Great Island Trail
Experience the wild, windswept beauty of Cape Cod on this stunning beach and dune hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for beach access & wildlife
Great Island Trail
Best Time
Best for beach access & wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the wild, windswept beauty of Cape Cod on this stunning beach and dune hike.
"A beautiful (mostly beach) hike that shows the simple wild side to Cape Cod Bay-side beaches."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is a Must
Soft sand makes walking tough. Opt for sneakers or hiking boots, not flip-flops!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Essential for the strenuous sandy sections and sun exposure. Stay hydrated!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Great Island Dune
Near Jeremy Point
A massive, impressive sand dune offering panoramic views and a challenging climb.
Cape Cod Bay Beach Walk
West Beach
Miles of wild, beautiful beach showcasing the natural side of Cape Cod.
Jeremy Point
End of the trail
The furthest point of the trail, offering expansive views and a sense of remote wilderness.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tread Lightly on the Sand
Timing is Key for Tides & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is a Must
Soft sand makes walking tough. Opt for sneakers or hiking boots, not flip-flops!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Essential for the strenuous sandy sections and sun exposure. Stay hydrated!
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Wear a hat and sunscreen, especially on breezy days. The sun can be intense.
🦟 Tick Awareness
Be cautious of ticks in grassy areas. Check yourself thoroughly after your hike.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is a Must
Soft sand makes walking tough. Opt for sneakers or hiking boots, not flip-flops!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Essential for the strenuous sandy sections and sun exposure. Stay hydrated!
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Wear a hat and sunscreen, especially on breezy days. The sun can be intense.
🦟 Tick Awareness
Be cautious of ticks in grassy areas. Check yourself thoroughly after your hike.
🐦 Respect Wildlife Areas
Some areas are roped off for nesting birds. Follow all markers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Great Island Trail for its wild, natural beauty and expansive beach walks, highlighting the impressive sand dune as a unique feature. However, the soft sand can make for strenuous hiking, and concerns about ticks in grassy areas and past bird flu advisories are noted.
"A beautiful (mostly beach) hike that shows the simple wild side to Cape Cod Bay-side beaches. I encountered some deep sand that makes for strenuous walking and narrow paths with tall beach grass encroaching. I admit I was concerned about ticks, but didn't find any on me. This hike doesn't have any appreciable elevation gain, but I consider it moderate due to the soft sand in many areas. Pick a cool breezy day to hike this, wear a hat and sunscreen, and bring water. Enjoy!"
Mikel OBrien
"We visited on a Tuesday morning in mid-June 2025. It was a large parking lot at the trail head. There were 2 other cars there when we arrived around 7:30AM.
There were a number of trail head signs and 2 porta johns in the parking lot.
It's a short walk out of the forest and to the water. There were tons of mosquitos on this trail but once you got out to the water area the numbers dropped and that may have been also because of the breeze without the trees.
Make sure you have the right shoes for the hike as it gets really sandy and can get quite wet depending on tide and weather. It was an overcast day for us and it started to sprinkle a bit when we were coming back in.
We decided it was too risky with the weather to do the entire hike out to the point so we only hiked to the beach and then walked all the way down until the first point we could cut left back to the sound side. Most the area was roped off for nesting birds but clear markers.
The opening we saw wasn't until we got to the actual great island. This is where we went over and were greeted by a GIANT hill. I'm not sure if my pictures do it justice. I've never seen a sand dune quite like it before. I'm not even sure if it's a sand dune. It was made mostly of sand. We decided to climb up to the top to take a picture. This was a feat but totally worth it. After a few pictures we hiked back down and crossed on the more marshy sound side to get back to the parking lot.
It would've been cool to go all the way but we were glad we turned around as it started to sprinkle on our way back and we picked up speed. We would most definitely come back to try this trail again if we visited Cape Cod National Seashore. We thought of this a a sneak peak or trail hike. Didn't see any really cool wildlife really but we saw seal warning signs."
David L.
"Great trails and beautiful area. Dog owners beware, there were a lot of dead birds on the west beach/side at the end of 2024 (birdflu?). But I love visiting this area a lot! The best time to go/start hiking is about an hour before low tide, although a lot of the area is still accessible during high tide"
Maddalyn Anasenes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Great Island Trail is located in Wellfleet, MA, within the Cape Cod National Seashore. Access is via a one-lane bridge that leads to the trail parking lot. Be prepared for this unique entrance!
Yes, there is a parking lot at the trailhead. Reviews suggest it can accommodate a good number of cars, and arriving early, especially on weekends or during peak season, is recommended.
The trail is primarily a beach walk with some sandy paths. While maps can be deceiving, following the coastline and looking for markers is key. Be mindful of tide levels.
You can drive to the parking lot for the Great Island Trail. The approach involves a scenic, albeit narrow, one-lane bridge.
Public transport options are limited on Cape Cod. It's generally recommended to have a car to access trailheads like Great Island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, there may be an entrance fee or a need for a National Seashore pass. It's best to check the official Cape Cod National Seashore website for current fees and regulations.
The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, it's advisable to check the Cape Cod National Seashore for any specific seasonal hours or closures, especially concerning wildlife nesting.
Typically, access to trails within National Seashores does not require advance ticket booking. Parking is usually first-come, first-served.
Be aware of seasonal restrictions, particularly for bird nesting areas which may be roped off. Also, check for any advisories regarding wildlife, such as seal warnings.
Parking fees may apply as part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Confirm current parking rates on the official NPS website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Sturdy sneakers or hiking boots are highly recommended due to the significant amount of soft sand, which can be strenuous. Avoid open-toed shoes or flimsy sandals.
The duration can vary greatly depending on your pace and how far you go. A full hike to Jeremy Point and back can take several hours, especially with the challenging sand.
The terrain is predominantly soft sand, with some sections of beach grass and marshy areas on the sound side. There's a notable, large sand dune to climb near Jeremy Point.
Porta-johns are typically available in the parking lot at the trailhead. There are no facilities along the trail itself.
You might see shorebirds, seals (look for warning signs), and various marine life. Be aware of areas designated for nesting birds.
📸 📸 Photography
The expansive beach vistas, the dramatic sand dune, and the views from Jeremy Point offer stunning photographic potential. The changing light throughout the day can create beautiful scenes.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) often provides the most dramatic lighting for beach and dune photography. Overcast days can also offer a softer, more diffused light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beach and bay. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting distant wildlife. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions.
The massive sand dune is a unique subject. Also, look for interesting patterns in the sand, driftwood, and the dynamic interplay of water and shore.
Include a person or recognizable object in your frame to convey the immense scale of the beach and the sand dune. Shooting from a low angle can emphasize the height of the dune.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the tide when planning your visit; aiming for low tide will make navigating the beach sections easier for little legs. Also, keep an eye out for nesting bird areas and respect any closures. Bringing ample water and snacks is essential, as facilities are limited to porta-johns at the trailhead. The potential for ticks in grassy areas means vigilance and a post-hike check are important.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers & Hikers
Be prepared for the strenuous sandy sections, which can make for a good workout. The climb up the Great Island Dune is a rewarding personal challenge. Always inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time, and carry essentials like water, sun protection, and a fully charged phone.
🐶 Dog Owners
Always clean up after your pet and be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment. The sandy terrain can be tough on paws, so consider the length of your hike and your dog's stamina. Always check current regulations for dogs in Cape Cod National Seashore areas before your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Sandy Terrain
When planning your hike, consider the tide. Walking along the beach is most enjoyable and accessible around low tide. This not only provides more solid ground but also opens up more of the coastline to explore. Be aware that some areas might be roped off for nesting birds, so always respect these closures and follow trail markers.
For those seeking a more comfortable experience, picking a cool, breezy day can make a significant difference. The wind can help keep you cool and may also reduce the number of biting insects like mosquitoes, which can be prevalent in the wooded sections before reaching the open beach.
Wildlife and Environmental Considerations
There have also been reports of dead birds on the west beach, potentially due to bird flu. While this can be concerning, it's a natural occurrence in wild environments. Visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings and avoid direct contact with wildlife or deceased animals. Seal warning signs are also common, indicating the presence of these marine mammals in the area.
Tick awareness is another important aspect of visiting this trail. The grassy and wooded areas, especially off the main beach path, can harbor ticks. It's highly recommended to wear long pants, use insect repellent, and perform a thorough tick check after your hike to prevent any potential issues.
The Iconic Great Island Dune
This dune is not just a visual spectacle; it's a testament to the dynamic coastal processes at play. Its composition, primarily sand, makes it a significant landmark on the trail. The climb itself can be a feat, especially on a warm day, but the reward of the vista from the top is consistently praised by those who undertake it.
Photographers will find the Great Island Dune to be a prime subject. Its sheer scale and the surrounding natural beauty offer ample opportunities for stunning shots. Whether you're capturing the dune itself or using it as a backdrop for wider landscape photos, it's a highlight that many visitors remember long after their hike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit