Best Cape Cod Hikes near Harwich, MA

When you stay at Handkerchief Shoals Inn, you are close to some of Cape Cod's most iconic hiking trails. In this article, we've listed some of the best paths that are relatively close to our Harwich location. For more information on the walking trails in our area, give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you!

Image may be subject to copyright

Cliff Pond Trail

Location: Nickerson State Park
Length: 2.7 miles
Distance from Us: 7 miles

Cliff Pond Trail, near Brewster, Massachusetts, is an easy hike that is appropriate for all skill levels. As the name suggests, the trail follows along the banks of Cliff Pond, a 206-acre kettle pond surrounded by scenic cliffs.

The trail features direct access to the water and a variety of wildlife. Note that poison ivy may be found along this trail, so beware. Cliff Pond Trail is a sandy trail that is well maintained and usually not particularly crowded. Bring your camera for some beautiful shots!

Learn More

Harding's Beach Trail

Location: Chatham
Length: 1.8 miles
Distance from Us: 4.5 miles

Harding's Beach Trail to Stage Harbor Lighthouse is an easy, short out-and-back trail in Chatham. The trail is a sand road that all family members can walk. Along the way, which follows the low dunes, you'll enjoy amazing views of scenic Nantucket Sound. At the end of the trail, you'll arrive at the historic Stage Harbor Lighthouse. From that vantage point, you can see fishing boats entering Stage Harbor. Loop back along the beach and keep an eye out for arrowheads!

Access to Harding's Beach Trail is not a problem: From the second parking lot at the beach, go east, following the sand road that parallels the beach.

Learn More

Image may be subject to copyright

Fort Hill Trail

Location: Cape Cod National Seashore
Length: 1 mile
Distance from Us: 12.4 miles

Located in Eastham, Massachusetts, Fort Hill Trail is an easy one-mile loop that connects with the Red Maple Swamp Trail in Cape Cod National Seashore. Primarily out in the open, this trail combines fresh ocean breezes with fantastic views of Nauset Marsh. Fort Hill Trail is popular with bird watchers as well as hikers; in fact, Fort Hill Trail is considered to be one of the best locations for bird watching on Cape Cod.

Because it is close to a marsh, flies and other insects may be plentiful, so plan accordingly.

Learn More

Morris Island Loop Trail

Location: Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
Length: 1.6 miles
Distance from Us: 8 miles

Morris Island Loop Trail, in Chatham, Massachusetts, lets you explore a variety of diverse habitats in the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. You'll travel through a salt marsh and a tidal flat, and along beaches, forest, and dunes. The refuge is host to numerous species of plants, marine life and waterfowl.

Note that you'll want to hike this trail during low tide. For several hours during high tide, a stretch of the trail may be covered by several inches of water. Parking is free at the site of the refuge station. Follow the signage to the trail head. Please respect the privacy of homeowners whose property is traversed by the walking path.

Learn More

Image may be subject to copyright

If you liked this article, check out these articles as well!

Best Beaches near Harwich, MA

Image may be subject to copyright

A Day Trip to Nantucket

Image may be subject to copyright

Cape Cod Lighthouses