Truro, Massachusetts runs South to North––It’s mighty arm enfolding the Cape Cod Bay on the West while shouldering sandy dunes and the Atlantic Ocean on the East. Home of Highland Light, Cape Cod’s first lighthouse, Truro is a plethora of beaches, ponds and wonderland.For one week this summer, Truro was My Own Private Idaho––I left my nine-to-five behind and gave myself completely to childish laughter, nautical breezes and magnificent sunsets. I skimmed a million rocks, collected seashells, ate and drank much more than I should have and spent time with family just as it should be. I fell asleep listing to waves crashing along the beach and woke up with heals in my back and drool on my pillow––all while thinking: this IS “living life to its fullest”.
Each morning, we ate sizzled bacon with eggs that had been poorly flipped without a spatula in a cheap fry pan. Afterwards, we ventured out like pilgrims into unknown terrain with bottled water and trail maps in hand-–What we found was amazing!
If you are inclined to nature and the outdoors, the National Park Service offers a series of Self-Guiding Trails in Truro, Massachusetts and through out Cape Cod. The trails listed below are easy to moderate difficulty and can be completed in 30-60 minutes. Bring your camera––you won’t be disappointed.
Pamet Area Trails in Truro, MA:
One-half mile; moderate difficulty due to steep grade to overlook.
What you will see: Incredible views of the Pamet Valley and Atlantic ocean and a historic boghouse.
Getting there: Take Truro Center/Pament Roads exit off Route 6 in Truro, then follow one-half miles on North Pament Road until the road ends. The trail begins in the parking lot next to the Environmental Education Center.
Woods Walk at Highlands Center in Truro, MA:
One Mile; Thirty Minutes; Moderate difficulty due to some unpaved roads and steep grades.
What you will see: An interesting, almost erie, glimpse of the Cold War era amongst forrest, wasteland and ocean bluffs.
Getting There: Take the Highland Light Exit offRoute 6 in North Truro, then continue east on Highland Road. Go east on Highland Road, then right onto South Shore Highland Road. After .6 miles, turn left onto Old Dewline Road.The Highlands Center will be at the end of the road where the trail begins.
One Mile; Thirty Minutes; Moderate difficulty due to some unpaved roads and steep grades.
What you will see: An interesting, almost erie, glimpse of the Cold War era amongst forrest, wasteland and ocean bluffs.
Getting There: Take the Highland Light Exit offRoute 6 in North Truro, then continue east on Highland Road. Go east on Highland Road, then right onto South Shore Highland Road. After .6 miles, turn left onto Old Dewline Road.The Highlands Center will be at the end of the road where the trail begins.
Small’s Swamp Trail in Truro, MA:
Two-thirds mile loop; Thirty Minutes; Easy-Moderate grade, short boardwalk.
What you will see: Abandoned land where both native people and early European settlers once cultivated farms made their homes-Now mostly hidden by overgrown forrest.
Getting There: Turn at the Pilgrim Heights area sign off Route 6 in North Truro. Trail will begin at the covered sheltered at the end of this road.
Two-thirds mile loop; Thirty Minutes; Easy-Moderate grade, short boardwalk.
What you will see: Abandoned land where both native people and early European settlers once cultivated farms made their homes-Now mostly hidden by overgrown forrest.
Getting There: Turn at the Pilgrim Heights area sign off Route 6 in North Truro. Trail will begin at the covered sheltered at the end of this road.
Pilgrim Spring Trail in Truro, MA:
One-third Mile loop; Twenty to Thirty Minutes; Easy-Moderate grade.
What you will see: Marsh meadow overlook amongst Pine and Oak Forest and marked spot were the pilgrims drank fresh water for the first time in New England.
Getting There: Turn at the Pilgrim Heights area sign off Route 6 in North Truro. Trail will begin at the covered sheltered at the end of this road.
Beech Forest Trail in Provincetown, MA:
One mile loop; One hour; Easy-Some steep log steps and soft sand.
What you will see: Colorful beech forest winds around Beech Forest Pond with lots photo opportunities for birds and nature life-especially in spring and fall.
One-third Mile loop; Twenty to Thirty Minutes; Easy-Moderate grade.
What you will see: Marsh meadow overlook amongst Pine and Oak Forest and marked spot were the pilgrims drank fresh water for the first time in New England.
Getting There: Turn at the Pilgrim Heights area sign off Route 6 in North Truro. Trail will begin at the covered sheltered at the end of this road.
Beech Forest Trail in Provincetown, MA:
One mile loop; One hour; Easy-Some steep log steps and soft sand.
What you will see: Colorful beech forest winds around Beech Forest Pond with lots photo opportunities for birds and nature life-especially in spring and fall.
Getting There: Take a right off Route 6 at the traffic light in Provincetown onto Race Point Road. Trail begins about 1-1/2 mile down the road at the Beech Forest parking area on the left.
Written By: Jessica Layne
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