New Bedford Covewalk

Imagine walking along the crest of a massive sea dike, where on one side the endless expanse of the bay opens up, and on the other, a panorama of a cozy port city. The New Bedford CoveWalk is exactly such a place. A modern pedestrian and bicycle trail about 1.7 km long, this facility is built right on top of a grand hurricane barrier.

Located in the city of New Bedford, this attraction is a vital part of The Blue Lane recreational network. In the USA, projects like this are highly valued for the way they return water access to the community. Previously, only an impenetrable stone wall stood here, protecting the city from storms, but now it is one of the most popular places for relaxation, where industrial power meets natural beauty.

The main feature of the CoveWalk is the stunning views of Clark’s Cove. The path is fully illuminated after dark, making it ideal for romantic evening strolls. Additionally, pets are always welcome here, creating a particularly friendly atmosphere.

For up-to-date information on the route and coastal events, you can refer to the city's official resources.

People come here for a sense of freedom and the fresh ocean breeze. It's an ideal spot for active recreation: the wide and level surface of the path is perfect for running, rollerblading, or leisurely bike rides. Thanks to the night lighting, the CoveWalk becomes an inviting place even after sunset, offering a safe and beautiful route for evening exercise.

If you want to continue your journey, the path seamlessly transitions into the Saulnier Memorial Bike Trail. Following it, you will pass the picturesque West Beach and East Beach, and you can also stop by the historic Fort Taber Park. From the top of the barrier, it's convenient to watch sailboats in Buzzards Bay and spot the silhouette of the Butler Flats Lighthouse in the distance.

For nature lovers, this is a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying seascapes. Along the way, you can have a small picnic in one of the adjacent park areas or simply stop to examine the art installations that periodically appear in this creative urban space. The CoveWalk ties together the natural beauty of the coast with the historic heritage of the old port.

Finding this scenic path is easy, as it is located in the southern part of the city. The main entrance point is at the intersection of Cove Road and Rockdale Ave, where a convenient path leads right to the top of the barrier. If you are traveling by car, you can leave your vehicle in the parking lots in the South End area or near the Cove Road Flood Gate.

For those who prefer public transportation, buses run regularly from the city center. Routes following Rodney French Boulevard or Cove Road will work for you. You can also always use taxi services or ride-sharing apps directly from the downtown area.

If you are already on the waterfront, the CoveWalk is easily accessible on foot or by bike from Gifford Street. The path is integrated into the general network of recreational trails, making it accessible from any part of the coastal zone.

The history of this place didn't begin with tourism, but with a need for protection. In 1962, massive construction began on a hurricane barrier designed to save the city from devastating floods. Completed in 1966, it became the largest man-made structure of its kind on the entire East Coast. The massive stone dike, over 5 meters high, reliably protected hundreds of homes and the fishing fleet, but for many years it cut off residents from the ocean view.

The situation changed in 2012 at the initiative of Mayor Jon Mitchell. The authorities decided to transform a purely engineering facility into a public space. This led to the implementation of a project to restore water access, resulting in the opening of the HarborWalk in 2015 and the CoveWalk itself in early 2017. These trails returned the opportunity for townspeople to enjoy the seascapes they had missed so much.

Today, the route is part of an ambitious project called The Blue Lane. It symbolizes the transformation of the city's industrial past into a sustainable and people-friendly future. Walking here, you are literally walking on top of a shield that has protected the peaceful life of the region for decades.

For a leisurely one-way stroll along the CoveWalk itself, you will need about 30–60 minutes. This is plenty of time to enjoy the sea breeze and take some great photos of the bay.

However, if you plan to explore the entire The Blue Lane trail system, including visiting Fort Taber and relaxing on the beaches, it's better to set aside 2 to 4 hours for your visit. For fans of long bike rides wishing to reach neighboring towns, it might even take half a day.

The path is open for visitors 24/7. The lack of strict operating hours allows you to plan your walk for either sunrise or late evening when the accent lights come on.

As it is an open city facility, admission is always free. Nevertheless, it is recommended to check the city's official website before your trip to ensure there are no temporary closures for technical work on the barrier.

A walk along the coast is just the beginning of your introduction to the region. Nearby historical sites and parks allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of old America and Massachusetts' maritime traditions.

Exploring the surroundings will enrich your trip; you can find everything from ancient forts to cozy gardens. Below are some interesting locations nearby: