Last updated: December 23, 2020
Thing to Do
Hike the Great Island Trail
NPS Photo
Are you looking for a day of adventure? Look no further than Cape Cod National Seashore's longest hiking trail, Great Island! Make your own adventure to enjoy the shorter 3.9-mile loop or go for gold with the full 8.8 mile loop to Jeremy Point! The trail follows sandy stretches between the elevated heights of Great Island and Great Beach Hill. Its higher elevations punctuate spectacular vistas which emerge from an even-aged, pitch-pine forest. Part of this trail leads to a colonial-era tavern site (no remains are visible). Other sections skirt salt marsh embayments.
The Great Island Trail is the park’s most difficult trail; mainly soft sand; some log steps; portions are submerged at high tide; hats, sturdy footgear and drinking water advised. Leashed pets are allowed between the upper/lower parking areas along the trail to the first cut and out onto the beach.
USE CAUTION AND CHECK THE TIDES BEFORE ATTEMPTING THIS TRAIL! Many sections of the trail, including Jeremy Point, are submerged at high tide.
The Great Island Trail is the park’s most difficult trail; mainly soft sand; some log steps; portions are submerged at high tide; hats, sturdy footgear and drinking water advised. Leashed pets are allowed between the upper/lower parking areas along the trail to the first cut and out onto the beach.
USE CAUTION AND CHECK THE TIDES BEFORE ATTEMPTING THIS TRAIL! Many sections of the trail, including Jeremy Point, are submerged at high tide.
Details
Duration
3-4 Hours
Depending on the route you take, duration can vary. The shorter loop is 3.9 miles while the long loop to Jeremy Point is 8.8 miles round trip. Check the tides before you visit. Plan ahead.
Activity
Hiking
Length: 3.9-8.8 miles round trip (3.9 for tavern loop round trip to parking area; 8.8 for round trip to Jeremy Point overlook including tavern loop.)
Allow three to five hours to explore Great Island.
Location: Corner of Griffin Island and Chequessett Neck Road. From Route 6, follow green signs to Wellfleet Center; turn left onto East Commercial Street (follow signs to Wellfleet Harbor); continue along the shoreline from town pier via Chequessett Neck Road to the Great Island parking area. (Keep water view on left after leaving Route 6.)
Pets: Leashed pets are allowed in designated ares on Great Island Trail. Be sure to check trail signs for permitted areas.
Features: This trail follows sandy stretches between the elevated heights of Great Island and Great Beach Hill. Its higher elevations punctuate spectacular vistas which emerge from an even-aged, pitch-pine forest. Part of this trail leads to a colonial-era tavern site (no remains visible). Other sections skirt salt marsh embayments.
A picnic area is adjacent to parking area.
Conditions: The park’s most difficult trail; mostly soft sand; some log steps; portions are submerged at high tide; hats, sturdy footgear and drinking water advised; portable toilets. Leashed pets are allowed between the upper/lower parking areas along the trail to the first cut and out onto the beach.
Allow three to five hours to explore Great Island.
Location: Corner of Griffin Island and Chequessett Neck Road. From Route 6, follow green signs to Wellfleet Center; turn left onto East Commercial Street (follow signs to Wellfleet Harbor); continue along the shoreline from town pier via Chequessett Neck Road to the Great Island parking area. (Keep water view on left after leaving Route 6.)
Pets: Leashed pets are allowed in designated ares on Great Island Trail. Be sure to check trail signs for permitted areas.
Features: This trail follows sandy stretches between the elevated heights of Great Island and Great Beach Hill. Its higher elevations punctuate spectacular vistas which emerge from an even-aged, pitch-pine forest. Part of this trail leads to a colonial-era tavern site (no remains visible). Other sections skirt salt marsh embayments.
A picnic area is adjacent to parking area.
Conditions: The park’s most difficult trail; mostly soft sand; some log steps; portions are submerged at high tide; hats, sturdy footgear and drinking water advised; portable toilets. Leashed pets are allowed between the upper/lower parking areas along the trail to the first cut and out onto the beach.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Leashed pets are allowed between the upper/lower parking areas along the trail to the first cut and out onto the beach.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Upper Great Island Trail Parking Lot
Follow Chequessett Neck Road from downtown Wellfleet. Turn right into the main parking area for the Great Island trail and follow signs to the trailhead.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
The seashore is open 6:00 AM to midnight, daily.
Accessibility Information
The Great Island Trail is the park’s most difficult trail; mainly soft sand; some log steps; portions are submerged at high tide; hats, sturdy footgear and drinking water advised. The soft sand makes walking difficult. Please consider skill recomendations when determining if this activity is appropriate for younger family members. Contact the visitor center with any accessiblity questions, 508-255-3421.