Overview
Starting at Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham, the gateway to the Cape Cod National Seashore, the Nauset Marsh Trail runs 1.6 miles into National Seashore acreage once inhabited by the Nauset Indian tribe and early Cape Cod settlers. Ending at Coast Guard Beach, the trail here provides panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Photos
Area Details
A 3-mile round trip, this recently repaved route first wanders through a large grove of cedar, pine and oak. Beyond, rolling countryside awaits along with a mid-trail bench serving as a convenient pit stop to rest and enjoy the scenery. Don’t forget to take a detour at the second stop sign to the Doane Memorial, a monument to Deacon John Doane. Right on the marsh, that site marks his 1644 homestead.
Back on the paved path, prepare to cross a wooden bridge which spans the marsh flowing into Salt Pond. This bridge was damaged by winter storms in 2009 and subsequently rebuilt during mid-2010. It is now vastly improved. A short distance up the hill is the old Coast Guard Station, overlooking Coast Guard Beach. The beach itself is a sprawling and beautiful site, with waves breaking as far as the eye can see in both directions. At times the surf can reach head high to overhead (6-8 foot) during a nor’easter or hurricane swell. Also, be sure to scan the shoreline for surfers who often share these water with curious harbor seals.
Parking & Directions
Parking is located at Salt Pond Visitor Center off Route 6 in Eastham. Just bear right at the signs for the National Seashore (heading east) and immediately turn right again into the lot, which is adjacent to the Nauset Marsh Trail entrance. The trailhead resides at the far end of the parking lot, curving right past a small plot of apple trees. Begin here and travel into a stand of locust trees to start your journey. Be sure to watch for other cyclists and pedestrians, as this is a well-traveled route during the summer season.
Capture Your Cape Cod Moments!
Action Cameras:
1. GoPro Hero 7 Black
2. GoPro Hero 7 Black Action Camera + Extra USA Battery + Sandisk 32GB MicroSDHC U3 and Free Polaroid 16GB MicroSD Memory Card
3. GoPro HERO6 Black — Waterproof Digital Action Camera for Travel with Touch Screen 4K HD Video 12MP Photos
4. GoPro Hero 7 (White) Action Camera with GoPro Adventure Kit Essential Bundle
Point and Shoot Cameras:
1. Sony DSCWX220/B 18.2 MP Digital Camera with 2.7-Inch LCD
2. Canon PowerShot SX530 HS Digital Camera with 50x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD HD 1080p Video (Black)+ Extra Battery + 24GB Class 10 Card Complete Deluxe Accessory Bundle And Much More
3. Canon IXUS 185 / ELPH 180 20MP Black Compact Digital Camera with 8GB Top Accessory Gift Set
4. Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70K, 20.3 Megapixel, 4K Digital Camera, Touch Enabled 3-inch 180 Degree Flip-front Display, 30X LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR Lens, WiFi (Black)
Capture Your Cape Cod Moments!
Action Cameras:
1. GoPro Hero 7 Black
2. GoPro Hero 7 Black Action Camera + Extra USA Battery + Sandisk 32GB MicroSDHC U3 and Free Polaroid 16GB MicroSD Memory Card
3. GoPro HERO6 Black — Waterproof Digital Action Camera for Travel with Touch Screen 4K HD Video 12MP Photos
4. GoPro Hero 7 (White) Action Camera with GoPro Adventure Kit Essential Bundle
Point and Shoot Cameras:
1. Sony DSCWX220/B 18.2 MP Digital Camera with 2.7-Inch LCD
2. Canon PowerShot SX530 HS Digital Camera with 50x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD HD 1080p Video (Black)+ Extra Battery + 24GB Class 10 Card Complete Deluxe Accessory Bundle And Much More
3. Canon IXUS 185 / ELPH 180 20MP Black Compact Digital Camera with 8GB Top Accessory Gift Set
4. Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70K, 20.3 Megapixel, 4K Digital Camera, Touch Enabled 3-inch 180 Degree Flip-front Display, 30X LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR Lens, WiFi (Black)