With summer comes the increased desire to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. Living on Cape Cod, there is no shortage of places to see and explore. Hiking is a fantastic way to get out into nature, get some exercise, and explore the great outdoors. However, hiking can also be dangerous if you're not prepared or don't take the necessary precautions.
What I am going to do here is share some amazing places to explore on Cape Cod and also provide some tips on how to enjoy hiking outdoors safely.
1. Plan your route: Before you start your hike, it's essential to plan your route. Luckily, Cape Cod is a peninsula, and the odds of getting lost somewhere truly inhospitable are small. However, it is important to have a general sense of where you are and where you are going. Doing a little research won’t hurt. Select a trail that suits your fitness level and experience. For the most part, Cape Cod is a series of beginner to moderate hiking trails.
2. Bring the right gear: This is a given. Make sure you have appropriate footwear that provides good support and traction. Wear comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the weather conditions. If the hike is long enough, bring a backpack with essential items such as water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and maybe a first aid kit. There are plenty of short hikes on Cape Cod, but there are also some that can be up to ten miles or longer.
3. Check the weather forecast: This is true for any time of year. Hiking is fun, but hiking in the pouring rain, wind, or snow is not. That’s not to say that some inclement weather can’t make for a fun adventure. The main point is to think ahead. A little drizzle or hot temperatures might not ruin a hike, but a downpour can change the complexion of a trail, turning packed dirt to slippery muck.
4. Hike with a buddy: It's always a good idea to hike with a buddy or a group of people. Not only is it more fun to hike with others, but it's also safer. If you get lost or injured, you'll have someone there to help you.
5. Stay on the trail: When hiking, always stay on the trail. Don't wander off the path, as you can damage the environment and get lost. There is also a prevalence of ticks that can cause Lyme Disease. Most trails are crafted to make sure you get the best experience, so diverting from them shouldn’t be necessary.
6. Pace yourself: Hiking can be physically demanding. Don't push yourself too hard and listen to your body. If you feel tired or lightheaded, take a break and have a snack or drink some water. It also gives you ample time to take in the scenery and even snag a couple of amazing photos.
7. Respect wildlife: Remember when hiking, you’re in nature’s house. Keep your distance from animals and don't disturb their natural habitat. Don't feed animals or leave food out, as this can attract wildlife and create dangerous situations.
8. Leave no trace: This is most important. Leave no trace behind, and avoid damaging the environment by carving your name into trees or rocks. Take out what you take in. We only have one environment, and it is important to leave its beauty for future generations.
That’s a pretty comprehensive list, but it’s all common-sense stuff. Be smart, be respectful, and be prepared. Now that you know how to properly enjoy a good hike on Cape Cod, it’s time to share a few places to implement the tips. They will also be designated as easy, moderate, or difficult so that all experience levels can find somewhere incredible to visit.
Great Island Trail: Wellfleet – Moderate: This trail can be easy or moderate, depending on the path you take. It is anywhere from 3.9 – 8.8 miles in total length. There are spectacular views of Cape Cod Bay and Jeremy Point. The uplands take you past the 17th-century Samuel Smith Tavern Site.
Wing Island Trail: Rt. 6A, Brewster – Easy: It is important to check the tide before you go, as it is possible for the water to come in and make Wind Island, well, an island. The trail is roughly 1.5 miles in total. It leads to spectacular views of Cape Cod Bay and the famed Brewster Flats.
Dead Neck Trail: Mashpee – Easy: This trail extends west from the parking lot of South Cape Beach. It is mostly over sand, so it can be more challenging in different areas. In total, it is about 2.5 miles out and back. The end of the trail brings you to the mouth of Waquoit Bay, which can be a highway for boats in the summer and feel like the middle of nowhere in the winter.
West Barnstable Conservation Loop: Crooked Cartway, West Barnstable – Moderate: This is a long and somewhat hilly trail extending as much as nearly 7 miles if you do the entirety of it. The challenge of the hills is well worth it for the spectacular view from the Walker Point Deck, one of the highest locations on Cape Cod.
Province Lands Bike Trail: Province Lands Rd, Provincetown – Easy/Moderate: Despite being a paved trail, this 6.7-mile loop traverses up and down the rolling sand dunes of Provincetown. The views are incredible, and there are several parking areas along the trail. This means that you can choose to hike a shorter distance if desired.
Harding’s Beach Trail: Harding’s Beach Rd., Chatham – Moderate: Although it only clocks in at about 2 miles, this trail is moderately challenging due to it being mostly over soft sand. To the north, you’ll see Oyster Pond River, to the south the ocean, and in front of you, Stage Harbor Lighthouse. It feels like the middle of nowhere, even as the boats pass by in and out and Stage Harbor.
Of course, there are hundreds of other incredible trails to be explored on Cape Cod. These are only a few examples. Wherever you choose to walk, be sure to be safe and have fun. Enjoy the rest of summer!
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