Naushon Island, Private island in Elizabeth Islands archipelago, Massachusetts.
Naushon Island is the largest of the Elizabeth Islands and features dense woods, wetland areas, and open coastal zones along Buzzards Bay. The landscape includes unpaved trails that wind through beech forests, with several coves and beaches scattered along its shoreline.
The Wampanoag people originally called the island Cataymucke before it passed into European hands in 1654. In the 1800s, John Murray Forbes acquired it and his ownership established the foundation for how it remains managed today.
The Forbes family has shaped how the island is used and cared for, hosting environmental gatherings that bring people together around nature conservation. These events reflect the island's role as a place where natural stewardship remains central to daily life.
Access requires advance permission from the landowners or arrangements with private boat operators, as no public ferry service reaches the island. Visitors should confirm entry conditions beforehand and be prepared for limited access windows throughout the year.
Despite its private status, the island contains three beaches open to the public, including Kettle Cove and Tarpaulin Cove, which offer rare glimpses of undeveloped shoreline. These coves remain largely untouched by development, making them unusual destinations within the region.
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