Home to one of the last remaining native sea-run brook trout fisheries in the eastern United States, the Theodore Lyman Reserve sits at the mouth of Red Brook, a four-and-a-half-mile, spring-fed, cold-water stream that flows from White Island Pond to Buttermilk Bay. One of the few coastal streams in Massachusetts that supports anadromous fish—migratory fish that hatch in freshwater, make their way to sea to grow, and return as adults to spawn—Red Brook is home to one of the last remaining native sea-run brook trout fisheries in the eastern United States. A scenic stretch of coastal shoreline offers views of Buttermilk Bay and the Cape Cod Canal vertical lift railroad bridge.

Grab a rod and cast a fly from the various old bridge and flume sites upstream and from the marsh near the mouth of Red Brook. (Please note that only catch-and-release fishing is allowed.) A short trail winds its way through freshwater wetlands, pine barrens, and sandy beach. A one-and-a-half-mile loop trail winds its way from the parking lot to Red Brook, inviting deeper exploration of the reserve’s freshwater wetlands, pine barrens, and sandy beach; a quarter-mile trail across Head of the Bay Road provides a scenic jaunt through maritime scrub oak and pine to the beach.

FREE to all.

Hours: Sunrise – Sunset.

Head of the Bay Road and Red Brook Road
Bourne, Plymouth, and Wareham, MA
Telephone: 508.636.4693
E-mail: southcoast@thetrustees.org

Get directions on Google Maps.

From I-495 South: Follow to Rt. 25 East. Take Exit 3 (to Buzzards Bay, Bourne) just north of the Bourne Bridge. Bear right off ramp. Take immediate right onto Head of the Bay Road. Follow for approx. 3 mi. around the eastern and northern shores of Buttermilk Bay. Parking lot entrance is about 250 feet beyond Packard St. on right hand side.

From Rt. 3 South: Take Exit 1A, Rt. 6 West. Slight right at Bournedale Rd. Continue onto Head of the Bay Road. Follow as above.

There is a map posted on a kiosk in the main parking area. We recommend that you take a photo of the map on your phone so you can refer to it during your visit, or download a trail map before you head out.

• To protect the Reserve’s sensitive wetlands and brook habitat, please remain on marked trails.
• There is no lifeguard on duty. Swim at your own risk.
• Fires and charcoal grills are not permitted.
• Mountain biking is not allowed.
• Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
• Small water craft may be carried to and launched from the beach.
• Catch-and-release fishing by license holders only.
• After-hours “off-street” fisherman’s parking is available for surf casting for stripers in season.
• Hunting is permitted at this property subject to all state and town laws. It is recommended to wear brightly colored clothing like an orange vest or hat during the hunting season. Hunting is not allowed on Sundays. Learn more about hunting on Trustees properties, and read safety tips for non-hunters.
• PHOTOGRAPHY: We ask that photographers or their clients become Contributing Level Members before conducting portrait sessions at this property. Click here for more information, and to request permission for any portrait sessions.
• The Trustees of Reservations reserves the right, and may give permission to its designated photographers and videographers, or to outside media, to photograph or video visitors and program participants at all its facilities and properties.