Last updated: December 23, 2020
Thing to Do
Hike the Small's Swamp Trail
NPS Photo
Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Small's Swamp Trail, a 0.6-mile loop trail located in Truro, Massachusetts. Chosen by Native People for living sites for thousands of years for water, protection, and food sources, early-European settlers also sought to make a living on this landscape. Gradually, the soil gave out, farms were abandoned, and the landscape began its slow recovery. The forest here now hides most, but not all, of the former land uses in this area.
The trail is rated as easy. It has solid surface for the duration of the trail with some slopes and a short boardwalk surface. There are some log steps. Pets are not allowed on any of the hiking trails in the park. There are seasonal restrooms at the end of the trail in the parking lot.
The trail is rated as easy. It has solid surface for the duration of the trail with some slopes and a short boardwalk surface. There are some log steps. Pets are not allowed on any of the hiking trails in the park. There are seasonal restrooms at the end of the trail in the parking lot.
Details
Duration
30-60 Minutes
Activity
Hiking
Length: 0.6 mile loop, 30 minutes.
Location: Turn right off Route 6, 1.2 miles past the brown Head of the Meadow Beach sign, at the Pilgrim Heights area sign. Walk begins and ends at
the covered shelter.
Features: Chosen by Native People for living sites for thousands of years for water, protection, and food sources, early-European settlers also sought to make a living on this landscape. Gradually, the soil gave out, farms were abandoned, and the landscape began its slow recovery. The forest here now hides most, but not all, of the former land uses in this area.
Conditions: Easy; some log steps; moderate grade; short boardwalk surface; picnic area and seasonal restrooms in adjacent parking area.
Location: Turn right off Route 6, 1.2 miles past the brown Head of the Meadow Beach sign, at the Pilgrim Heights area sign. Walk begins and ends at
the covered shelter.
Features: Chosen by Native People for living sites for thousands of years for water, protection, and food sources, early-European settlers also sought to make a living on this landscape. Gradually, the soil gave out, farms were abandoned, and the landscape began its slow recovery. The forest here now hides most, but not all, of the former land uses in this area.
Conditions: Easy; some log steps; moderate grade; short boardwalk surface; picnic area and seasonal restrooms in adjacent parking area.
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are not allowed on any of the Seashore's walking trails. Pets are allowed seasonally on bike paths, seasonally on beaches, and year round on fire roads. Please call 508-255-3421 for more information.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Pilgrim Heights Parking Lot
Turn off Route 6 in Truro at the Pilgrim Heights area sign. Follow the road down into the parking lot. The walk begins at the covered shelter. Upon exiting the trail near restrooms, proceed ahead across the parking area to your vehicle.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
The seashore is open 6:00 AM to midnight, daily.
Accessibility Information
The trail is rated as easy. It has solid surface for the duration of the trail with some slopes and a short boardwalk surface. There are some log steps on the sloped sections of trail. There are seasonal restrooms in the parking lot. Contact the visitor center with any accessiblity questions, 508-255-3421.