Eagle Pond Loop

The Eagle Pond Loop Trail begins at a small trailhead off Putnam Avenue in Cotuit, within the Eagle Pond & Little River Sanctuary managed by Barnstable Land Trust. From the trailhead, follow Cordwood Road south through a mature pitch pine forest until reaching a junction with North Trail. Turn right here for a short distance, then turn right again onto Main Trail, which winds along the west side of Eagle Pond. This section offers several views of the kettle pond’s shoreline, formed by ancient glacial retreat. At the Y-intersection marked by post 11, stay right and continue until you reach Perkins Path, where you’ll take a left. From here, stay left at marked posts 16, 17, and 19, eventually rejoining Cordwood Road to return to the trailhead. Along the way, the route passes through white cedar swamp and a rare wetland habitat found on Cape Cod, as well as open meadows and upland pitch pine. The main loop is easy and well-marked, though footing can be uneven or slippery in places. Additional spur trails offer opportunities to explore the sanctuary’s interior network east of the pond or planned trail connections to the south. This short route offers a peaceful woodland setting and a close look at the region’s glacial and ecological history.