Wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, and salt marshes: Our picks for Barnstable's top 5 hikes
Editor's note: This is part of our Best Hikes on Cape Cod series, which will highlight trails across Cape Cod all summer. Read our recommendations for hikes in Harwich, Chatham, Wellfleet, Truro, Provincetown, Orleans, Yarmouth and Brewster.
Barnstable is the largest town on Cape Cod — over 60 square miles, according to the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. And when it comes to hiking options, bigger is better. There are a ton of choices that offer different terrain, viewscapes and length. You can pilot a woodsy adventure or head over to epic Sandy Neck Beach Park for dune and bay vistas.
One of the nice things about hiking in Barnstable is that you can combine a good workout with a tasty lunch at one of the town's many restaurants, or a shopping expedition on Main Street in Hyannis. That way, you can enjoy nature and civilization in the same outing.
So here we go with a look at some of the best trails in town!
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Barnstable Great Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
The Barnstable Great Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, a Mass Audubon property, has about 1.5 miles of trails that wind through the woods to a spectacular view of the Great Marsh. Beyond the marsh, you'll see Sandy Neck Beach. There are a couple of ponds, where I once saw otters. It's a peaceful and beautiful place.
Parking: A small parking lot holds several cars. Turn down the lane at 2444 West Main St. (Route 6A) in Barnstable and cross the railroad tracks to get to the parking lot.
Bridge Creek Conservation Area
I've spent many happy hours at the Bridge Creek Conservation Area in West Barnstable weaving through the 2.5 miles of trails on this 246-acre property. It features a nice variety of woodland and wetland habitats, and there are tons of tall deciduous trees, which offer cool shade in the summer and nice foliage in the fall. In places, old stone walls line the trail, giving you a sense of history.
Parking: There are two parking areas — behind the West Barnstable Fire Station on Route 149 and along Church Street in West Barnstable.
Crocker Neck Conservation Area
It's always a pleasure to visit the Crocker Neck Conservation Area in the sometimes-overlooked and very lovely village of Cotuit. And the trails at the 97-acre Crocker Neck Conservation Area give you the chance to add a sweet hike to your Cape exploration. You'll find a 1.5-mile trail system that runs through cool habitats, including beach, salt marsh and pine oak forest.
Parking: Parking is available at the northern gate of the area on Santuit Road and inside The Lane.
Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary
The Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, a spectacular Mass Audubon property, charges admission (free to Audubon members, $5 non-member adults), but it's well worth the investment. Admission includes access to the spiffy Discovery Center, where I saw wicked cute baby turtles. There are also goats and gardens. More than two miles of trails wind through woodland and meadow, including a spectacular view of Barnstable Harbor framed by the dunes of Sandy Neck Beach.
Parking: There's plenty of parking at the sanctuary, located at 345 Bone Hill Road in Barnstable.
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Marsh Trail, Sandy Neck Beach Park
If you are looking for a long, beautiful walk, the Marsh Trail at Sandy Neck Beach Park is your place. The trail runs for miles along the backside of Sandy Neck Beach and borders the magnificent Great Marsh, an epic land of endless grass and subtle colors that change as the sun moves. A one-way hike to the tip near Sandy Neck Light is about six miles. But you can customize/shorten your walk and make it into a nice loop by using cutovers to the lovely beach on Cape Cod Bay.
Parking: In season (between Memorial Day and Labor Day), a day pass or parking permit is required to park at the beach (425 Sandy Neck Road, West Barnstable). But that is money well-spent for a big adventure, and you can swim, too!
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Best hikes on Cape Cod: Top 5 hiking trails in Barnstable
