Exploring 10 Beloved Cape Cod Boardwalks
Discovering Beautiful Cape Cod’s Boardwalks
Welcome to our Cape Cod boardwalk guide, which will lead you on a journey through some of the most captivating walks on the Cape. From winding trails through salt marshes to elevated pathways over serene ponds, Cape Cod boardwalks offer a unique view on the region’s natural beauty.
Join us as we explore the Cape Cod boardwalks. Whether you are seeking a peaceful nature walk, breathtaking views, or a glimpse of local wildlife, you will find it all on these scenic boardwalks, piers and bridges. So, lace up your walking shoes and get ready to discover the beauty of Cape Cod!
10 Beloved Cape Cod Boardwalks:
Black Marsh Trail, Taylor-Bray Farm ~ 108 Bray Farm Rd N, Yarmouth
The Taylor-Bray Farm boardwalk, located in Yarmouth Port, offers a beautiful stroll through a salt marsh and wooded areas. This short boardwalk provides an easy, accessible path for nature enthusiasts to explore diverse local flora and fauna.
Along the way, interpretive signs offer insights into the ecosystems, making it an educational journey as well. The serene environment is perfect for bird watching, photography, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk amidst nature. Whether you are a local or a visitor, this boardwalk is delightful and showcases the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the area.
Ridgevale Beach Boardwalk ~ 439 Ridgevale Rd, Chatham
Ridgevale Beach in Chatham features a boardwalk to the beach. The boardwalk provides a convenient and scenic path over the creek and dunes, leading visitors directly to the soft, sandy shores of the beach. As you stroll along, you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding marshlands and tidal creeks, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
The beach itself is ideal for families, offering gentle waves, warm waters, and plenty of opportunities for swimming, beachcombing, and exploring the tidal pools. You might even see someone digging for clams in the tidal flats. Ridgevale Beach’s boardwalk not only adds to the accessibility of this beautiful location but also offers a tranquil escape where visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Chatham’s coastline.
Red Maple Swamp Trail ~ 70 Fort Hill Rd, Eastham
The Red Maple Swamp Trail at Fort Hill in Eastham, features one of the longer Cape Cod boardwalks, winding through a lush red maple swamp. This trail is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore and allows nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the beauty of the swamp’s ecosystem.
The elevated boardwalk provides an accessible and comfortable path, ensuring that visitors can safely navigate the often-waterlogged terrain while observing the vibrant flora and fauna. As you meander through the shaded canopy of red maple trees, you will encounter a variety of wildlife, from songbirds to amphibians, adding to the trail’s allure. The Red Maple Swamp Trail at Fort Hill is a must-visit for those seeking a peaceful retreat into nature, offering a rare glimpse into one of Cape Cod’s most captivating natural habitats.
Boardwalk at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History ~ 869 Main St/Rt 6A, Brewster
The boardwalk at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster is a beautiful natural journey through a diverse ecosystem. Stretching from the museum grounds to the tidal flats of Cape Cod Bay, this elevated walkway provides an accessible and immersive nature experience.
As you traverse the boardwalk, you will pass through serene salt marshes, across picturesque creeks, and into coastal woodlands, all while enjoying interpretive signs that educate about the local flora and fauna. The boardwalk is a haven for bird watchers and nature photographers, with ample opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats.
Uncle Tim’s Bridge ~ 95 E Commercial St, Wellfleet
Uncle Tim’s Bridge in Wellfleet is a historic wooden footbridge that offers visitors an escape into nature. Spanning the tidal Duck Creek, the bridge connects the quaint village area to a scenic walking trail through salt marshes and wooded areas.
Originally built in the 1780s and lovingly restored, Uncle Tim’s Bridge provides a charming path and beautiful views of the surrounding wetlands and the opportunity to observe a variety of bird species and other wildlife. This tranquil spot is perfect for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful moment amidst the natural beauty of Cape Cod.
Basshole Boardwalk at Grays Beach ~ Center St, Yarmouth Port
The Basshole Boardwalk at Grays Beach in Yarmouth offers a beautiful view over the tranquil waters of a salt marsh. Stretching nearly a quarter mile, this picturesque boardwalk ends at a platform provides breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay, especially during sunset when the sky is painted in vibrant hues.
Along the way, there are interesting dedications and inscriptions on the planks underfoot. Nature enthusiasts will delight in the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area, including various bird species and marine life visible from the boardwalk.
Nauset Bike Trail ~ 400 Nauset Rd, Eastham
The Nauset Bike Trail in Eastham has a blend of biking and walking opportunities along its scenic path and boardwalk. As part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, this trail provides a picturesque route through lush woodlands, across salt marshes, and alongside the striking Atlantic coastline.
Bikers and walkers alike can enjoy the well-maintained pathway that winds through diverse landscapes, offering glimpses of local wildlife and beautiful wildflowers along the way. The trail’s boardwalk sections elevate visitors over delicate ecosystems, ensuring minimal impact while providing stunning views and a peaceful ambiance. With access points to Nauset Light Beach and Coast Guard Beach, the Nauset Trail is an ideal way to explore the natural beauty of Cape Cod.
Sandwich Boardwalk ~ 1-75 Boardwalk Rd, Sandwich
The Sandwich Boardwalk, a beloved landmark in Sandwich, is set to reopen in the summer of 2024, featuring newly rebuilt sections with railings for enhanced safety and accessibility. This iconic boardwalk stretches across Mill Creek and the surrounding marshlands, providing visitors with stunning views of Cape Cod Bay.
The reconstruction ensures that the boardwalk maintains its historic charm while offering a safe and enjoyable experience for all who visit. Walking along the Sandwich Boardwalk, visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of the tidal flats, salt marshes, and diverse wildlife. The addition of railings enhances the boardwalk’s accessibility, making it easier for families, children, and individuals with mobility issues to explore this picturesque area. As it reopens, the Sandwich Boardwalk will continue to be a cherished spot for leisurely strolls, photography, and soaking in the natural beauty of Cape Cod.
Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail Boardwalk ~ 195 Marconi Station Rd, Wellfleet
The Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail Boardwalk in Wellfleet is a captivating half-mile journey through one of Cape Cod’s most unique ecosystems. This boardwalk winds through a dense forest of towering Atlantic white cedars, creating a serene and shaded pathway that feels worlds apart from the nearby sandy beaches.
Visitors will enjoy the tranquil beauty of the swamp, with its rich greenery, moss-covered ground, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife. The trail provides an educational and peaceful retreat, perfect for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone looking to experience the quiet, mystical charm of a cedar swamp. Accessible and well-maintained, the Atlantic Cedar Swamp Trail Boardwalk is a hidden gem in Wellfleet!
Marconi Station Site Trail ~ Cape Cod National Seashore, Wellfleet
Follow signs for the Marconi Station Area, the site is well-marked and easy to find. You will find the Marconi Station Site Trail Boardwalk off the same parking lot for the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail.
This fully-accessible trail is an easy 1.3-mile loop around the historical site of the Marconi Wireless station and provides some of the most scenic vistas of the Cape Cod National Seashore. It is a short, short walk from the parking area to the overlook, where you can see the site where Marconi’s wireless station once stood and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline.
Restroom facilities are available at the site, and there are tables areas if you wish to bring a picnic and enjoy the surroundings.
Concluding Our Journey Through Cape Cod Boardwalks
As we wrap up our exploration of Cape Cod boardwalks, the Cape’s natural beauty shines through each location. From the salt marshes of Wellfleet to the beaches of the National Seashore, each of these Cape Cod boardwalks offer its own unique glimpse into the wonders of the Cape. Whether you are seeking a nature retreat, an educational experience, or simply a stroll with stunning views, the Cape Cod boardwalks deliver. As you plan your next adventure on the Cape, be sure to include a visit to one of these destinations.
