Great Island Trail

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!

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.

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

If you like impressionists masterpiece, you should probably take a hike here (too) - very likely I have made that assertion already, for somewhere else that I have visited, but still I must reiterate. I have visited here twice, one in early March (definitely winter), and one in late May (I would say spring). Within couple few months of time, everything all the sudden has been tainted with greenness - including the grasses and the sand dunes. It's fun to see how things have changed (except for the landscape, AND the wind). Landscape aside, I simply feel it is a very interesting experience, driving along that one-lane bridge when close to the trail lot. Anyway, I'm putting some spring photos that I took just now, yet I'd like to leave you some room to imagine a (much) harsher trip I did earlier, when it was still winter.

One of The Cape’s true gems. Great Island is absolutely breathtaking. A beautiful quiet and serene getaway with many spectacular vistas of both the harbor and the bay. I usually take my time and hike the entire trail from the shore through the woods making my way to Jeremy Point and making my way back along the glorious beach. This trail can also be done entirely along the shore where you can enjoy the marine life while also looking up at the majestic cliffs. Wildlife is abundant and you never know what you might see. I’m 74 years old and I do this trail several times a year. Each time results in a new experience. If you love the outside give it a shot.

In May: It's amazing. I had the place to myself. Went all the way to Jeremy Point. The only bad thing is all of the ticks in the off-beach areas. SO. MANY. TICKS. They're everywhere! You can see them hanging out at the top of blades of grass.

There were many great reviews for this trail and I csn definitely understand why. The trail is simply breathtaking. There's a nice balance between trees and forest vistas vs the beach and ocean. The hike through sand is definitely harder than it sounds and looks. The hike is about 4 to 9 miles give or take depending which trail you follow. We took the shorter trail as we were with novice hikers. I will definitely be back to hike the longer trail next time.

Nice trails with lots of sand. You don't need to do the whole trail if you don't want to. It is a very beautiful area! Depending on where you want to go, you may get a bit wet in certain sections.

It was a great hike, but believe the reviews about the trail markers! We downloaded All trails map and still got turned around a few times. No cell service , so download map.

Love, love, love this trail. This is my absolute favorite in Wellfleet. We do this one every single time we come here. Part of the reason is that it is not the easiest, nor the shortest trail and it deters a lot of people. There is a bit of hike just to get to the beach and thus this HUGE beach is devoid of people. You get this amazing view of a salt water marsh that is tidal so be wary! You can see the beautiful humongous house that looks like it is 2 feet short of falling down the cliff (I read it was bought up to be used as a vacation rental and the upkeep to maintain the shore and prevent building collapse is thousands per year). Beyond the beach you have a thick, lush, foresty area that is also not well explored. Every time we go there, Winter, Fall, Spring or Summer we are always isolated on our walks which is exactly how we like it. If you want a private beach experience, head to the tip of the Great Island. You are highly unlikely to see another human being for hours!

This trail is fantastic. While the terrain is a little challenging because of sand, it is mostly flat. The variety of sand, dunes, water and panoramic views are beautiful. Lots of little crabs along the way, and birds flying overhead. The parking lot is very convenient. We arrived at 10 am and only 3 cars were in the lot. Y the time we got back at 2 pm the lot was full so plan accordingly. Bring water and snacks and a camera!

My family and I did this trail on Saturday 8/15 a perfect day. As they say in Ireland it was a "soft" day a mix between a mist and a drizzle of rain. It was so beautiful! Met a lovely gent sitting on a wood railing who asked us all what the password was as we walked by on the way to the parking area. My answer was " green waves"

I love this hike. While not particularly challenging, the solitude and the scenery are terrific. Also, there are several routes to choose, so you can hike in the woods, on the beach, or do a combination of both. No permit is required for parking (this is part of the National Park Service). There is a port-a-potty at the trailhead with a couple of informational signs nearby. The trails are marked, but there is no marker for the Tavern if you're looking for it. If you're just heading out to amble along the beach, sneakers, flip flops, or sandals should be adequate. I recommend boots if you're looking to do a longer hike like going to Jeremy Point. (Tip: use gaiters or secure long pants over your boot tops to keep out sand.) The hike is mostly flat, with some dunes to climb, so it's not all that physically demanding. Be ready, though, to walk on soft sand on portions of the hike. To the west you will get views of Cape Cod Bay from Ptown to Dennis (or farther). To the east you will see across Wellfleet Harbor. The views on a clear day are spectacular (get it?). You'll see a variety of shells on the sand, birds, marshes, pines, and dunes on this hike. Be on the lookout for wonderful, plant-based, 100% organic skin care that grows in this area. You will see a plant that has three elongated leaves that are a dark, shiny green. Simply rub the leaves on your skin for best results. JK!!!

A place to get wet One of the best hikes on Cape Cod, it goes down a spit of land that's part of Cape Cod National Seashore. Water, water everywhere, but naught a drop to drink so you better bring your own. Beautiful salt air and magical sea breezes. On a clear day you can see Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown. The hike starts in a conveniently large parking area at the end of Griffin island Road and continues down one of the largest areas of undeveloped beaches on the Cape. Thousands of artifacts and remains of an old tavern were found in this area by archaeologists and signs are placed along the trail explaining the sites. The trail itself is not easy, lots of soft sand and even marshy grass. Nasty biting flies love this place so strong bug spay is not just recommended but absolutely necessary. Going in the off season is a good way of avoiding the horrible flies. The end of the trail gets a bit tricky. You can walk for about 3 miles and then turn back or go all the way down to Jeremy Point which is about another mile and a half. The problem is that during very high tides this last area is underwater so you have to time it right or probably drown. Adds a bit of excitement to an already fantastic hike.

If you enjoy the Cape and its natural beauty, just go. Quintessential Cape Cod, beautiful year-round. One of my favorite places in Wellfleet...

This was such an amazing hike. The views were spectacular and the trails varied from easy to somewhat difficult along the dunes. We hiked about 6 miles but were so tempted to go further to the tip of the trail. I can't wait to go back prepared to do a longer hike.

I cannot stop talking about this place. It was so serene and beautiful that I don't think that there is a photo that can do it justice. I actually visited this place twice in one day. In the morning we kayaked from Wellfleet harbor to one of the beaches that extends out into the bay. After the crazy kayaking against the winds and waves, the beach served as a welcome rest. Walking just a little down the coast, I was taken aback by the beauty. It felt like we were in a different country. So we convinced our friends to return for a hike later that same day. While I thought we were prepared with sneakers, water, and of course our swimming gear, the walk was a little more intense than we expected. So while I loved every moment of the day, word of warning, bring lots of water and snacks to keep your energy up. Still, after finally getting back to our car tired and hungry, our group thought that the hike was totally worth it. Over the course of the hike around the point, you get to experience the dunes, the forest, and the beach. What more can you ask for.

Absolutely one of the best hikes on Cape Cod. However, the beaches that are seen along this route are not some of the Cape's finest. They are very quiet and unspoiled (there is no development here), but the beach is semi-rocky with lots of ocean debree. Maybe it was just during our visit, but we were able to hike far out towards Jeremy Point even though it was exactly high tide. I think that the barrier beach has been built over the last few years. I don't think that the old rule of "visiting only during low tide" really applies anymore. Make sure to hike the beach route back to the car. Look for a path through the dunes near the mansion that sits near the start of the hike. Bring a lot of water and be prepared to see a lot of wildlife - including piping ploves, crabs and seals. There also tends to be a lot of dead wildlife along this route as well (we saw two dead dolphins and 20 dead birds).

The Great Island Trail is one of my favorites! It's a great hike out to Jeremy Point or if you don't want to go all that way, you can always take one of the trails over the dunes and relax on the secluded beach. It's such a nice break from the overcrowded ocean-side beaches of the national seashore. A word of caution, there are lots of little crabs and creepy crawly critters in the marshy sand.

Best hidden trail on the Cape. Many different habitats to hike in, pine forest, salt marsh and outer beach. Free parking and secluded beach is a plus. Saw seals out by the point. Water was cool and clear and so good for swimming.

long expansive... can i emphasis long more? trails. Amazingly serene, beautiful, bla bla bla,.... positive adjectives. go here for quiet and an awesome experience. You may get wet, but only up to your knees, and who cares about a little water on cape cod, right? its a lovely attraction, with somewhat, well actually horribly marked trail guides. I dont think the guides (signs) have been updated in a decade... so you will get lost if you intend to go to the tavern, which, by the way is just about 20 rocks that i assume people have tampered with over the years. Go with flip flops, or shoes, because you will be going through unruly tall grass, and tics, are a thing most commonly found on cape cod. There are barely any people around, and the space is huge, so you can get away and have a romantic, or group get away. great experience, but dont come here with the objective to see markers that will lead to clear and exact locations, IE tavern... cause chances are you will get frustrated and want to give up.

This area is beautiful and the Gut beach nearby is an spectacle. Get there early morning and you will find little islands that will quickly disappear under the tide. Amazing.

Unlike most trails on the cape the Great Island Trail is a hike. The trail runs the length of undeveloped Great Island out to Jeremy's Point. If hiked in its entirety it takes most of the day. Lunch and a couple bottles of water are a necessity. Its a little long for most kids but you can loop around about midway through which is a good length if you do have kids with you or are running out of steam. Let me stress one more time to bring your own water, there is no fresh water for the length of the trail.

this trail was as good as it gets! it was a perfect november day, the breeze and temps were mild, and even tho the tide was high, we got onto the trail by going to the dead end by the town landing. it was absolutely beautiful for anyone who loves long seaside walks!

I think the signage has been improved since other reviewers visited -- we had no trouble finding our way from the main parking lot out to Jeremy's Point and back with clear signs. This one's a thigh burner -- you start out about 10 minutes in the woods going downhill, then about a mile around a salt marsh (some sand, some more solid ground), back into the woods for some up and down gradual hills, then back out onto another traverse around a marsh, up over a dune, and onto the beach itself for the last bit out to the point. Then repeat in reverse for a 7.5 mile round trip (according to my RunKeeper), without the Tavern side-trip. It was a beautiful cloudless 50 degree Easter Sunday and we hardly saw any other people outside of the areas near parking lots. Gorgeous way to spend a morning, highly recommended, and bring your camera. Also, if you take a backpack, try packing out some of the beach trash -- it washes up and without frequent visitors, it appears to pile up.