New Bedford Harbor Walk and Palmer Island are great if you love the scent and views of the ocean but can do without the crowds of the beach.
Benny felt like going on a seaside walk. But we knew that visiting The Knob or Lawrence Island was out of the question; it was too late in the day to try to cross the canal, and tourists would have already gotten all of the parking spots anyway.
So, what’s a bear and a Bob who live close to the coast to do? Go to the New Bedford Harbor Walk, of course!
Parking
We parked on Rodney French Boulevard, but we could have also parked at the end of Gifford Street. Benny wanted me to park in the lot, but there was a sign saying we could only park there if we had a boat trailer. Benny said that it didn’t look like anyone else cared about that sign, but I wanted to set a good example and parked my silver car on the street.
We passed the rocky hurricane barrier. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the hurricane barrier, it was constructed to prevent flooding due to hurricanes and tropical storms. It protects New Bedford along with portions of Fairhaven and Acushnet.
As we walked up the ramp, Benny remarked on how the New Bedford Harbor walk is handicap accessible. I hadn’t even thought of that. What an astute little bear.
The views on the top of the hurricane barrier are extraordinary. Not only can you see into nearby Fairhaven, but also you can see the Elizabeth Islands!
As I was admiring the view, Benny started screaming, “I AM THE EYE OF THE STORM.” Startled, I turned around, trying to figure out what all the fuss was about. He had found a mosaic of a hurricane, along with the names of two notorious storms that have left a mark on this region’s history.
“Bob, you’re a hurricane! Bob the Hurricane!” Benny continued to shout. I vaguely remember living through Hurricane Bob. I told Benny to calm down, or I would be very cranky and then he would have a reason to call me a hurricane.
That seemed to calm him down, but maybe I was a bit too harsh. What do you think?
It only took a few more minutes of sauntering down the New Bedford Harbor Walk before he started up again.
“Bob! Human footprint fossils!” I turned to look. I understand why he thought that; we had recently visited dinosaur footprint fossils in Western Mass. Thankfully, it was easier to calm him down this time.
After about 2/3 of a mile, the path descends from the top of the hurricane barrier. This is where we saw the Gifford Street parking lot. Next time we go, I’m going to park there. There’s more room.
The path continues on a paved blacktop road. Here, we took in the sights of the harbor and saw lots of boats.
Palmer Island
As luck would have it, we saw an island. Seriously, a deserted island in New Bedford. It looked a little treacherous to get over there; there’s no walkway, only a few rocks to jump on. Benny told me to stop being a wimp and go over. He did have a point; was I going to be afraid of a little bit of water? What’s the worst that could happen? So I took my sneakers off and forded the river, just like the Oregon Trail pioneers who visited Independence Rock.
I filmed our very dramatic crossing.
Considering that we were on an island, Benny asked for his special island shirt to wear. I took it out of the bag and gave it to him. We found the island surprisingly desolate and peaceful. I had no idea that we could find such a tranquil, picturesque spot so close to downtown New Bedford.
In the distance, we saw a lighthouse. We knew that the lighthouse was closed to the public, but as it was on the other side of the island, we thought that using it as destination would enhance our adventure.
Enhance it did. The island is covered with poison ivy and rocks. Explorers should be extra cautious while visiting Palmer Island. I put Benny in my bag for the hike over to the lighthouse. He didn’t protest.
We chose an easier return route off of the island. I learned too late that the part of the island that faces the New Bedford Harbor is sandier and much easier to navigate.
Well, it was time to cross back over the to the New Bedford Harbor Walk path. As we approached the crossing point, I noticed something: The water level had risen. Of course! The tide was coming in!
Thankfully, crossing over wasn’t a big deal. While the water had risen, it only reached up to my knees. It was a warm, summer’s day, so it was refreshing.
Note: While Palmer Island is an interesting place in New Bedford to check out, it in Benny’s and my opinion, it isn’t a place to bring young children. There is poison ivy all over the island, and parts along the Fairhaven-facing side are strewn with trash. This note isn’t to deter you from visiting; rather, to inform you of possible hazards that your less sure-footed family and friends may encounter.
The end of the walk
After crossing back to the mainland, we continued to the end of the hurricane barrier. We watched the boats go in and out of the harbor. We saw a ferry named Seastreak which goes to Nantucket and the Cuttyhunk ferry that goes to, well, Cuttyhunk.
On the other side of the channel, we saw the American flag flying above Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven.
“Hm,” Benny said, “Let’s check out that fort!”
So, we walked back to the car and drove over to Fairhaven.
Including our Palmer Island adventure, we walked over 3 miles. Who says you can’t go hiking in the city? For more information on the New Bedford Harbor Walk, check out the Buzzards Bay Coalition website.
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Bennys island shirt is so adorable. Looks like a very interesting place to visit!!
He loves his island shirt!