Sandy Neck Nature Trail

The Sandy Neck Nature Trail begins at the Sandy Neck Beach Park gatehouse in West Barnstable and follows a loop-style route through a dynamic coastal environment. From the trailhead, head east on Marsh Trail, which follows a relatively firm sand path through maritime forest and salt marsh. After a moderate stretch, turn left onto Trail 4, passing the camping area as the route climbs through soft sand dunes. This section leads to the beach, where expansive views of Cape Cod Bay open up before following the shoreline west back toward the gatehouse. Hikers can shorten the route by turning off earlier onto Trail 1 or Trail 2, both of which reconnect with the beach. Marsh Trail may be partially flooded during high tide, so checking tide tables in advance is recommended. Terrain ranges from packed to soft sand, making the route more strenuous than the distance alone suggests. Dogs are allowed on leash outside of the summer season, with additional restrictions at certain access points. This is one of the best hikes near Barnstable for exploring Cape Cod’s mix of dunes, marsh, and coastal scenery.