Don’t let the subdued terrain of Cape Cod fool you: This great peninsula includes some truly fabulous hiking amid gorgeous and varied landscapes. With a room at the Lighthouse Inn on the shores of Nantucket Sound, you’re within easy reach of some fantastic trails.
Here’s a brief survey of only some of the fine hoofing-it opportunities at your fingertips—or perhaps we should say boot-tips—on a getaway at our historic oceanfront inn!
Dennis Conservation Areas
Close at hand are a number of fine protected lands within the greater town of Dennis, where we’re located. One nice option is the Indian Lands Conservation Area Trail, a 1.3-mile loop edging the Bass River. (Heads up: In the spring, this route serves up some gorgeous photo ops courtesy of blooming ladyslipper orchids.)
Another great spot in the Dennis Conservation Areas is the Swan Pond Overlook, a prime place for waterfowl viewing and other birdwatching that can be incorporated into a one- to 1.5-mile walkabout.
Check out other hiking opportunities in Dennis here.
The Cape Cod National Seashore
The defining natural treasure of the peninsula, the Cape Cod National Seashore includes a wealth of outstanding hiking through a broad spectrum of native habitats.
An absolute must-do is the 1.2-mile loop through the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, among the most magical-feeling ecosystems on Cape Cod. The portion through the conifer wetland itself is done via boardwalk. So is the similarly enchanting 0.8-mile route through the Red Maple Swamp, which reaches peak beauty wearing its fall colors. The Red Maple Swamp Trail also connects with another perambulatory highlight of the National Seashore: the Fort Hill Trail, which delivers long views over the lovely, bird-rich Nauste Marsh.
Ambitious hikers might tackle the nearly nine-mile round-trip trek involved on the full Great Island Trail, a challenging walk mostly done on sand that serves up some spectacular scenery (and can include a loop to the site of a colonial-era tavern).
The Punkhorn Parklands
Immerse yourself in the woodsy beauty of “backcountry” Cape Cod on the trails of the Punkhorn Parklands in Brewster, which weave through quiet forest speckled with kettle ponds and pass an 18th-century gristmill.
Nickerson State Park
The 1,900-acre Nickerson State Park includes a number of worthwhile hiking trails, not least the path edging postcard-perfect Cliff Pond.
Get Out & Explore Cape Cod’s Trails on a Summer Getaway at the Lighthouse Inn
From tidal marshes, ancient swamps, and flower-filled meadows to wide-open beaches and historical structures, take in Cape Cod scenery on foot with a dayhike (or five) during your stay with us here at the Lighthouse Inn!