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 trails that are relatively close to our Harwich location. If you need more information on the hiking trails in our area, give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you!

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 is along the banks of Cliff Pond, a 206-acre kettle pond surrounded by scenic cliffs.

The trail features numerous wildflowers and a variety of natural wildlife. Note that patches of poison ivy are typical on this trail, so beware. Cliff Pond Trail is a sandy trail that is well maintained and usually not particularly crowded. Dogs are welcome.

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Eddy Bay Trail

Location: Brewster Conservation Trust
Length: 1.1 miles
Distance from Us: 8.1 miles

Eddy Bay Trail is an easy, short out-and-back trail near Brewster, Massachusetts. It is an excellent trail that all family members can hike. Along the way, you'll get to enjoy amazing views of scenic Cape Cod Bay near the end of the trail. You'll be on a bluff at the trail's end.

From that vantage point, you can sometimes see the Pilgrim Monument on clear days. Access to Eddy Bay Trail is not a problem: It's just off Lower Road, near downtown Brewster. Leashed dogs are welcome.

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Fort Hill Trail

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

Located near Eastham, Massachusetts, Fort Hill Trail is an easy one-mile loop that connects with Red Maple Swamp Trail in Cape Cod National Seashore. This trail is primarily out in the open, and it provides 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. Since you are walking close to a marsh, flies and other insects are plentiful, so plan accordingly. Note that Cape Cod National Seashore requires a fee to enter. Dogs are not allowed. Learn more!

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Morris Island Loop Trail

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

Morris Island Loop Trail, near 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, forests, and dunes. And, you'll get to see numerous species of plants, fish, and waterfowl.

Note that you'll want to hike this trail during low tide. For a couple of hours during high tide, part of the trail is under several inches of water. There are two high tides and two low tides, each day. Leashed dogs are allowed at certain times of the year. Check before bringing your pet.

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