Often overlooked for showier parts of New England, Cape Cod is the perfect place to take in rich autumn colors. Here are a few of our favorite ways to experience the change in season along the Cape's quaint back roads, nature trails and pristine coastline.
Take a Hike
The 1,900 wooded acres at Nickerson State Park in Brewster are a nature lover's dream, home to wildlife, walking trails and crystal clear kettle ponds. Take an early morning hike to spot songbirds, while also on the lookout for deer and foxes. The park features more than eight miles of bike trails, including access to the popular Cape Cod Rail Trail, as well as hundreds of campsites. For those in a hurry, take a drive through the paved park roads.
The mile-long pedestrian path that leads to The Knob in Woods Hole is lined with trees that transform into vibrant hues in fall. There's a second reward at the end of the hike—panoramic views of Quissett Harbor and Buzzards Bay, A hike through nearby Bourne Farm in West Falmouth is also a celebration of fall color - the 49+ acres of fields, trails and woodlands overlook Crocker Pond and provide fabulous leef-peeping vantage points. The nature sanctuary's pumpkin field also adds a fun pop of orange around pumpkin picking season. West Barnstable Conservation Area is another great spot that packs a ton of fall beauty into its acres of hiking trails, leading through lush woodlands; American beech, Red oak, Sassafras, White pine, and American holly make up most of the tree canopy.
Hit the Road
Historic Route 6A, dotted with showy trees, white-steepled churches, cozy inns and eclectic boutiques, was originally a Native American trail before the colonists arrived. It's now widely considered of the most scenic byways in the country. On your drive, admire crimson cranberry bogs and golden-hued salt marshes, intriguing architecture, and some of the oldest villages in America.
Paddle calm waters
October offers plenty of sunny days and cool evenings, the perfect weather for kayak trips. For colorful excursions, RideAway Adventure's Lazy River Nature Tour down Popponesset River is pure eye candy for the fall foliage seeker. Cape Cod Kayak's guided paddle through Great Sippewisset Marsh is another incredible way to admire the region's vibrant autumn hues. To combine a hike with your kayak exploration, great fall spots include Mashpee Woodlands, Pleasant Bay, Great Island in Wellfleet and Washburn Island in East Falmouth.
Play a Round
There are many reasons to love golf on Cape Cod in autumn, and the stunning fall foliage is just one of them! Less crowded courses and milder temperatures make for a more relaxed pace of play, giving you more time to appreciate the distinct natural beauty that surrounds most of the Cape’s scenic courses.