In My Footsteps: Hiking Cape Cod

With spring and 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 go exploring on Cape Cod and also give 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 in 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. Choose a trail that is suitable for 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 it 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 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. Don't leave anything behind, and don't damage 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.

1. 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 17^th Century Samuel Smith Tavern Site.

Great Island Trail

2. Nauset Marsh Trail: Eastham – Easy/Moderate: This trail can be easy or moderate as well. There is a marsh loop trail that is 1.2 total miles but for more of a challenge you can add in the Nauset Bike Trail to bump the total distance up to 4.1 miles. You circle Salt Pond and can venture out to Salt Pond Bay. The bike trail leads you all the way out to the iconic Coast Guard Beach as well.

Nauset Marsh Trail

3. Long Point Lighthouse Trail: Provincetown – Moderate: One of the most visible yet least traversed trails on Cape Cod. The approximately 5.9 total mile hike begins with a somewhat challenging walk across Provincetown’s West End Breakwater. It continues with a sandy stroll out onto Long Point to the eponymously named lighthouse. The views of Provincetown’s waterfront along with the boats that dock on Long Point make this a wonderful way to spend a day.

Long Point Lighthouse

4. Waquoit Bay Trail: Mashpee – Easy: A beautiful out-and-back walk along South Cape Beach leads you from the parking area to the shores of Waquoit Bay. At a little over 2 miles, it is a relatively easy hike although some soft sand can slow your progress down at times.

South Cape Beach State Park

Wing Island Trail: Brewster – Easy: Be sure to keep an eye on the tides before you go. Once the timing is right though this is an easy hike with a panoramic view of Cape Cod Bay at the end. It can be anywhere from 1.5 miles to slightly longer depending on how much of the beach you choose to explore.

Wing Island Trail

    These are but a few of the incredible hikes on Cape Cod. There are so many hidden gems, not to mention more than one hundred miles of paved bike trails. Whether you choose to explore one of the mentioned trails, or you choose your own adventure, be sure to have fun and be safe!

In My Footsteps: Trip 14: Brewster, Mass.

In My Footsteps

Christopher Setterlund

Trip 14: Brewster, Mass.

January 28, 2010

            Brewster is a classic small town with a mix of the modern and the quaint.  It may have the most natural beauty of any town on the mid-Cape with the Natural History Museum as well as Nickerson State Park which will be addressed in its own article.  First incorporated in 1803, carved out from the northern part of Harwich, Brewster was named for William Brewster one of the leaders of the Pilgrims.  The sights and history start almost immediately when you cross over into Brewster from Dennis.  This little village is also filled with cozy Bed & Breakfasts that look like they are straight out of the 19^th Century.  The best part is that you do not have to travel very far to find natural and historical beauty.

            On Rt. 6A as you cross into Brewster you come across Drummer Boy Park which houses the Old Higgins Farm Windmill(left).  It was built in 1795 and has been moved several times before winding up in its current location.  Also on the Drummer Boy Park grounds is the Harris-Black House also built in 1795.  The park area is grassy and wide open, perfect for recreation and picnicking. 

            Almost immediately after exiting Drummer Boy Park you will find the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History.  There are trails on the south side of Rt. 6A that take you across a marsh and into the surrounding woods.  The Natural History Museum itself is filled with amazing exhibits featuring the local wildlife and ecology.  It is open everyday during the summer and most days during the spring and fall.  It is what is behind the museum that truly makes the trip memorable, a prime example of what the Natural History Museum’s exhibits are all about. 

            Located across Quivett Creek Marsh and only accessible at low tide is Wing Island.  The John Wing Trail which begins as a series of boards across the mucky marsh leads you across the wooded land and out to Cape Cod Bay is named for John Wing.  Wing was the first white settler to live within the boundaries of what was old Harwich in 1656.  The island trail has several openings which allow a broad view of Quivett Creek Marsh and Cape Cod Bay(right) simultaneously.  The land is filled with birds, butterflies and sweet smelling flowers during the warmer months but it is still an amazing piece of natural beauty during the winter.  Remember that the marsh trail leading to Wing Island is submerged during high tide so check the charts before heading out there.  Paine’s Creek is visible from the beach at Wing Island but in order to get to the beach you must leave the Natural History Museum and head down 6A.  It is a great swimming beach as it is on the bay side of the Cape and therefore has less surf.

            If you follow Paine’s Creek Road to Stony Brook Road you will find a pair of well known attractions.  The Stony Brook Herring Run(right) is a popular site for children and adults alike, especially during the spring when the herring spawn.  During the spring the narrow brook is choked with the fish but as tempting as it may seem, taking them from the grounds is not permitted.  However, it does not have to be spring to enjoy the herring run.  Lower Mill Pond empties through the herring run and out into Paine’s Creek and the series of ‘fish ladders,’ a sort of man made funneling system for the fish, make a constant rush of water that overpowers most other sound.  There is also an old wishing well on the grounds and a walking bridge over the brook that allows for tremendous views of the natural beauty no matter what the season.

            Across the street from the herring run is the Stony Brook Grist Mill(left).  The original mill was 200-years old when it burnt to the ground in 1871, the current mill was built on the original foundation two years later.  It houses a museum inside and is still in operation despite being nearly 140-years old.  The mill has an amazing wooden wheel affixed to its side; this spot is a very popular photographic site.

            A beautiful place to stay and a beautiful place to explore, Brewster holds many natural and historical attractions.  It should be a destination for any traveler wishing to visit Cape Cod.  Any time of year you can enjoy all of the sites Brewster has to offer.  Have fun and happy traveling!

Directions: Drummer Boy Park: On Rt. 6A travel east into Brewster.  The park is located shortly after entering the town on the left side.  The windmill stands on the left side of the park with the Harris-Black house sitting behind it.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History & Wing Island: On Rt. 6A travel east into Brewster.  The Natural History Museum is a very short drive from Drummer Boy Park and is designated by a large sign.  Wing Island is behind the museum across the marsh, accessible only at low tide.

Paine’s Creek: On Rt. 6A travel east, pass Drummer Boy Park and the Natural History Museum.  Bear left onto Lower Rd. and take first left onto Paine’s Creek Rd.  Follow road to beach parking lot.

Stony Brook Herring Run & Grist Mill: On Rt. 6A heading east turn right onto Paine’s Creek Rd.  Turn right onto Stony Brook Rd.  The herring run and mill are 1,000 feet away.  Parking is on herring run side of road.

References: Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

            Brewster Historical Society

            Cape Cod Herring Runs
           Brewster By the Sea Bed & Breakfast

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