Trails at Long Pasture

Explore 2.5 miles of trails at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable. Gentle woodland and meadow walking trails lead to a view of Barnstable Harbor flanked by the dunes of Sandy Neck Barrier Beach. Look for groves of tupelo, red maple, holly, and large oak trees along the trail.

Trail Descriptions

Marsh Boardwalk

This short boardwalk provides access into a slice of the Barnstable Great Marsh, Cape Cod’s largest salt marsh and most biologically diverse habitat. Learn about salt marsh ecology through our interpretive graphics. Tide permitting, explore the vast sanctuary tidal flats and find horseshoe crabs, moon snails, and hermit crabs. The secluded Long Pasture Beach offers opportunities to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the spectacular views of Sandy Neck Barrier Beach.

Harbor Overlook Trail

From the Boardwalk follow the trailhead west to Night Heron Pond where the ponds namesake as well as Green Herons, Snowy Egrets, and kingfishers can be spotted.

Beck Family Trail and Restored Wetlands

Along the Beck Family Trail, you will discover 6 newly restored vernal pools (wetlands) scattered along the field edges. These vernal pools were built to meet the specific habitat needs of rare species including the Eastern Spadefoot Toad, American Woodcock, Eastern Box Turtle, and a host of avian and insect pollinators and their associated flowering plants. You may notice how the restored wetlands change in appearance over time as plants and animals colonize the new habitats.

Bone Hill Trail

The open fields surrounding this trail are the best spots to observe many species of butterflies, dragonflies, and the fantastic fall foliage of tupelo trees.

Woodcock Trail

This trail loops through early successional habitat perfect for the American Woodcock. From here access the Beck Family Trail for a longer loop.

Butterfly Mosaic Trail

This 0.25-mile trail through the open fields takes you through a series of 10 native wildflower plots that attract up to 30 species of butterflies.