The great Outer Beach described by Thoreau in the 1800s is protected within the national seashore. Forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands support diverse species. Lighthouses, cultural landscapes, and wild cranberry bogs offer a glimpse of Cape Cod's past and continuing ways of life. Swimming beaches and walking and biking trails beckon today's visitors.

Pass is for one private, non-commercial vehicle — passenger cars, pickup trucks, RVs and vans.

Entrance - Private Vehicle

Entrance - Motorcycle

Pass is for one person 16 years of age or older — entering on foot or by bicycle.

Entrance - Per Person

Passes are available at beach entrances during times when fees are normally collected. Entrance into the park with a pass may also require a driver's license or other form of picture identification. 

Valid for the current season. Permits access to any of the six Cape Cod National Seashore beaches. The annual pass allows entrance for the pass holder and additional passengers in a single private non-commercial vehicle, or pass holder plus three adults when entering on foot or bicycle.

Annual Entrance - Park

A curling wave breaks against the backdrop of a pink sunrise.

Sunrise Waves

Low tide exposes rippled ridges of sand and water.

Sand Ripples

A red kayak floats on a pond facing a forest colored with red and orange leaves.

Exploring the Park by Water

A flock of birds flies along a beach with waves in the background.

Birds and Beach

Boardwalk trail runs through a swamp surrounded by green ferns and tall trees.

Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail

A brilliant sun rises over the ocean reflecting light on the water's surface.

Sunrise Over the Atlantic

Cape Cod

Beaches, parking areas, and trails are open year-round between 6 am and midnight.

Cape Cod National Seashore

Saltwater Swimming

You can spend a few hours on the beach, or pack a lunch and plan an entire day in the sun.

Cape Cod National Seashore beach entrance fees are collected from late June through early September when lifeguards are on duty, and on weekends/holidays from Memorial Day to the end of September.Beach entrance fees are collected at all six seashore beaches. Daily vehicle - $20 Motorcycles - $10 Pedestrians, bicyclists - $3 Cape Cod National Seashore annual pass - $60 There is no entrance fee for active duty military and their dependents with proper ID, nor for any children under the age of 16.

A crowd of people enjoy a wide sandy beach under light clouds and a blue sky.

Cape Cod National Seashore has 6 beaches. Stop by the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm">Salt Pond Visitor Center</a> as you enter the seashore, pick up a map, and get directions and beach advice!

What better way to enjoy a day on Cape Cod than to relax on the beach? Our Seashore features 6 beaches for visitors to enjoy. So grab you beach umbrella, your sunscreen, and get ready for a day of fun in the sun! Cape Cod National Seashore offers six beaches to visit for saltwater swimming: <ul> <li>Coast Guard Beach, Eastham</li> <li>Nauset Light Beach, Eastham</li> <li>Marconi Beach, Wellfleet</li> <li>Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro</li> <li>Race Point Beach, Provincetown</li> <li>Herring Cove Beach, Provincetown</li> </ul> Each of the beaches requires an entrance fee in the summer season between late June and early September.

Leashed pets are allowed on beaches as long as a shorebird nesting/fledging closure is not in effect. Call the park in advance at 508-255-3421 to find out which beaches are open to pets.

Seashore beaches are open all four seasons, but weather changes dramatically from season to season.

What better way to enjoy a day on Cape Cod than to relax on the beach? Cape Cod National Seashore features 6 beaches for visitors to enjoy. So grab you beach umbrella, your sunscreen, and get ready for a day of fun in the sun!

All seashore beaches are open from 6:00 am to midnight.

Take a Break on Cape Cod's Beaches

Climate Change

Coasts, Islands and Atolls

Dunes

Explorers and Expeditions

Maritime

Lighthouses

Ships and Shipwrecks

Natural Sounds

Night Sky

Oceans

Whales

Scenic Views

Hiking

Length: 0.7 mile loop, 30 minutes. Location: Turn right off Route 6, 1.2 miles past the brown Head of the Meadow Beach sign on the right, at the Pilgrim Heights area sign. Walk begins at the covered shelter. Upon exiting the trail near restrooms, proceed ahead across the parking area to your vehicle. Features: Path leads to a site representative of where the Pilgrims drank their first fresh water in New England. This short loop trail winds through the recovering pine and oak forest, and passes a marker which commemorates the Pilgrim’s initial exploration of this area. Leashed pets are permitted on this trail. Conditions: Easy; some log steps; moderate grade; picnic area and seasonal restrooms in parking area at end of trail.

Entrance to the Pilgrim Spring trail. Pine needles on the forest floor surround the trail.

Entrance to the Pilgrim Spring Trail

Turn off Route 6 in Truro at the Pilgrim Heights area sign. Follow the road down into the parking lot. The walk begins at the covered shelter. Upon exiting the trail near restrooms, proceed ahead across the parking area to your vehicle.

Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Pilgrim Spring Trail, a 1-mile loop trail in Truro, Massachusetts. The trail leads to a site representative of where the Pilgrims drank their first fresh water in New England. This short loop trail winds through the recovering pine and oak forest, and passes a marker which commemorates the Pilgrim’s initial exploration of this area. The trail is rated as easy. It has solid surface for the duration of the trail with some slopes. There are some log steps. There are seasonal restrooms at the end of the trail in the parking lot. Leashed pets are permitted on this trail.

Pets are permitted on the Pilgrim Spring and Doane walking trails in the park. Pets are not permitted on any other park trail. Pets are allowed seasonally on bike paths, seasonally on beaches, and year round on fire roads. Please call 508-255-3421 for more information.

Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Pilgrim Spring Trail, a 1-mile loop trail in Truro, Massachusetts.

The seashore is open 6:00 AM to midnight, daily.

Hike the Pilgrim Spring Trail

Birds

Forests and Woodlands

Monuments and Memorials

Native American Heritage

Thickets and Shrublands

Trails

Wetlands

Length: 0.6 mile loop, 30 minutes. Location: Doane Picnic Area, one mile east of Salt Pond Visitor Center on Nauset Road (leading to Coast Guard Beach). Look for brown signs. Pets: Pets are permitted on this trail. Features: This paved, wheelchair-accessible loop trail with interpretive text winds through an emerging pine and oak forest. A picnic area is adjacent to the parking area. Conditions: Easy; wheelchair accessible grade (also good for strollers); seasonal restrooms.

A large glacial boulder surrounded by a trail and shrubs against a blue sky.

Doane Rock

Turn right off Route 6 in Eastham onto Nauset Road. Follow Nauset Road for about a mile and look for the Doane Rock Picnic Area signs. Turn right into Doane Rock and park in the first parking area. The trailhead begins at Doane Rock.

Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Doane Trail, a 0.6-mile loop trail that begins at Doane Rock in Eastham. This paved, wheelchair-accessible loop trail with interpretive text winds through an emerging pine and oak forest. A picnic area is adjacent to the parking area. The trail is rated as easy. It has solid, paved surface for the duration of the trail. Leashed pets are permitted on this trail.

Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Doane Trail, a 0.6-mile loop trail that begins at Doane Rock in Eastham.

Hike the Doane Trail

Colonization and Settlement

Biking

Please consider skill recomendations when determining if this activity is appropriate for younger family members.

You can ride your bicycle on the trail as long as you like, but the entire trail can be covered (without stops) in 30-60 minutes.

The trails are free, and parking at the Salt Pond Visitor Center and Doane Rock parking lots are free year-round. Parking at Coast Guard Beach is subject to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/fees.htm">seasonal fees</a>.

Bicyclists with helmets ride along a paved wooded trail lined with trees.

There are multiple access points to the Nauset Trail. Parking is available at the Salt Pond Visitor Center and Doane Rock parking lots for free. Parking is also available at the Coast Guard Beach parking lot, which has a <a href="https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/fees.htm">seasonal fee</a>.

There's no better way to start off a day before you go to the beach, or finish off a day of learning at the Visitor Center than to head out for a leisurely bike ride. The Nauset Bike Trail is one of three bike trails at Cape Cod National Seashore. This 1.6-mile trail connects the Salt Pond Visitor Center to Coast Guard Beach, passing through pine forests and sandy dunes. Enjoy a nice afternoon bike ride and then cool off at the beach! The Nauset Bike Trail is paved and accessible. There may be sand or standing water on the trail. The trail can be accessed at: <ul> <li>Salt Pond Visitor Center (free access)</li> <li>Doane Rock Parking Area (two hour parking limit)</li> <li>Coast Guard Beach (entrance fee in summer)</li> </ul> Remember to practice good bike safety! <ul> <li>Speed limit is 10 mph.</li> <li>Yield to pedestrians and horses.</li> <li>Ride single file.</li> <li>Stay to the right, except when passing.</li> <li>Helmets required for ages 16 and under, strongly urged for all.</li> <li>Walk bikes through tunnels.</li> </ul>

Leashed pets are allowed on the Nauset Bike Trail from November 1-April 30. Pets are not allowed on non-paved trails in the seashore. Beaches may be closed to pets, call the park in advance at (508) 255-3421 to find out which beaches are open to pets.

Get ready to explore! The Nauset Bike Trail offers a variety of environments to explore along nearly 2 miles of paved trail. Explore wooded ponds and sandy beaches!

Seashore trails and parking lots are opend from 6:00 am-midnight.

Bike the Nauset Bike Trail

Tortoises and Turtles

The Province Lands Bike Trail is one of three bike trails at Cape Cod National Seashore. This 5.45-mile trail loops around the Province Lands, passing through pine forests, sandy dunes, and low-lying cranberry bogs. There are spurs to both Herring Cove and Race Point beaches, as well as Bennett Pond. Enjoy a nice afternoon bike ride and then cool off at the beach! The Province Lands Bike Trail is paved and accessible, but there are sections with steep grades that may be difficult to navigate. There can also be sand or standing water on the trail. Length: 5.45 mile loop, 1.1 mile spur to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/herring-cove-beach.htm">Herring Cove</a>, 0.5 mile spur to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/race-point-beach.htm">Race Point Beach</a>, 0.25 mile spur to Bennett Pond. Difficulty: Advanced-Intermediate; steep hills, sharp turns, tunnels. Location: There are multiple access points to the Province Lands Bicycle Trail: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/race-point-beach.htm">Race Point Beach</a> (seasonal fees apply)</li> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/herring-cove-beach.htm">Herring Cove Beach</a> (seasonal fees apply)</li> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm">Province Lands Visitor Center</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/beechforest.htm">Beech Forest Parking Lot</a></li> </ul>

The Province Lands Bike Trail is moderate to advanced in skill, with several steep or sandy areas. Please consider skill recomendations when determining if this activity is appropriate for younger family members.

The trails are free, and parking at Beech Forest Trail and the Province Lands Visitor Center parking lots are free year-round. Parking at Herring Cove Beach or Race Point Beach are subject to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/fees.htm">seasonal fees</a>.

Entrance to the paved bike trail with regulation signage and trees.

Province Lands Bike Trail

Entrance to the Provice Lands bike trail at the Province Lands visitor center. The trail can also be accessed at Beech Forest (free), Race Point Beach (seasonal fees apply), or Herring Cove Beach (seasonal fees apply).

There's no better way to start off a day before you go to the beach, or finish off a day of learning at the Visitor Center than to head out for a leisurely bike ride. The Province Lands Bike Trail is one of three bike trails at Cape Cod National Seashore. This 5.45-mile trail loops around the Province Lands, passing through pine forests, sandy dunes, and low-lying cranberry bogs. There are spurs to both Herring Cove and Race Point beaches, as well as Bennett Pond. Enjoy a nice afternoon bike ride and then cool off at the beach! The Province Lands Bike Trail is paved and accessible, but there are sections with steep grades that may be difficult to navigate. There may be sand or standing water on the trail, depending on weather conditions. The Province Lands Bike Trail is moderate to advanced in skill, with several steep or sandy areas. Please consider skill recomendations when determining if this activity is appropriate for younger family members. The trail can be accessed at: <ul> <li>Herring Cove Beach (entrance fee in summer)</li> <li>Race Point Beach (entrance fee in summer)</li> <li>Province Lands visitor center (free access)</li> <li>Beech Forest parking lot (free access)</li> </ul> Remember to practice good bike safety! <ul> <li>Speed limit is 10 mph.</li> <li>Yield to pedestrians and horses.</li> <li>Ride single file.</li> <li>Stay to the right, except when passing.</li> <li>Helmets required for ages 16 and under, strongly urged for all.</li> <li>Walk bikes through tunnels.</li> </ul>

Leashed pets are allowed on the Province Lands Bike Trail from November 1-April 30. Pets are not allowed on non-paved trails in the seashore. Beaches may be closed to pets, call the park in advance at (508) 255-3421 to find out which beaches are open to pets.

Get ready to explore! The Province Lands Bike Trail offers a variety of environments to explore along over 7 miles of paved trail. Explore rolling dunes, wooded ponds, and sandy beaches!

Seashore trails and parking lots are open from 6:00 am-midnight.

Bike the Province Lands Bike Trail

Entrance to the bike trail at the High Head parking area. The trail can also be accessed from the Head of the Meadow Beach area, but seasonal fees apply in the summer.

The trails are free, and parking at the High Head Road parking area is free year-round. Parking at Head of the Meadow Beach is subject to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/fees.htm">seasonal fees</a>.

Entrance to the paved bike trail with regulation signage and bushes.

Bike Trail at High Head

There's no better way to start off a day before you go to the beach, or finish off a day of learning at the Visitor Center than to head out for a leisurely bike ride. The Head of the Meadow Bike Trail is one of three bike trails at Cape Cod National Seashore. This 2-mile bike trail connects the dirt parking lot at High Head Road to Head of the Meadow Beach. A round trip bike ride will be 4 miles total. Enjoy a calm bike ride along berry bushes and trees. Seasonal restrooms are available at Head of the Meadow Beach. The Head of the Meadow Bike Trail is paved and accessible. Easy; some surfaces may be bumpy, use caution. Visitors may encounter mosquitos or deerflies depending on season. The trail can be accessed at: <ul> <li>High Head Road parking area (free access)</li> <li>Head of the Meadow Beach (entrance fees apply in summer)</li> </ul> Remember to practice good bike safety! <ul> <li>Speed limit is 10 mph.</li> <li>Yield to pedestrians and horses.</li> <li>Ride single file.</li> <li>Stay to the right, except when passing.</li> <li>Helmets required for ages 16 and under, strongly urged for all.</li> <li>Walk bikes through tunnels.</li> </ul>

Leashed pets are allowed on the Head of the Meadow Bike Trail from November 1-April 30. Pets are not allowed on non-paved trails in the seashore. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/pets.htm">Read more</a> about where pets are allowed.

Get ready to explore! Enjoy a calm bike ride along berry bushes and trees.

Bike the Head of the Meadow Bike Trail

Bookstore and Park Store

Backpacks, photos, painting, hats, magnets, and a cup laid out to display items for sale.

Items for sale at the book store.

Visit inside the Salt Pond Visitor Center to find the park book store.

Looking for a gift or souvenir to remember your visit to Cape Cod National Seashore? Look no further than the park's Eastern National Bookstore, located in the Salt Pond Visitor Center. The park has an excellent selection of books, clothing, trinkets, and other fun items to represent Cape Cod National Seashore.

Pets are not allowed inside the book store.

The Eastern National book store is open 9:30 to 4:30, daily.

Visit the Eastern National Park Store

Poetry and Literature

Glaciers

Food

There is a seasonal fee charged to access Herring Cove Beach. Fees are collected late-May through mid-September.

Visitors enjoy food at the snack shack on a summer day.

Snack Shack at Herring Cove

Drive Route 6 through Provicetown to the end. Follow signs on the right for Herring Cove Beach. Entrance fees to the beach apply late-June through mid-September. The Herring Cove Snack Bar is located at the entrance to the beach.

Herring Cove Snack Bar is a food and beverage service located at Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown. It's operated by Far Land on the Beach, Inc. and operates from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. This is a vintage beach food concession facility that offers lunch and other beach snacks. Many of the towns in and around the seashore offer a variety of food options in close proximity. For more information about other food options in surrounding towns, visit the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. Information is also available at each town's information booth.

Herring Cove Snack Bar is a food and beverage service located at Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown. This is a vintage beach food concession facility that offers lunch and other beach snacks, Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The Herring Cove Snack Bar is open for lunch and dinner, daily.

Grab a Bite at the Herring Cove Snack Bar

Junior Ranger Program

All ages can start the Junior Ranger journey. Junior Ranger Activity Booklets are free at visitor centers to kids who start the program during their visit to the park. Along the way, you will attend programs with real park rangers and complete activities about Cape Cod National Seashore. To become a Junior Ranger you can: join a ranger at the beach to look for seals, take a tour of a historic lighthouse and learn what life was like in the early 1900s, listen to stories around a beach campfire, or watch how surfmen rescued people off of sinking ships. You can also walk on a trail with your friends or family and note what you observe, hear, and smell. When you've completed all the requirements, bring your booklet to one of the visitor centers to receive your Junior Ranger award.

Park ranger gives out Junior Ranger badge to young visitor.

Junior Ranger program at Cape Cod

Stop by the Salt Pond Visitor Center year round to participate in the Junior Ranger program!

Visit Cape Cod National Seashore and become a Junior Ranger!

Become a Cape Cod Junior Ranger

Fish

Archeology

Geology

Piracy and Privateering

US Coast Guard

Unique Species

Swamps

Golf

Visit the website for the most up to date fee information.

Aerial image of Highland Links Golf Course. Highland Light is surrounded by trees and green.

Highland Links from Above

10 Highland Light Road, Truro, MA. Turn off Route 6 at Highland Road. Follow the road for one mile and Highland Links will be on your left.

One of Cape Cod’s oldest golf courses, perhaps its most scenic, Highland Links in North Truro is one of America’s golf treasures, perched high along windswept bluffs overlooking the Atlantic next to the vintage Highland Light. Founded circa 1892-1898, Highland has seen more than a hundred years of golf. More significant than its age is Highland’s heritage; circumstances keep it a genuine links, as close to the Scottish tradition found anywhere in the eastern United States, with deep natural rough, Scotch broom, heath, and spectacular ocean views. Cape Cod National Seashore is one of only two national parks that offer golf courses within the park boundary (the other is East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, DC).

Pets are not allowed at Highland Links golf course.

One of Cape Cod’s oldest golf courses, perhaps its most scenic, Highland Links in North Truro is one of America’s golf treasures, perched high along windswept bluffs overlooking the Atlantic next to the vintage Highland Light.

The course is open 8:00 AM to dusk, daily.

Hit the Links at Highland Links

Length: 1.2 mile loop, one hour Location: 195 Marconi Station Road. At the stop light, turn east off Route 6 into the Marconi Station Area, South Wellfleet. Follow brown signs to the Marconi Site and White Cedar Swamp. Pets: Pets are not allowed on the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail. Features: This trail descends through a stunted oak and pine forest into a mature woodland, leads to a boardwalk that winds through the picturesque Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, and returns via the historic “Wireless Road” (a sand road) to the starting location. Conditions: Moderate difficulty; some steep stairs; return route is 0.5 mile in soft sand; swamp portion of this trail is boardwalk Restrooms: Seasonal

Entrance to the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp trail, signage and a trail surrounded by trees.

Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trailhead

Turn right off of Route 6 in Wellfleet and follow signs for the Marconi Station Site. When you reach the parking area, visitors will find the entrance to the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp next to the seasonal restrooms.

Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, a 1.2-mile loop trail in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. The trail descends through a stunted oak and pine forest into a mature woodland, leads to a boardwalk that winds through the picturesque Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, and returns via the historic “Wireless Road” (a sand road) to the starting location. The trail is rated as moderate. It has solid surface for the duration of the trail with some slopes and hills. There is a boardwalk through the swamp for about 0.6 miles. Pets are not allowed on any of the hiking trails in the park.

Pets are not allowed on any of the Seashore's walking trails. Pets are allowed seasonally on bike paths, seasonally on beaches, and year round on fire roads. Please call 508-255-3421 for more information.

Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, a 1.2-mile loop trail in Wellfleet, Massachusetts.

Hike the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail

Logging and Timber Cutting

Length: 1 mile loop, (pond loop 0.75 mile, extension loop 0.25 mile), one hour. Location: 36 Race Point Road. Turn right off Route 6 at traffic light onto Race Point Road. Proceed approximately 0.5 mile to the Beech Forest parking area on left. Features: Journey into the heart of a picturesque beech forest, and enjoy great bird watching opportunities, especially in spring and fall. It skirts the shallow Beech Forest Pond. Conditions: Easy; extension loop has steep log steps; some soft sand; picnic area and seasonal restrooms at trailhead; Province Lands bicycle trail can be accessed from parking area.

Entrance to the beech forest trail. Boardwalk enters the forest. Brown entrance sign.

Entrance to the Beech Forest Trail

36 Race Point Road. Turn off Route 6 at traffic light onto Race Point Road. Proceed approximately 0.5 mile to the Beech Forest parking area on left.

Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Beech Forest Trail, a 1-mile loop trail in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Journey into the heart of a picturesque beech forest, and enjoy great bird watching opportunities, especially in spring and fall. It skirts the shallow Beech Forest Pond. This trail is rated as easy. The extension loop has steep log steps. There is some soft sand, some sections of boardwalk, and seasonal restrooms at trailhead. The Province Lands bicycle trail can be accessed from parking area. Pets are not allowed on any of the hiking trails in the park.

Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Beech Forest Trail, a 1-mile loop trail in Provincetown, Massachusetts. 

Hike the Beech Forest Trail

Length: 0.6 mile loop, 30 minutes. Location: Turn right off Route 6, 1.2 miles past the brown Head of the Meadow Beach sign, at the Pilgrim Heights area sign. Walk begins and ends at the covered shelter. Features: Chosen by Native People for living sites for thousands of years for water, protection, and food sources, early-European settlers also sought to make a living on this landscape. Gradually, the soil gave out, farms were abandoned, and the landscape began its slow recovery. The forest here now hides most, but not all, of the former land uses in this area. Conditions: Easy; some log steps; moderate grade; short boardwalk surface; picnic area and seasonal restrooms in adjacent parking area.

Entrance to the Small's Swamp trail. Brown sign and trail maps on a post. Trail leads into forest.

Small's Swamp Trail Entrance

Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Small's Swamp Trail, a 0.6-mile loop trail located in Truro, Massachusetts. Chosen by Native People for living sites for thousands of years for water, protection, and food sources, early-European settlers also sought to make a living on this landscape. Gradually, the soil gave out, farms were abandoned, and the landscape began its slow recovery. The forest here now hides most, but not all, of the former land uses in this area. The trail is rated as easy. It has solid surface for the duration of the trail with some slopes and a short boardwalk surface. There are some log steps. Pets are not allowed on any of the hiking trails in the park. There are seasonal restrooms at the end of the trail in the parking lot.

Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Small's Swamp Trail, a 0.6-mile loop trail located in Truro, Massachusetts. 

Hike the Small's Swamp Trail

Length: 0.6 miles each way, plus extensions, 45 minutes. Adjacent fire roads offer additional miles of walking opportunities. Location: 111 North Pamet Road. Take Truro Center/Pamet Roads exit off Route 6 in Truro. Proceed 1.5 miles on North Pamet Road to the end. Trail begins at the parking area adjacent to the Environmental Education Center (a hostel in summer). Pets: Pets are not allowed on the Pamet Area Trails. Features: The Bearberry Hill overlooks offer spectacular views of the Pamet landscape, with views of the Atlantic and the glacial terrain of the Pamet River valley, and a former boghouse from the era of commercial cranberry harvesting. Outdoor exhibits and a folder keyed to trail markers describe the area. Conditions: Moderate difficulty; log steps; steep grade to overlook. No restrooms.

Depending on the route you take, duration can vary. The out and back to Bearberry Hill is approximately 1.2 miles total. There are out and back spurs to the cranberry bog that can add up to 1 mile each way.

Overlook at Bearberry Hill; views out from the hilltop to the sweeping ocean with shrubs.

Bearberry Hill Overlook

111 North Pamet Road. Take Truro Center/Pamet Roads exit off Route 6 in Truro. Proceed 1.5 miles on North Pamet Road to the end. Trail begins at the parking area adjacent to the Environmental Education Center (a hostel in summer).

Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Pamet Area Trails, a 0.6-mile out and back trail with several spurs in Truro, Massachusetts. Bearberry Hill overlooks offer spectacular views of the Pamet landscape, with views of the Atlantic and the glacial terrain of the Pamet River valley, and a former boghouse from the era of commercial cranberry harvesting. Outdoor exhibits and a folder keyed to trail markers describe the area. The trail is rated as moderate. The trail is a solid surface. There are log steps and steep grade to the Bearberry Hill overlook. No restrooms.

Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Pamet Area Trails, a 0.6-mile out and back trail with several spurs in Truro, Massachusetts. 

Hike the Pamet Area Trails

Length: 3.9-8.8 miles round trip (3.9 for tavern loop round trip to parking area; 8.8 for round trip to Jeremy Point overlook including tavern loop.) Allow three to five hours to explore Great Island. Location: Corner of Griffin Island and Chequessett Neck Road. From Route 6, follow green signs to Wellfleet Center; turn left onto East Commercial Street (follow signs to Wellfleet Harbor); continue along the shoreline from town pier via Chequessett Neck Road to the Great Island parking area. (Keep water view on left after leaving Route 6.) Pets: Leashed pets are allowed in designated ares on Great Island Trail. Be sure to check trail signs for permitted areas. Features: This trail follows sandy stretches between the elevated heights of Great Island and Great Beach Hill. Its higher elevations punctuate spectacular vistas which emerge from an even-aged, pitch-pine forest. Part of this trail leads to a colonial-era tavern site (no remains visible). Other sections skirt salt marsh embayments. A picnic area is adjacent to parking area. Conditions: The park’s most difficult trail; mostly soft sand; some log steps; portions are submerged at high tide; hats, sturdy footgear and drinking water advised; portable toilets. Leashed pets are allowed between the upper/lower parking areas along the trail to the first cut and out onto the beach.

Depending on the route you take, duration can vary. The shorter loop is 3.9 miles while the long loop to Jeremy Point is 8.8 miles round trip. Check the tides before you visit. Plan ahead.

Aerial view of the start of the Great Island Trail, beach surrounded by ocean and a cove.

Great Island Trail from above.

Follow Chequessett Neck Road from downtown Wellfleet. Turn right into the main parking area for the Great Island trail and follow signs to the trailhead.

Are you looking for a day of adventure? Look no further than Cape Cod National Seashore's longest hiking trail, Great Island! Make your own adventure to enjoy the shorter 3.9-mile loop or go for gold with the full 8.8 mile loop to Jeremy Point! The trail follows sandy stretches between the elevated heights of Great Island and Great Beach Hill. Its higher elevations punctuate spectacular vistas which emerge from an even-aged, pitch-pine forest. Part of this trail leads to a colonial-era tavern site (no remains are visible). Other sections skirt salt marsh embayments. The Great Island Trail is the park’s most difficult trail; mainly soft sand; some log steps; portions are submerged at high tide; hats, sturdy footgear and drinking water advised. Leashed pets are allowed between the upper/lower parking areas along the trail to the first cut and out onto the beach. USE CAUTION AND CHECK THE TIDES BEFORE ATTEMPTING THIS TRAIL! Many sections of the trail, including Jeremy Point, are submerged at high tide.

Leashed pets are allowed between the upper/lower parking areas along the trail to the first cut and out onto the beach.

Are you looking for a day of adventure? Look no further than Cape Cod National Seashore's longest hiking trail, Great Island! Make your own adventure to enjoy the shorter 3.9-mile loop or go for gold with the full 8.8 mile loop to Jeremy Point!

Hike the Great Island Trail

Foothills, Plains and Valleys

Length: 0.3 mile loop, 15 minutes. Location: Adjacent to the Salt Pond Visitor Center amphitheater, 50 Nauset Road, off Route 6. Pets: Pets are not allowed on Buttonsush Trail. Features: This loop trail includes interactive features great for kids, and involves all the senses as it winds through forest, crosses over the Buttonbush Pond on a boardwalk bridge, and traverses formerly cultivated areas. Conditions: Easy; some log steps on the second half of the trail; moderate grade; restrooms at visitor center.

Buttonbush Trail Entrance

Park in the Salt Pond Visitor Center parking lot and walk to amphitheater. Buttonbush trail entrance is to the left of the amphitheater.

Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Buttonbrush trail, a 0.3-mile loop trail that begins at the Salt Pond Visitor Center. This accesible loop trail includes interactive features great for kids, and involves all the senses as it winds through forest, crosses over the Buttonbush Pond on a boardwalk bridge, and traverses formerly cultivated areas. The trail is rated as easy. It has solid surface, some sections of boardwalk, and a rope along the length of the trail to guide blind visitors. Pets are not allowed on any of the hiking trails in the park.

Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Buttonbrush trail, a 0.3-mile loop trail that begins at the Salt Pond Visitor Center.

Hike the Buttonbush Trail

Farming and Agriculture

Marshes

Length: 0.8 mile round trip, 30 minutes. Location: Enter this trail from the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/forthill.htm">Fort Hill Trail</a>. Pets: Pets are not allowed on the Red Maple Swamp Trail. Features: Boardwalk sections of theis trail meander through the heart of the Red Maple Swamp. This setting is the most colorful in the fall. Conditions: Moderate difficulty; seasonal restrooms near Hemenway Landing.

A white boardwalk winds through a swampy forest

Red Maple Swamp boardwalk

Turn onto Hemenway Road off Route 6. Follow the road and park in the parking lot. The trail can be accessed adjacent to the parking area near the restrooms.

Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Red Maple Swamp, 0.8-mile round trip boardwalk trail. Boardwalk sections of the trail meander through the heart of the Red Maple Swamp, with an option to connect back to the Fort Hill trail on either end. This setting is the most colorful in the fall. The trail is rated as easy. It follows a boardwalk the entire way. Seasonal restrooms are located at the trail entrance near Hemenway Landing. Pets are not allowed on any of the hiking trails in the park.

Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Red Maple Swamp, 0.8-mile round trip boardwalk trail. 

Cape Cod

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Take a Break on Cape Cod's Beaches

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Hike the Pilgrim Spring Trail

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Hike the Doane Trail

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Bike the Nauset Bike Trail

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Bike the Province Lands Bike Trail

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Bike the Head of the Meadow Bike Trail

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