Dune Shacks Trail, Cape Cod

Dune Shacks Trail

Shoes left behind

The Dune Shacks trailhead is located at the intersection of Provincetown's Snail Road and Highway 6. After a short walk through forest, you will arrive at the point where a sand dune trail leads out of the forest up to a dune ridge. This is where people often leave their shoes behind. Even if you expect your hike to be easier without shoes, think twice on a sunny summer day, when the sand gets quite hot—and the water you are carrying along should be available for drinking, not for cooling your feet.

 

Dune trail with the Atlancic Ocean at the horizon

Follow the sand trail to the second ridge and you will reach a great vista point with views of the Dune Shacks area surrounded by Outer Cape Cod and the Atlantic Ocean at the horizon.

Trail winding through open pine forest: a dune shack can be seen in the far back

Continuing on the trail—up and down dunes—and then through a belt of low-growing pine trees, you are getting close to the ocean-front dunes with shacks on top and amazing views of the stunning sand beaches of Outer Cape Cod. 

Labyrinth of lower pine trees

An informative panel at the trailhead with the title “A grand place to be alone and undisturbed” summarizes the history of this interesting, inspiring dunescape:

This unmarked path leads through the unique landscape of the Dune Shacks of Peaked Hill Bars Historic District and on to the Atlantic Ocean. The dune shacks are part of Provincetown and Truro's rich history. The earliest shacks were built as temporary dwellings for the families of surfmen who were stationed at the Peaked Hill Bars Life-Saving Station. Some were built by the fishing community to provide shelter and stow gear. Noted American playwright Eugene O'Neill spent time in a shack in 1919. He later took up residence in the life-saving station after it was decommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard. Over the decades, artists, writers, and those wishing to experience remote and rustic dune life have been inspired by this landscape and its solitude. The tradition continues. Today the shacks are still occupied by private citizens, and some are used by local non-profit organizations. You are invited to explore and develop your own personal connection to this special place.

Atlantic Ocean and beach view near the end of Dune Shacks Trail

On a nice day, you most likely will not find yourself alone while tracking the sand trail (which you are expected to do, to leave the ambient habitat undisturbed). Once at the beach, however, you may find solitude by strolling northwest or southest along the  “never-ending” shoreline. If you came from Provincetown via the Old Colony Nature Pathway you have—instead of returning the same way—the option to hike northwest to Race Point Beach and then find your way back using a section of the Province Lands Bicycle Trail Loop.

End of Dune Shacks Trail at Outer Cape Cod shoreline