Brewster is hands down one of the most naturally beautiful towns on all of Cape Cod. Fortunately, the town has preserved its natural landscape through its by-laws and sign codes. This has allowed the town to maintain its natural charm and prevent over development of the land. The town has also set aside over one third of its land for conservation land. Take a look at the Brewster Conservation Trust for more info. Due to all of the efforts to maintain the town’s natural beauty, it is home to some of the best walking trails on the Cape. Now that the fall is almost upon us, it is the best time to check out Brewster walking trails. The fall on Cape Cod means milder and more comfortable walking weather and fewer bugs! Take advantage of the mild Cape Cod weather and check out some of the Brewster walking trails.
Cape Cod Rail Trail
Location: You may pick up the Cape Cod Rail Trail at Nickerson State Park, located on Route 6A Brewster. There is plenty of parking if you are not able to get there by bike or walking.
Town(s): Brewster, Dennis, Eastham, Harwich, Orleans and Wellfleet
Dogs Allowed: yes
Bike Accessible: yes
Length: 22 miles
Details: The Cape Cod Rail trail is a bike and walking trail which spans the town of Dennis (off of Route 134) to Wellfleet (by Arnold’s off Route 6). The route follows the Old Colony Railroad trail, which showcases Cape Cod’s variety of natural landscape. You will travel passed cranberry bogs, through salt marshes, and explore pine forests. Along the route, there are plenty of restaurants, shops and restrooms for bikers and walkers to stop and check out as they make the 22 mile journey through Cape Cod.
Cliff Ponds
Location: This trail is located within Nickerson State Park on Route 6A, Brewster.
Town: Brewster
Dogs Allowed: yes
Bike Accessible: no
Length: 3.95 miles
Details: Take a walk around Cliff and Little Cliff Pond trail which is a big loop around Cliff ponds. Typically, this trail takes hikers about 2 – 3 hours to complete, and it is just under 4 miles in length. The trail has a moderate skill level rating, as there is a minimal elevation gain on the trail.
Eagle Point / Punkhorn Parklands
Location: This Brewster walking trail is located off of Route 6A between Crow’s Pasture and the Museum of Natural History.
Town: Brewster
Dogs Allowed: yes
Bike Accessible: no
Length: 1.31 miles
Details: The Eagle Point walking trail is also known as Punkhorn Parklands. This trail is considered an easy trail to hike, due to its short length and the fact that it only has a minimal elevation gain. The trail is densely forested, but offers beautiful views of Upper Mill Pond from a number of openings throughout the trail where you can see the water.
Flax Point
Location: This trail is located within Nickerson State Park on Route 6A, Brewster.
Town: Brewster
Dogs Allowed: yes
Bike Accessible: no
Length: 1.26 miles
Details: The Flax Pond walking trail loops around Flax Pond in Nickerson State Park. There is a small boat rental shop on the shore of Flax Pond, where you can rent a small boat if you would like to go out on the water after your hike. If you go early enough in the season, you could also go for a swim in Flax Pond’s crystal clear water.
Higgins Pond
Location: This Brewster trail is located within Nickerson State Park on Route 6A, Brewster.
Town: Brewster
Dogs Allowed: yes
Bike Accessible: no
Length: 1.64 miles
Details: Located in Nickerson State Park, the Higgins Pond walking trail loops around Higgins Pond. Bring your binoculars to do some bird watching, as there are many local species that frequent this area. Fishing is permitted at Higgins Pond, so bring your fishing pole as well to do some catch and release fishing!
John Wing Trail
Location: Located at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History on Route 6A, Brewster.
Town: Brewster
Dogs Allowed: Leashed dogs allowed Oct. 1 – April 30. NO DOGS AT ALL from May 1 – Sept. 30
Bike Accessible: no
Length: 1.3 miles
Details: This walking trail gives you a picture of Cape Cod’s diverse natural landscape. First, you travel through pitch pine wooded area, through a salt marsh, on to a barrier beach complete with tidal pools where you will find all types of native sea creatures. Some of the native sea life you can find in the tidal pools include small fish, shellfish, crabs and snails. It is interesting to see these small creatures in their natural habitat. Do not forget the water shoes, as some of the sea life (such as crabs) hides in the grass.
Lee Baldwin Trail
Location: Located at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History on Route 6A, Brewster.
Town: Brewster
Dogs Allowed: Leashed dogs allowed Oct. 1 – April 30. NO DOGS AT ALL from May 1 – Sept. 30
Bike Accessible: no
Length: 1.0 miles
Details: This trail takes you through the Stony Brook Valley. From mid-April to early June, the Stony Brook Valley becomes the connector for the herring from their ocean homes to their breeding ground, which is in fresh water. This “herring run” attracts visitors from all around because it is quite the sight! The trail itself takes you through a salt marsh all the way to a one of a kind beech forest.
Brewster Walking Trails
For a complete list of Brewster walking trails take a look at Brewster Walking Trails Guide along with the Brewster Town Map provided by the Brewster Conservation Trust. Brewster is known through the Cape for its natural and almost untouched beauty. It’s preserved natural charm makes Brewster walking trails a favorite with locals from around the Cape. Depending on your skill and ability, there is a walking trail for everyone to enjoy. The Cape Cod Rail trail is a paved surface for those who need to walk on a flat hard surface, or use adaptive equipment such as a wheelchair. There are other Brewster walking trails that are short and easy to walk that are on a trial, and a few that are a little more challenging for the avid walker. Brewster is a beautiful and one of a kind town with a truly natural Cape Cod landscape enjoyed by all who live here and visit. Make sure to also check out our blog about Best Brewster Restaurants.
