Dead Neck Trail

The Dead Neck Trail begins at the main parking area for South Cape Beach State Park and follows a sandy path along the barrier beach toward the mouth of Waquoit Bay. From the trailhead, head west onto soft sand through the dune zone, staying generally parallel to the shoreline. The route passes through open beach and low vegetation before narrowing into a sandy footpath leading out along the Dead Neck peninsula. Midway through the route, the trail skirts Sage Lot Pond and the surrounding salt marsh, offering views of brackish water systems typical of Cape Cod’s coastal habitat. As you near the end of the route, continue along the sandy spit toward a distinctive jetty composed of large stones extending into Nantucket Sound. This area offers sweeping views where the bay meets the ocean and is a good turnaround point. Be prepared for exposure to sun and wind throughout the route and bring plenty of water, as there are no reliable sources along the way. Although mostly flat, the soft sand makes footing more strenuous in places. Seasonal rules apply, including dog restrictions on the beach from April 1–September 15. This coastal route offers broad ocean views and an immersive walk through Cape Cod’s dynamic shoreline ecosystem.