Cape Cod National Seashore, Salt Pond Visitor Center, Route 6, Eastham , 508.255.3421
Province Lands Visitor Center, Race Point Road, Provincetown , 508.487.1256
Park Headquarters, 99 Marconi Site Road, Wellfleet, 508.349.3785
43,557 acres of shoreline and upland, including a forty mile stretch of pristine sandy beach. The Seashore was created by legislation in 1961. The Seashore encompasses land in the six towns of Chatham, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown.
There are eleven self guided nature trails. Free hike and bike maps may be obtained at the Salt Pond Visitor Center, which is open year round (daily - except in January and February when it is open on weekends only). The Center shows interpretive videos and hosts a variety of interpretive programs.
The Provincelands Visitor Center, like Salt Pond, offers many walks, lectures, and other programs, but it is closed from Thanksgiving to Mid April.

The Historic structures within the boundaries of this huge park include lighthouses and lifesaving stations. There are six swimming beaches, eleven self guided nature trails, and many picnic and scenic view areas.

Nickerson State Park, Route 6A, Brewster, 508.896.3491
2,000 acres with eight miles of bike trails that link to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. There are miles of hiking trails through the woods that link to Flax & Cliff Ponds. Higgins Pond is a major migration stop for endangered birds such as Osprey and Peregrine Falcon. Look for Cormorants, Wrens, Hawks, Owls, Great Blue Heron, and the Common Loon. Ranger guided interpretive programs and walks are offered that cover plant and wildlife in a variety of habitats.

The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, 869 Route 6A, Brewster, 508.896.3867
This renowned facility offers programs and lectures on all aspects of the natural life of Cape Cod. It maintains 3 important nature trails. The John Wing Trail is 1.3 miles and cuts through 140 acres of beach plum, golden aster, salt reed grass, and bush clover, around a sassafras grove and salt marsh to end on a tidal island with a spectacular view of Cape Cod Bay. (During high tides the causeway is covered, blocking entrance and exit!! off the tidal island., so be sure to check the tides with the museum staff before you begin your walk.) The North Trail is 1/4 miles that serves as a primer for plant identification . The South trail is 1 mile cutting through a cattail swamp. Beware the poison ivy - stay on the trails.

Monomoy Island National Wildlife Refuge, Chatham, 508.945.0594
2,750 acres of wildlife refuge and bird sanctuary this site is accessible only by boat in good weather conditions. It is a two island (Monomy Island & Morris Island) wilderness area, one of only four remaining between Maine and New Jersey. Acquired by the federal government in 1944 and administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Monomy Island has no electricity, no human residents, no vehicles, and no paved roads. You will find 285 species of birds, saltwater and tidal flats, bayberry and beach plum, freshwater ponds and a non working lighthouse restored in 1988. The 9 mile barrier beach is closed from April until mid August to insure that nesting Piping Plovers will not be disturbed. Morris Island (40 acres) is accessible by car and foot. Check the tides before visiting because the interpretive walking trail closes during high tide. Guided tours by Cape Cod Museum of Natural History - 479.3867 and guided day trips by Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary - 349.2615

Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, off Route 6, South Wellfleet, 508.349.2615
1,000 acres of salt marsh, forest, beach, tidal flats and moors. The Visitor Center was built about nine years ago. There are self guided nature trails along with a natural history camp for children and week long field trips for adults. The Society offers guided walks, canoe trips, Cape Cod Bay cruises, special programs, and bird watching trips.

Bell's Neck Road Conservation Area, off Bell's Neck Road, Harwich, 508.430.7506
254 acres of some of the finest bird watching on Cape Cod. This conservation area of marshlands, herring runs, reservoirs and tidal creeks is favored by the Cape Cod Bird Club (508.432.2528). The Club leads frequent walks here. It is only two miles to Bell's Neck from the Soundings.

Thompson's Wildflower Meadow, Old Chatham Road, Harwich Center, 508.430.7506
This 93 acre site was once the site of the Snow Inn and Thompson Family Farm. Now conservation land, the site is a combination of old meadow and pine and oak woods. The old meadows are carefully mowed at different times of year to insure a spectacular display of wildflowers all season long. (Please do not pick the flowers !) There are walking trails throughout. Because folks ride their horses and run their dogs off leash here there are no vehicles allowed beyond the parking area. The Cape Cod Rail Trail bisects the site but bicyclists are supposed to stay on the Bike Trail. I've seen Great Horned Owl, American Kestrel, Red Tailed Hawk, and the rare Cooper's Hawk at this site.

Crowe's Pasture, South Street, East Dennis, 508.760.6123
50 acres on Cape Cod Bay, off South Street at the end of Quivet Cemetery. Follow the dirt road (about 2.5 miles) and enjoy the sight of seals, Marsh Hawks and wild apple and cherry groves. Four wheel drive vehicles allowed.

Indian Lands Conservation Area, Main Street, South Dennis, 508.760.6123
A two mile walk along the banks of the Bass River. Flora and fauna abound and the sharp eyed have been known to find Indian artifacts here.

LIGHTHOUSES
Many of the Cape's lighthouses are in the parks listed above. Be sure not to miss them during your visit. You'll never regret the extra time it will take to view these unique marine structures.
Race Point Light, Provincetown
Wood End Light, entrance to Provincetown Harbor, Provincetown
Long Point Light, Provincetown Harbor & Cape Cod Bay, Provincetown
Highland Light , (also called Cape Cod Light), North Truro
Nauset Light, Eastham
Bass River Light, (also called West Dennis Light), West Dennis
Chatham Light, Chatham
Monomoy Point Light, Chatham
Stage Harbor Light, Chatham
Hyannis Harbor Light, (also called South Hyannis Light), entrance to Hyannis Harbor,Hyannis
Point Gammon Light, entrance to Hyannis Harbor, Hyannis
Sandy Neck Light, entrance to Barnstable Harbor, Barnstable