Trail

Coolidge Point Reservation is a nature reserve situated on a peninsula that's bordered by Magnolia Beach, Clark Pond and Black Beach in Manchester.

It's unique shape and relatively small area of 66 acres, in addition to it's variety of natural settings, make this a fun and exciting place to visit and explore. Be prepared to manage varied terrain including sandy beach, rocky outcrops, woodland, wetland and an open field that borders the open Atlantic ocean.  The teerain offers up many opportunities to view different type of plants and wildlife in the specific natural habitats.

The majority of this walkway is on private property owned by the Cummings Center. An easy place to begin the loop is at the McKeown School, located on Balch Street. Visitors may park in this parking lot and take the pathway with the Shoe Pond to the right. This pathway curves around the pond and eventually crosses over a small bridge. Once over the bridge, the visitor must climb a set of stairs, which will bring him to McKay Street. The walkway turns right, keeping the pond to your right.

The Bass River Walkway runs from the commercial property on the corner of Green and Elliott Streets, behind the White Hen Pantry and the Starbucks Café.  The pathway follows the sidewalk along Elliott Street until the official pathway picks up on the McDonald’s property.  The path goes behind the Stop and Shop and the Bass Haven Yacht Club.  The end point is on McPherson Drive.  The majority of the walkway faces the Bass River, which is beautiful during the high tide.  There are benches and places to rest along the majority of the route.  Parts of the path are also shaded.