Wellfleet Hiking Trails: 6 Fall Walks Near The Even'tide

Summer on the Outer Cape is about the beach. Fall is about walking. The air cools off, the crowds thin out, the marsh grass turns gold, and the trails around Wellfleet are at their best. Here are some of our favorites, all a short drive (or a short walk) from The Even'tide.

Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

This one is practically our neighbor. The Mass Audubon sanctuary sits just up Route 6 in South Wellfleet, with easy trails through woods, salt marsh, and out to the bay on a boardwalk. Fall is a great time for birds passing through on migration, so bring binoculars if you have them. There is an admission fee for non members, and it is worth every penny.

Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail

Start at the Marconi Station Site in the Cape Cod National Seashore. The loop is a little over a mile, winding down through pitch pine and oak and onto a boardwalk through a cedar swamp that feels like a different part of the world. The walk back up includes a stretch of soft sand, so take your time. While you are there, stop at the overlook where Guglielmo Marconi sent the first wireless message from the United States across the Atlantic in 1903.

Great Island Trail

If you want a real hike, this is it. Great Island is on the bay side off Chequessett Neck Road, and the full trail runs several miles over sand, through pine forest, and along the edge of the marsh. You can find the site of an old tavern where whalers once gathered. Check the tides before heading out toward Jeremy Point, wear good shoes, and pack water. You will come back tired and happy.

Uncle Tim's Bridge

Short and sweet. This wooden footbridge crosses Duck Creek near downtown Wellfleet to a small wooded island called Cannon Hill. It is one of the most photographed spots in town, especially at sunset. Pair it with coffee or a bite on Main Street.

A Beach Walk at Marconi or Newcomb Hollow

The ocean beaches don't close when summer ends. They just get quieter. An October walk along the base of the dunes, with the sun low and the waves rolling in, might be the best thing the Cape has to offer. Keep an eye out for seals just offshore.

Our Own Backyard

You don't have to leave the property for a good stroll. The Even'tide sits on seven wooded acres, and the Cape Cod Rail Trail runs right behind us. Walk it north toward Wellfleet or south toward Eastham, then come back for a swim in our indoor heated pool.

A Few Tips for Fall Walking

1. Dress in layers. Mornings can be chilly and afternoons can warm up fast.

2. Check tide charts before any bay side walk.

3. Ticks are still around in the fall, so stay on marked paths and do a check afterward.

4. Go early or late in the day for the best light.

   
   

Fall is our favorite time of year here in Wellfleet. If you have been thinking about a quieter Cape getaway, now is the time. Book your stay at The Even'tide and come see the Outer Cape at its most peaceful.