Hike Provincetown Dunes on the Cape Cod National Seashore

Provincetown, Massachusetts

4.8/5

based on 6 reviews

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Distance

2.8 miles

Elevation Gain

287 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Leah Joy

"A grand place to be alone and undisturbed" as American playright Eugene O'neill described it. Explore the rolling sand dunes, dune shacks and miles of untouched beaches in a pristine, unique environment.

Begin your journey from a small parking area that holds 3 cars just off route 6 (additionally you can park on the side of the road) The trail head is unmarked until about 50' into the woods where you will find a sign describing the rich history of the area. Continue up the large sand dune immediately in front of you where you will take in the first magnificent view of the miles of rolling dunes.

Map out your general route form here or just begin exploring. The trails are unmarked but there are visible, well established paths. Take care to avoid stepping on vegetation.

Eventually making your way to the ocean, you will likely pass many picturesque cottages or Dune Shacks that were built in the early 1900's. They are still used today seasonally for writers and artists as well as a few lucky general public who are picked from a lottery system. For more information click here.

If you are looking to explore the true, natural beauty of Cape Cod this hike is not to be missed.

There are several trails and routes you can take. Mileage is approximate for hiking to the ocean and back. You can walk along the beach and make a loop for a much longer hike or spend more time exploring the dunes

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Reviews

Madden Bremer

Hike Provincetown Dunes on the Cape Cod National Seashore

04/28/21

Be prepared to work out your calves if you plan on hiking through the dunes for an afternoon, it can be tiring. This is a great spot to visit in any season - you'll find wild cranberries in the Fall so bring a baggie if you feel like making authentic Cape Cod cranberry sauce when you get home.

5.0

Margo Schmiederer

Hike Provincetown Dunes on the Cape Cod National Seashore

08/14/20

This is a really fun hike because of its unique terrain - it's also pretty challenging walking/hiking through sand

5.0

Frank Armstrong

Hike Provincetown Dunes on the Cape Cod National Seashore

11/14/17

The dunes and beaches are truly magical. So much fun to sleuth around the old town and discover old monuments, too!

5.0

Tyler Cranden

Hike Provincetown Dunes on the Cape Cod National Seashore

04/19/16

These dunes are amazing. The landscape and foliage is unlike any other place I've ever seen. I would bring bug spray with you! If you have time, walk out to the ocean. If you're lucky you can see whales breaching without binoculars.

4.0

Alex M

Hike Provincetown Dunes on the Cape Cod National Seashore

04/19/16

There is no other place quite like it. Tucked just steps away from Rte 6, as soon as you enter this vast landscape you'll feel like you've entered a different world.

5.0

Tye Martinez

Hike Provincetown Dunes on the Cape Cod National Seashore

03/30/16

Easily one of the most beautiful places to catch a sunset in MA.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike Provincetown Dunes on the Cape Cod National Seashore

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Camp in Provincetown at Dunes' Edge Campground

Explore Hatches Harbor and Race Point

Hike the Pamet Area Trail

Visit Nauset Lighthouse

Hike the Norris Reservation Loop

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