If beaches are Cape Cod's primary draw, its vast acreage of nature preserves and walking trails is a close second. Hiking or walking is an excellent and virtually cost-free way to see the geographic splendor and diversity of Cape Cod up close.
Cape Cod Pathways is the name of a network of trails across the Cape. It is constantly being expanded and when complete, will extend from Provincetown to Falmouth and Bourne and provide a connection between the seashore and the Cape's wooded interior.
On the Cape Cod Commission's website, you'll find a map showing 106 public walking trails along with descriptions of the trails, pictures, and links for more information about each. Of the 104 trails, 36 are within 1.5 miles of a public transportation route stop on Cape Cod.
Some of my favorite trails are:
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Sandwich Boardwalk, a 1.5- mile trek that crosses Mill Creek and Town Neck Marsh to Old Sandwich Harbor and Cape Cod Bay -
the Knob in Falmouth, a remote little hillock jutting out into Buzzards Bay where on a clear day you can see New Bedford to the west, the canal entrance to the north, and the Elizabeth Islands to the south -
Quashnet River Corridor in Mashpee, 500 acres of riverbanks, old bogs, and higher ground threaded with dirt roads and walking paths -
South Beach in Chatham, an area that has undergone extensive change since a storm-induced breach in North Beach in 1987 -
Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail in Wellfleet, a cool, mossy 1.25-mile loop in stunted oak and pine woods with a boardwalk through a cedar swamp.
Be sensible when you walk: Wear a hat and take sunscreen, water, and mosquito repellent.
Do you have a favorite walk or nature spot on Cape Cod? E-mail me at ellen.albanese@gmail.com, and we'll share them in an upcoming column.
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