Cape Cod has some incredible places to walk your dog

3 great dog walks on Cape Cod

Looking for a cool place to walk your dog on Cape Cod? Check out these 3 dog walks on Cape Cod to see unspoiled nature of the Cape at its best.

You’ll learn about:

  • an unspoiled beach walk on a remote sandy beach that includes two lighthouses in Provincetown
  • a wooded pond trail by three kettle ponds at Nickerson State Park
  • a trail showcasing all of the habitats typical to the shore around cape cod bay: upland forest, salt meadow, salt marsh, sand dune, and tidal mud flats

And let’s keep it unspoiled – always pick up after your dog, even if no one is watching. keep dog access open for the full list of great dog walks and trails on the cape.

Long Point in Provincetown

The path to long point covers some unique terrain as it takes you to the far tip of provincetown and cape cod.

The reward is a remote unspoiled beach connecting two historic provincetown lighthouses reached only by similar minded adventurers (and those aware of the ferry service).

Plan to bring a pack with lots of water, snacks, sunscreen, and some cash (for the ferry, just in case). View beach safety tips for dogs.

The trip begins  off of Commercial Street in Provincetown.  Your journey must be timed to start a few hours before low tide, as the first part of the trail passed over a dike that becomes increasingly submerged (aka impassable) as the tide rolls in.

You’ll pass by a salt march along the dike, re-emerging in a salt march as you approach the first lighthouse, wood end light.

wood end light, provincetown
wood end light, as seen from beaches off of commercial street, provincetown

Walk to the right when facing the ocean to visit Herring Cove Beach.  Or continue to the left beyond woods end you’ll end up at long point light, near the extreme tip of cape cod.

This great long dog walk is even more remote in the offseason.  the stirring views from the outermost reaches of provincetown harbor and of the crashing atlantic beyond have been inspiring souls since footprints first appeared in the sand at long point.

long point lighthouse, provincetown
long point light, as seen from inside provincetown harbor

Tired dog? Tired owner? Mistimed the tides and the trail is submerged? You’ll be glad you remembered to take some money with you. You can take the ferry from long point back to the wharf in provincetown, and dogs are allowed.

If you’re still feeling your dog tug you ahead for more, you can continue back the way you came (lots for dogs to see and do on Commercial Street) or walk along the beach back to Herring Cove Beach (bathrooms and a snack bar).

Still want more? See the five best things for dogs to do in provincetown.

If you’re looking for an all day hiking adventure you can just keep walking along the beaches of the cape cod national seashore and continue onto Race Point Beach.

Nickerson State Park

Nickerson state park in Brewster has many great hiking trails for dogs.  there are hiking trails extending into remote cape cod wilderness, including a secluded pond accessible only on foot or bicycle. here’s a few ideas for dogs of varying stamina.

Light reflects of Big Cliff Pond in Brewster
The path around Big Cliff Pond lives up to it’s name. For a shorter, easier hike, try Little Cliff instead.

The trails around Little Cliff Pond and Big Cliff Pond offer easy parking access.  Dogs aren’t allowed on the main beaches in Nickerson, but the trails that circle the ponds closely make for a great scenic dog walk.

The entrance to little cliff pond in Nickerson state park.
The entrance to little cliff pond in Nickerson state park.

Remember bug spray and lots of water–and of course poop bags! Be sure to check everyone for ticks when you’re done, these trails often involve contact with brush aside and overhead.

Nugget the puggle walking the trail around Little Cliff Pond in Nickerson State park. Nickerson's trails are great for dogs.
Nugget walking the trail around Little Cliff Pond in Nickerson State park. Nickerson’s many miles of trails are great for dogs.

For a more remote wilderness experience, hike out to Higgins Pond.  There’s no access here for cars, so the pond takes you much closer to nature than others in the park.

There’s also a number of other hiking trails that are enjoyable in all seasons.  Try to avoid the bicycle paths, dog leashes and passing bikers don’t make for a good mix.

Check out a trail map for Nickerson State Park:

nickerson state park trail map
click image to view the nickerson state park trail map

John Wing Trail in Brewster, MA

john wing trail is a 1.1 mile trail located off of route 6a in Brewster that is available to leashed dogs in the offseason.

Per the natural history museum’s website, the public trail allows leashed dogs from October 1 – April 30 each year. dogs are not allowed from May 1- September 30.

Note: no dogs are allowed on Cape cod natural history Museum property all year round!

the trail showcases a cross section of habitats typical to the shore around cape cod bay. you’ll see upland forest, salt meadow, salt marsh, sand dune, and tidal mud flats. Take great care to clean up after your pet, keep cape cod beautiful!

Parking for the John Wing Trail is available at the use Drummer Boy Park’s parking lot. The trailhead is about .3 miles east, you can access the public trail 50 feet west of the Natural history museum’s mailbox on route 6A in Brewster.

Click on this map of the John Wing Trail in Brewster to see a larger high-res version.
Click on this map of the John Wing Trail in Brewster to see a larger high-res version.