Last updated: December 29, 2020
Place
Great Island Trail
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Chequessett Neck Road, Wellfleet, MA
Amenities
8 listed
Beach/Water Access, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Restroom - Seasonal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead
Length: 3.9-8.8 miles round trip (3.9 for tavern loop round trip to parking area; 8.8 for round trip to Jeremy Point overlook including tavern loop.)
Allow three to five hours to explore Great Island.
Location: Corner of Griffin Island and Chequessett Neck Road. From Route 6, follow green signs to Wellfleet Center; turn left onto East Commercial Street (follow signs to Wellfleet Harbor); continue along the shoreline from town pier via Chequessett Neck Road to the Great Island parking area. (Keep water view on left after leaving Route 6.)
Pets: Leashed pets are allowed in designated ares on Great Island Trail. Be sure to check trail signs for permitted areas.
Features: This trail follows sandy stretches between the elevated heights of Great Island and Great Beach Hill. Its higher elevations punctuate spectacular vistas which emerge from an even-aged, pitch-pine forest. Part of this trail leads to a colonial-era tavern site (no remains visible). Other sections skirt salt marsh embayments.
A picnic area is adjacent to parking area.
Conditions: The park’s most difficult trail; mostly soft sand; some log steps; portions are submerged at high tide; hats, sturdy footgear and drinking water advised; portable toilets. Leashed pets are allowed between the upper/lower parking areas along the trail to the first cut and out onto the beach.