Cape Cod is known for beaches, small towns, lighthouses, and seafood. Cape Cod’s diverse landscape also offers hikers a multitude of ways to explore the peninsula. An array of stunning trails, from coastal dunes to dense woodlands, can provide a break from the crowds and a bit of solitude. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful nature walk, try one of these top 10 Cape Cod hikes for the best natural beauty in the area.
- Great Island Trail, Wellfleet
Distance: 3.9-8.8 miles (loop) Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
One of Cape Cod’s most spectacular coastal hikes, Great Island Trail takes you through a remote peninsula surrounded by Cape Cod Bay. The trail weaves through maritime forests and along sandy beaches, offering breathtaking views of the bay as you walk along cliffs. Keep an eye out for shorebirds and seals. The varying terrain and soft sand make this a challenging but rewarding hike. The 3.9-mile loop will bring you past the site of an old tavern (the remains are no longer visible). The 8.8-mile loop includes venturing out to Jeremy’s Point which is only available at low tide.
- Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail, Wellfleet
Distance: 1.2 miles (loop) Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This enchanting boardwalk trail takes you through a rare Atlantic white cedar swamp, offering a completely different side of Cape Cod’s ecology. In spring and summer, watch for pink lady’s slippers and other native wildflowers. This well-maintained trail is perfect for families and nature photographers. While the swamp portion is on a flat boardwalk, there are portions of the trail with steep stairs and soft sand.
- Fort Hill Trail, Eastham
Distance: 1 mile (loop) Difficulty: Easy
The Fort Hill Trail offers some of the most diverse views on Cape Cod. From the parking area, you’ll climb a gentle hill to sweeping vistas of Nauset Marsh. The trail passes through open fields filled with wildflowers and is a favorite location for birdwatchers. Extend the hike by including the 0.8-mile Red Maple Swamp Trail with the most dazzling colors in the fall.
Distance: 25.5 miles (one-way) Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
While technically a bike path, the Cape Cod Rail Trail offers excellent hiking opportunities. The paved trail stretches from Dennis to Wellfleet, passing through six towns. A notable section of the trail ventures through Nickerson State Park and includes many kettle ponds. There are as many as 1,000 kettle ponds on the Cape; these freshwater ponds were formed by glacial ice. If you want a multi-sport day, stop for a swim in Flax Pond which has a sandy beach and seasonal lifeguards. Choose any segment for an out-and-back hike, or arrange a shuttle for a longer one-way adventure.
- Sandy Neck Beach Trail, Barnstable
Distance: 6 miles (one-way) Difficulty: Moderate
This stunning coastal trail takes you along a barrier beach, offering views of both Cape Cod Bay and the Great Marsh. The diverse ecosystem includes dunes, maritime forests, and salt marshes. Watch for piping plovers, least terns, and diamond-backed terrapin turtles. The soft sand makes this hike more challenging than the distance suggests. The 6-mile Marsh Trail will take hikers all the way to Sandy Neck Light. There are also four cutover options along the trail that will bring hikers to the beach for a shorter loop hike.
Distance: 5 miles (combined trails) Difficulty: Easy
The sanctuary offers five miles of interconnected trails through woodland, salt marsh, and sandy beach habitats. The Bay View Trail is the longest in the sanctuary and it leads to a salt marsh with excellent bird-watching opportunities. The Goose Pond Trail circles a brackish water pond known for shorebirds in the spring and fall. The wheelchair-accessible All Persons Trail includes a self-guided audio tour with 13 stops.
- Beech Forest Trail, Provincetown
Distance: 1 mile (loop) Difficulty: Easy
Located in the heart of the Cape Cod National Seashore, this charming trail loops around a freshwater pond through a mature beech forest. The trail is particularly stunning in fall when the beech leaves turn golden. Numerous benches offer spots to rest and watch for the many bird species that frequent the area. The 5.45-mile (loop) Province Lands Bicycle Trail is also accessible from the Beech Forest Trail parking lot.
- John Wing Trail, Brewster
Distance: 1.3 miles (loop) Difficulty: Easy
This delightful trail at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History takes you through upland forest, salt marsh, and out to Cape Cod Bay. The trail includes boardwalks over the marsh and offers excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife, particularly shore birds. Time your hike for low tide to explore the tidal flats at the end of the trail.
- Stage Harbor Lighthouse Trail, Chatham
Distance: 1.8 miles (loop) Difficulty: Moderate
Enjoy views of the ocean and harbor from this trail that is popular with birdwatchers. Hikers can take the beach out and back or venture onto the marked sand trail to make it a loop. The trail is considerate moderate in difficulty because of the soft sand. Stage Harbor Lighthouse is the only lighthouse in Chatham and many locals call it Harding’s Beach Light. It is a private residence, but visitors can get great pictures from the public beach.
- Long Point Dike to Two Lighthouses, Provincetown
Distance: 6.4 miles (loop) Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Long Point Lighthouse is the most remote lighthouse in Cape Cod. The only way to access this lighthouse is via a hike or a boat. This hike will allow visitors to see both Long Point and Wood Hole lighthouses but the terrain can be quite tricky. A 1.25-mile portion of the hike crosses a stone jetty that is uneven and can be partially submerged during high tide. This hike is worth the effort but be certain to plan your timing based on the tides.
Remember to check trail conditions before heading out, as Cape Cod’s weather and tides can significantly impact hiking conditions. Always bring water, sun protection, and bug spray, particularly during summer months. Many of these trails are part of the Cape Cod National Seashore or other protected areas, so be sure to follow posted guidelines and practice Leave No Trace principles.
