributions
Jun 2017 • Solo
The Harwich Conservation Trust maintains a network of trails circling the West Reservoir that offer a paradise for bird lovers and outdoors people looking for a pleasant hike. The main trail circles the reservoir, with many side trails leading down to the water's edge and benches from which you can just sit, relax, listen to the birds sing, and forget the bustle of civilization a few minutes away. The trails are very well-constructed; the side-hilling and benching are as expertly done as any work you will see up north in the White Mountains. The trails are kept clear of blowdowns and trash; whatever volunteers maintain these trails are to be commended.
On the day I hiked this loop I saw three pairs of swans; one pair was escorting two cygnets. The trail also passes briefly by a cranberry bog where you can see how the water from the reservoir can be let out into the bog and flooded when harvest time arrives. The trail also passes over a herring ladder near one of the trailheads, where you can view the fish spawning.
The one trail fail I would note here is that the signs are all in the same format: a sign with an arrow with the word TRAIL inscribed within. This does get confusing, especially since some of these side trails are not marked on the kiosk maps. I would recommend that the commission color-code these signs--the norm is white for the main trail and various colors (yellow, red, blue, etc.) for the side trails and loops. Otherwise, it can be a bit of a challenge to determine which is the main trail at some of these junctions.
On the day I hiked this loop I saw three pairs of swans; one pair was escorting two cygnets. The trail also passes briefly by a cranberry bog where you can see how the water from the reservoir can be let out into the bog and flooded when harvest time arrives. The trail also passes over a herring ladder near one of the trailheads, where you can view the fish spawning.
The one trail fail I would note here is that the signs are all in the same format: a sign with an arrow with the word TRAIL inscribed within. This does get confusing, especially since some of these side trails are not marked on the kiosk maps. I would recommend that the commission color-code these signs--the norm is white for the main trail and various colors (yellow, red, blue, etc.) for the side trails and loops. Otherwise, it can be a bit of a challenge to determine which is the main trail at some of these junctions.
Written 6 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tetonted1995
Harwich, MA113 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
You have several choices getting to this destination. One is tide dependent. Put in in Dennis of RT28 and head up the channel at mid tide. You will travel under a few bridges and spill into a small basin where bird watchig is wonderful. The othe access for hiking and Kayaking is off Beel's Neck Rd. Numerous trails and Kyaking.
Written 4 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brittany D
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Solo
Watch for loose dogs!!! A loose dog half jumped into my car and attacked my dog!!! The woman was very rude and tried to say that there is no leash law in Harwich which is a lie, dogs must be under a verbal command. Leash your dogs please!!!
Written 17 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JohnnySox
Lee, MA111 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
We took the loop around West Lake, about 2.9 miles, a beautiful hike, flat and easy to do. Take a map as there are a few false trails, we use an app with a live gps which really helps on new trails.
Written 9 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vince C
37 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
The Harwich Conservation Trust has provided an excellent site to be with nature. The herring run is a bit more sedate than Stony Brook. We were able to observe Great and Snowy Egrets, King Fishers and observe a coyote stalking Canadian geese. Various walking loops are available with none being difficult. Grab a trail book located at the parking area that will describe other conservation sites and walks in the area.
Written 1 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert J S
Dennis Port, MA2,511 contributions
Sept 2017 • Friends
This is one of the local gems that is not on most tourist maps. It is accessible by an unimproved, too narrow road from the north and a hard surfaced road from the south that ends at a small bridge that makes a spectacular platform for sunset photos. One of the best I've ever taken was at this spot. A swan swam by and bombed my sunset shot. Lucky me. Then a half-sunk log floated by. I called it the Log Ness Monster. The road is narrow and it can be difficult to turn around. You may want to wait until you come to a side road. Good luck.
Written 7 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monophoto-1
Saratoga Springs, NY370 contributions
May 2022
Wife insists that we do a walk each morning, and Bell's Neck is one our regular spots.
While we have found it to be ok, the trail is not well marked so it is necessary to make a few guesses along the way
While we have found it to be ok, the trail is not well marked so it is necessary to make a few guesses along the way
Written 19 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
terrimewbornagain
Clarksville, VA5 contributions
Oct 2019
We decided to move away from the noise and the beaches, so took the dog on a walk at Bell's Neck Conservation Land. Being early October, the leaves were just beginning to change, so with that and the lovely light reflecting off the ponds, the views were beautiful. The walk is easy, with good trail markings. We saw a swan floating serenely on the ponds, jays, gulls, and a pair of Northern Flickers. The fall mushrooms were all out, which made for a fascinating walk in the woods. Highly recommend this walk.
Written 3 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim T
Harwich, MA71 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
Bell's Neck is a great hideaway. The bird wildlife is great. You can park and walk the area without much stress.
Written 2 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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