10 Cape Cod Hikes off the Beaten Path


WAYNE EARL CHINNOCK
BELL’S NECK
HARWICH
Acquired in 1668 by settler John Bell from the
Saquatucket tribe, Bell’s Neck was eventually
purchased by the town to preserve its rich
woodlands. Covering 259 acres, the property
includes the freshwater West Reservoir and
the saltier East Reservoir. With three miles of
trails winding through salt marshes, the area
attracts birdwatchers hoping to spot ospreys
and black-crowned night herons. Many also
enjoy exploring by canoe or kayak, but the
trails offer peaceful nature walks full of wildlife
and solitude.
THE KNOB
FALMOUTH
Though less than a mile long, the hike through the
Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (known as The Knob) offers
stunning water views at every turn. Where Buzzards
Bay meets Quissett Harbor, this rocky outcrop is a
favorite spot for sunset watchers and picnickers. The
area includes three distinct beaches—Little Beach,
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Fisherman’s Beach and Crescent Beach—while the
wooded trail passes through picturesque sandy
pines before opening up to panoramic water views.
Managed by Salt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuaries, it’s also a
haven for birdwatching.
DUNE SHACKS TRAIL
PROVINCETOWN
Within the Cape Cod National Seashore, the Dune Shacks
Trail offers a two-mile out-and-back trek through dramatic
sand dunes. The trail ends at a remote beach, but along the
way, you’ll encounter historic dune shacks, once occupied
by the U.S. Life-Saving Service and later by artists seeking
inspiration. Famous early residents included the likes of
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playwright Tennessee Williams, painter Jackson Pollock and
novelist Jack Kerouac. Today, these rustic shacks are owned
by the federal government and serve as summer retreats
for artists selected by lottery, offering creative solitude amid
the scenic dunes.
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2025 » CAPE COD TRAVEL GUIDE
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