Frank Knowles /Little River Reserve - DNRT

Frank Knowles /Little River Reserve - DNRT The Frank Knowles-Little River Reserve is part of a 500-acre block of publicly accessible protected land by headwaters of Little River. Open sunrise to sunset

This Reserve includes 5 parcels acquired by DNRT between 1996 and 2010. DNRT also manages the trails on the adjacent Town-owned McBratney property. Together these properties offer an abundance of ecological, recreational, and historical outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore nearly 9 miles of hiking trails that wind through wetlands covered with ferns and mossy boulders, hillsides dominated by

hulking yellow birch and white pine, glades of austere beeches, wide expanses of salt marsh, and old fields teeming with wildflowers and bird-life. A network of stone walls and several historic farmhouse and barn foundations harken back to the days when farms covered the land. The large contiguous forest areas make excellent wildlife habitat, including breeding habitat for bird species such as barred owl, wood thrush, and veery. The crown jewel of DNRT’s Little River Reserve is the Boardwalk Trail, which features three boardwalks over 200 feet long: one through a red maple swamp and two that cross through pristine salt marsh at the head of Little River, allowing visitors to wander over the estuarine environment so rarely accessible by foot. Benches along the boardwalk provide visitors with a place to take in salt marsh vistas extending nearly half a mile south toward the mouth of Little River. Here the salt marsh is healthy and thriving, with broad waves of Spartina and saltgrass interspersed with sea lavender and high-tide bush. A wooded upland trail across DNRT’s Jonny Point property connects the two salt marsh boardwalks and the trail concludes at The Trustees of Reservations’ Cornell Farm on Smith Neck Road.

03/07/2026

We are making progress clearing trails after the storm. Here is where we suggest hiking. Please note that even cleared trails are still difficult with deep snow and areas of slush.

02/27/2026

We are continuing to clear our trails and thank you for your patience! We are still advising folks to stay off the trails for the time being. If you must go out, please have a buddy, be aware of your surroundings, and make sure you have good pair of snow shoes!A

02/26/2026
02/25/2026

After taking some time to assess our trail systems, we are advising all to stay off of our trails for the time being. Conditions are unsafe.

It's hunting season! Although DNRT does not allow hunting on any of our reserves with trails, some of our properties do ...
10/20/2025

It's hunting season! Although DNRT does not allow hunting on any of our reserves with trails, some of our properties do abut Town of Dartmouth land, which does allow hunting. For those properties (Destruction Brook Woods, Star of the Sea Reserve, and Frank Knowles/Little River Reserve) we do recommend wearing blaze orange (and it's always a good idea at any wooded property during hunting season). Grab a DNRT orange hat at our main office at 318 Chase Road or online at dnrt.org/store. Learn about hunting season in Massachusetts here: http://mass.gov/.../2025-fishing-and-hunting.../download

It's hunting season! Although DNRT does not allow hunting on any of our reserves with trails, some of our properties do abut Town of Dartmouth land, which does allow hunting. For those properties (Star of the Sea Reserve - DNRT , Frank Knowles /Little River Reserve - DNRT, and Destruction Brook Woods - DNRT) we do recommend wearing blaze orange (and it's always a good idea at any wooded property during hunting season). Grab a DNRT orange hat at our main office at 318 Chase Road or online at dnrt.org/store. Learn about hunting season in Massachusetts here: mass.gov/doc/2025-fishing-and-hunting-season-summary/download

11/09/2024

Perhaps you've been seeing "Red Flag" or "Forest Fire" warnings on your weather apps this week. Just because we aren't in California does not take away threats of fire! Last night, the Dartmouth Fire Department responded to 6 brush fires in town, including at our Frank Knowles /Little River Reserve - DNRT. They battled the fire for 5 hours and continued putting out hot spots this morning. The Reserve is open, however dangerous conditions may remain. Please avoid the southern section of the Orange Trail and obey all signage. Thank you for your cooperation and a huge shoutout to DFD for keeping the fire contained and working hard to put out the flames.

Our Work Party tomorrow, February 17, has been cancelled.
02/16/2023

Our Work Party tomorrow, February 17, has been cancelled.

Our Work Party tomorrow, February 17, at Frank Knowles /Little River Reserve - DNRT has been cancelled. See you next time!

THANK YOU!!!
11/10/2020

THANK YOU!!!

WE DID IT!!!!!
Thank you all so much for helping us reach our goal of raising $40,000 for our 40 miles of trails. We are truly grateful for the support offered by over 250 friends, volunteers, and DNRT members. You have showed us immense support and love during difficult times. Keep on loving those trails! ❤️

06/11/2020
06/02/2020

DNRT Land Steward Leah Howard points out several wildflowers that she finds during her hike at Star of the Sea Reserve.

Address

Potomska Road
South Dartmouth, MA
02748

Telephone

(508) 991-2289

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