When you stay at the Tern Inn, you're close to many of Cape Cod's many hiking and biking trails. There are plenty of trails near our inn, and nationally known trails throughout the Cape Cod National Seashore.
The Best Cape Cod Hiking Trails
We've listed a few of our favorite trails below. If you'd like more information on hiking and biking trails in our area, give us a call. We'll be glad to answer your questions.
Great Island Trail Cape Cod
Location: Cape Cod National Seashore Length: 4.7 miles to 7.5 miles Difficulty: Moderate
Great Island Trail is an extremely popular loop trail that begins near Wellfleet Harbor, runs along sparkling Great Beach Hill's sand dunes, and, depending on the tides, can go as far as Jeremy Point. Dogs are not allowed. Note that Cape Cod National Seashore does have an entry fee.
Province Lands Bike Trail
Location: Cape Cod National Seashore Length: 6.6 miles Difficulty: Easy
Province Lands Bike Trail is a paved bike trail near Provincetown, Massachusetts. Besides road bikers, it's also popular with joggers and skaters. There are a number of access points to this trail: Race Point Beach, Herring Cove Beach, Province Lands Visitor Center, and Beech Forest Parking Lot.
The trail passes through sand dunes, cranberry bogs, and pine forests. It offers fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay. And, you'll have the option of stopping by the beach along the way. Dogs are not allowed.
Cape Cod Rail Trail
Location: Multiple towns Length: 27.6 miles Difficulty: Easy
Cape Cod Rail Trail is a paved point-to-point trail that runs through Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, and Wellfleet. It's perfect for cyclists, and it's also popular with runners, walkers, and horseback riders.
This trail is a great way to see numerous historic sites found in inland Cape Cod. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed.
Bell's Neck Conservation Lands
Location: Harwich, MA Length: 2.75 Difficulty: Varies
Bell's Neck Conservation Lands is 259 acres in North Harwich, with close to three miles of trails. You'll get views of a variety of a number of diverse landscapes. The trail system here passes by woods, marshes, the Herring River, and the West Reservoir.
The West Reservoir is especially interesting due to the variety of birds near it. Osprey, great blue heron, and kingfishers are common around the reservoir. The primary trail in the area is only a mile-long trail that loops around West Reservoir.
Eddy Bay Trail
Location: Brewster, MA Length: 1.1 miles Difficulty: Easy
Eddy Bay Trail is a nice out-and-back trail that is perfect for the entire family. Mainly used for hiking, it offers fantastic views of Cape Cod Bay. The trail winds through pines and oaks, and ends at Brewster's highest bluff overlooking the bay.
On a clear day, you can see as far as Provincetown, and the Pilgrim Monument is usually visible. Eddy Bay Trail is rarely crowded and is easily accessible.
Long Point Lighthouse Trail
Location: Cape Cod National Seashore Length: 5.9 miles Difficulty: Moderate
Long Point Lighthouse Trail is a popular loop near Provincetown, MA. The trail ends up at Long Point Lighthouse, which is only accessible by foot.
The trail is not as crowded as you might expect. Dogs are allowed. Note the Cape Cod National Seashore has an entry fee.
Fort Hill Trail
Location: Cape Cod National Seashore Length: 1.0 miles Difficulty: Easy
Fort Hill Trail is an easy loop near Eastham, MA, that is perfect for all skill levels. The trail is well known by birdwatchers. It runs by Red Maple Swamp Trail, and offers great views of Nauset Marsh.
Dogs are not allowed. Note the Cape Cod National Seashore has an entry fee.
