New England's Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary Just Outside Of Cape Cod Offers Serene Trails Brimming With Animals

If you're visiting Cape Cod, chances are dune-lined beaches, long sunsets, and lobster rolls are on your mind. However, Massachusetts' famed beach destination is also home to a variety of ecologically rich wildlife sanctuaries with scenic trails and vista points, ranging from Cape Cod's unmatched Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary to Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary. However, one green space you can't miss is Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Mass Audubon's Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary.

Overlooking the Cape Cod Canal and about an hour's drive from Providence, Rhode Island, the tiny sanctuary measures only 217 acres. Yet, it's home to over 4 miles of interconnected trails that wind through forested pine glens, grassy meadows, and coastal marshes with gently lapping waters. Here, visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls, birdwatching, or simply take in the peaceful setting — devoid of crowds or road noise. And, the best part? It's entirely free.

Despite protecting the land and the state-designated rare species that live there, Great Neck isn't a preserve in the traditional sense. The sanctuary is managed by Mass Audubon in conjunction with public and private landowners or conservation groups instead of by one organization, such as the park service. This means that landowners have opened up parts of their private properties to public use in the name of conservation. However, visitors should always stay on the well-maintained trails and be mindful of private property postings. 

At only 10 minutes from the town of Wareham, Massachusetts' "Gateway To Cape Cod," many visitors to the area overlook Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary in favor of shopping at Wareham Crossing or lounging on scenic beaches. However, this underrated preserve is a hidden gem for birdwatchers, and especially for hikers looking for beginner-friendly trails with minimal elevation gain. Depending on which trails you choose and how many you combine, the sanctuary can be a half-hour or half-day stop.  

From the parking lot near the buzzing Pollinator Pasture, follow the salt marshes along the 0.6-mile Widow's Cove Loop until you reach one of the best birdwatching spots in the sanctuary and a small beach. This vista point offers panoramic views across Buzzards Bay and the chance to see herons and snowy egrets looking for food in the shallow waters, or great horned owls perched in the trees. There are two osprey platforms near the bay, but also keep an eye out for ospreys nesting atop telephone poles. From here, continue your stroll along the 0.8-mile Old Pasture Loop, a former carriage road that winds through the pines and oaks, offering possible glimpses of owls, deer, and other animals that prefer the forest's protective canopy. Another can't-miss path is the 0.9-mile Heron Point Loop Trail, which leads to Osprey Overlook, arguably the most impressive viewpoint in the sanctuary. Take in views across Bass Cove and the surrounding salt marshes before looping back to your car. 

Before visiting Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, there are a few things you should know. First, dogs (except for service animals) aren't allowed on the trails due to the presence of delicate habitats and vulnerable species. In addition, camping, smoking, fishing, wildlife feeding, and beach setups or recreational equipment are prohibited. It's also worth noting that there are no restrooms or facilities of any kind, so make sure you plan accordingly and bring enough water for your outing. 

Fortunately, finding Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary with Google Maps is straightforward. Simply enter the destination and follow the directions until you reach the one-way road leading to the parking lot. Just make sure you enter "Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary", not "Great Neck Conservation Area." The second option is an entirely different preserve that you'll encounter about five minutes before pulling into Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary.

Although you'll find plenty of quaint inns and historic guesthouses in Cape Cod's villages, Falmouth is an ideal home base for wildlife enthusiasts due to its close proximity to Great Neck and other prominent preserves, including the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge. This Massachusetts beach town is right across from Martha's Vineyard and is also home to local art galleries and artisan shops, the quintessential Cape Cod lighthouse, and waterfront eateries. Pop into Water Street Kitchen for seasonal seafood specialties made with the finest local ingredients, or dine on fried seafood classics while overlooking Falmouth Harbor at Jim's Clam Shack.