Back by popular demand! Experience old Cape Cod as we retrace Henry David Thoreau’s steps to the Wellfleet Oysterman’s House when Thoreau visited Wellfleet in 1849. You will be transported in time as you explore such an unspoiled area of Cape Cod, without traffic sounds in the distance.
Meet at 9:45 am for sign-in and stretching to begin walking promptly at 10:00 am. Hosted by Pat Watson with Sweep TBD.
– Prerequisite: Attended an instructional clinic and walked a minimum of two three walks with the Cape Cod Nordic Walking Group. DUE TO THE POPULARITY OF THIS WALK, IF YOU HAVE DONE THIS WALK BEFORE PLEASE ALLOW AN OPPORTUNITY TO THOSE WHO HAVE NOT. HOWEVER, IF THERE IS STILL SPACE AVAILABLE ON THE DAY BEFORE THE WALK, PRIOR WALKERS SHOULD FEEL FREE TO JUMP ON.
– Distance: 4 miles. No turn-back or shorter option.
– Pace: moderate, with stops along the way to enjoy the beautiful views, water stops, mushrooms and of course a brief reading from Thoreau’s essay “The Wellfleet Oysterman.”
Terrain: Unpaved sandy road, wooded trails, with exposed roots, brush and rocks, some elevation change (including one moderate uphill) and one area of soft sand out to the beach and then hard packed sand along the beach.
For Your Safety: Consider the weather forecast when booking a walk. WATER MUST BE CARRIED ON ALL WALKS! In consideration of personal and group safety, if you arrive without water, you will not be allowed to walk. Dress for the weather and protect yourself from the elements. Choose appropriate footwear for trail conditions. Use repellent to protect yourself from ticks, which are active year-round. Wear blaze orange for visibility during hunting season.
Much of this walk will be on unpaved roads in Newcomb Hollow, so this is not a typical trail walk. Rather, it is an opportunity to experience the old Cape. However, it is a residential neighborhood, albeit sparcely populated, so we must be respectful of residents’ privacy as we pass through. We will meet on the left side of the parking lot at Newcomb Hollow Beach at the end of Gross Hill Road in Wellfleet for sign in and greetings. After warm ups, we will proceed along the trail, passing four scenic ponds along the way. When we reach the area where John Newcomb, the Wellfleet Oysterman lived, we will pause and enjoy excerpts from Thoreau’s essay “The Wellfleet Oysterman.” After walking past the ponds, we will make our way through a woodland trail down to Newcomb Hollow Beach, where Thoreau likely walked during this visit and then proceed along the beach back to the parking lot.
– Limit 1 walk per day and 3 bookings per week (Sunday to Saturday) to give others the chance to walk.
– Wear your CCNW ID badge.
– Rubber or carbide tips.
Restrooms are available.
This walk is authorized under a National Park Special Use Permit.
Walk may be canceled, changed, or rescheduled for weather or other reasons. Cancellation decision will be made at least 2 hours in advance. Check this event for last-minute notifications before heading out.
Directions: From Rt. 6 turn onto Lecount Hollow Rd. Take a left onto Ocean View Drive. Follow Ocean View Drive to Gross Hill Road and then continue on Gross Hill Road until you reach Newcomb Hollow Beach. Park on the left side as you enter the parking lot.
