Beaches And Walks

Dogs and Owners have broad access to town properties and beaches between June 15th and Labor Day.  Below is a recap of Summer rules.

WHERE DOGS ARE PERMITTED

  • Eastham Parks and Conservation area trails.
  • Rock Harbor, Eastham before 9AM and after 4PM from June 15th to Labor Day. Beach Permit sticker required.  (no restriction in the off-season)
  • Bike trail between Salt Pond and Coast Guard Beach from November 1 – April 30
  • Cape Cod Rail Trail. 6 ft. leash required.
  • Cape Cod National Seashore (CCNS) ocean beaches, Leashed – 6 ft or less.
  • Fresh water ponds within the Cape Cod National Seashore (beaches and water),October 16th .through May 14th.
  • All fire roads within the Cape Cod National Seashore
    • Not allowed in CCNS:
      • During the summer on life guard-protected beaches. (Passing through to unprotected areas is permitted).
      • During shorebird nesting periods in seasonally posted locations. (Passing through is prohibited).
      • Designated nature trails at any time because they affect wildlife
      • Nauset  bike trail, May 1-October 31;
      • Fresh water ponds within Cape Cod National Seashore (beaches and water), May 15-October 15

 

WHERE DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED

  • Public bay or pond bathing beaches from June 15th to Labor Day (Town of Eastham)
  • Playgrounds and sports fields
  • See special prohibitions regarding the CCNS above.

 

Remember:

Pets must be on a leash or under the control of a responsible person

Pick up your pet’s fecal matter  – $50 fine – NO WARNINGS GIVEN

Authorities enforce the pet policies for the benefit of visitors and the areas unique environment. Failure to pick up after your pet or keep your pet under immediate voice control (or leashed) may result in a fine

Wiley Park and Cottontail Acres

Download a map of this Eastham trail as it takes you through woods and past kettle ponds in our town park and conservation land. Ed’s favorite dog walk and he is not alone in that opinion.

Upper Boat Meadow Conservation Land

Download this map of a hidden gem that has been right under your nose. Bernie recommended this one for us.

Kent’s Point Conservation Land, Orleans

Katrina recommends this 1.1 mile loop. The link takes you to a Google Books description and map of the area. Lots of other info too.
Noelle says this is one of her favorite dog walks. The link will show you a map, give directions and describe the terrain along with other useful information you’ll want before you go.

Sandy Meadow Open Space Area:

A newly (2015) renovated conservation area with a small parking lot and short trail.
Check it out and let us know what you think of it.

Located off of Sandy Meadow Way. From Massasoit Rd, take North Sunken Meadow Rd (Sandy Meadow on your left) trails immediately on your right.

Hawksnest State Park, Harwich MA

Largely undeveloped conservation parkland with rough trails and approaches to several ponds.

Entry is off Rt 134 onto Round Cove Road. Drive as far as you safely can to find parking.
click here to download satellite photo of Hawksnest