Red Maple Swamp and Fort Hill Loop

The route begins across the road from the parking area on Hemenway Road. Start on Fort Hill Trail for a short distance, then turn right onto the Red Maple Swamp Trail. This section winds through a shaded forest canopy on a raised boardwalk, with an optional spur leading deeper into the heart of the swamp. The red maple wetland offers a quiet, cool contrast to the open meadow and becomes especially vibrant in fall. After exiting the boardwalk, turn right onto Fort Hill Walk and continue through the parking area. From there, turn right on Fort Hill Road for a short distance before turning left onto Fort Hill Trail. The route continues over Fort Hill and Skiff Hill, winding through open fields with sweeping views of Nauset Marsh and the Atlantic beyond. Along the way, interpretive signs highlight the area’s natural and cultural history, including the nearby Captain Edward Penniman House. This easy-to-moderate route in Cape Cod National Seashore is one of the best short hikes in the area, combining coastal overlooks, forested wetland, and historical context in a compact, rewarding loop.