Everything in Chatham

George Ryder Forest Conservation Trail

Easy · 1 mi · Natural trail

A quiet wooded trail through oak, cedar, and pitch pine forest on Chatham Conservation land. The narrow sandy trail descends near Mary's Pond and borders Barclay Pond Conservation Foundation land to the north. Unique and threatened native vegetation throughout; be aware of poison ivy near the trail edge and dense deer tick populations in summer.

Rolf E. Sylvan Gardens Trail

Easy · Natural trail

Nearly 10 acres of woodland with Chatham's first ADA-accessible trail, offering gentle walking and views overlooking White Pond and Black Pond. Maintained by the Chatham Conservation Foundation.

Oyster Pond Beach

Bay / Sound

Chatham's only public beach combining free parking with lifeguard supervision, Oyster Pond is a tidal saltwater pond whose enclosed, warm, shallow water makes it the safest swimming spot in town for young children. A paved stroller-friendly path leads from parking to shore. The Town of Chatham runs Red Cross swim lessons here each summer.

Hardings Beach

Bay / Sound

A long, popular Nantucket Sound beach in West Chatham with lifeguards, restrooms, and a seasonal concession stand. Good surf, soft sand, and a scenic walk toward Stage Harbor Light.

Jackknife Harbor Beach (Pleasant Bay)

Harbor

A small, calm beach on Pleasant Bay with free parking and protected water. It is the one Chatham beach where leashed dogs are allowed in summer (before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.).

Morris Island Trail (Monomoy NWR)

Easy · Mixed

A self-guided interpretive walk on Morris Island, the mainland gateway to Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. The trail descends to the shore with sweeping views over the flats toward the Monomoy islands and is one of the Cape's premier spots for shorebirds and seals. Portions along the beach are tide-dependent.

Lighthouse Beach Walk (Chatham Bar & Seal Colony)

Easy · 1 mi · Sand

One of the most dramatic short beach walks on Cape Cod, beginning at the base of the stairway below Chatham Light and rounding the outer bar south toward the seal colony. Turn right at the bottom of the stairs and continue a half-mile along the high-tide line to regularly encounter dozens of harbor seals basking onshore. The beach connects south toward Monomoy via South Beach; swimming is not recommended due to strong currents and shark activity.

SUP Lessons, Tours & Glow Tours

Cape Cod's original SUP outfitter offers daily lessons, guided harbor tours and after-dark Glow Tours. Calm Chatham waters make it ideal for first-timers and sunset seekers.