Cape Cod National Seashore in Spring
Biking: The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs directly behind Endless Dunes. And we like to think we think of everything, so we thought, “Why not have a fleet of Trek bikes so guests can borrow them?” Nice, right?
Enter Salt Pond Visitor Center, the Seashore’s year-round hub, into Maps as your destination and you’ll be there in less than 10 minutes. Behind the visitor center is an epic view of – wait for it – Salt Pond. Pick up the Seashore’s Nauset Bike Trail right off of the parking area. From here, ride out to Coast Guard Beach, regularly named one of the best beaches in the country. After spending some quality time in the sand, head north on Ocean View Drive, which will bring you to Nauset Light and Nauset Light Beach before returning to Endless Dunes.
Hiking: Whether you drive to Salt Pond Visitor Center or bike, plan on hiking the Nauset Marsh Trail. The trailhead is to the right of the amphitheater. The 1.3-mile loop winds alongside Salt Pond and through saltmarshes. Once past the pond, the eagle-eyed may notice a change in terrain where things have a somewhat less natural look. This is where a golf course operated until the early 1900s. Adding the 1.5-mile spur brings you to Coast Guard Beach. That’s 1.5 miles each way. You’ve been warned.
South of Salt Pond is Fort Hill, which just might be our favorite Seashore spot in Eastham. Park in the “lower lot” (the one not up on the hill) and cross the street to explore the grounds of the Penniman House, the former home of an affluent family who once owned all of the land that is now Fort Hill. Pick up the trail behind the house, to the left of the barn as you’re facing the front. This will bring you up to Fort Hill, which offers stunning views of Town Cove and Nauset Estuary. A trail winds around the perimeter of the hill and alongside the cove. If you’re up for it, add on the Red Maple Swamp Trail, which is less than a mile long. An elevated boardwalk wends its way through the stunning landscape.
Kayaking: Salt Pond is a great place to put in with your kayak (check Paddle Cape Cod for rentals). Park in the free lot at the visitor center and haul your gear down to the pond. The pond spills into an estuary and a cove, both of which will eventually lead you to Town Cove in Orleans. In between you will find countless little coves and rivers to explore. If we’ve made this sound like a quick paddle, forgive us. In actuality, all but the most-experienced kayakers will run out of arm power long before they run out of waterways.