Hiking at Nickerson

Hiking at Nickerson State Park means easy-to-moderate walks through pitch pine and oak woods and around clear kettle ponds. DCR recommends two routes: the 1.7-mile Little Cliff Pond loop, rated easy and good for families, and the 3.2-mile Cliff Pond Loop, rated moderate, around the park's biggest pond. Both are loops on wooded trails with beaches along the way.

What the Trails Are Like

DCR's description is that you may forget you're on Cape Cod. The trails run through woods and around ponds, not over dunes or beaches on the ocean. The park's older brochure says the woods are mostly pitch pine and oak uplands, with a salt marsh, coastal dunes and tidal flats on the park's separate bayside land.

DCR warns that trails can be wet and that some aren't well marked. Where there are blazes, follow them: a double blaze means an intersection or a change of direction.

Little Cliff Pond Loop (Easy)

1.7 miles, starting at the end of Flat Pond Road. At DCR's average pace of 1.5 miles an hour, it takes a little over an hour. DCR calls its introductory hikes appropriate for most users, including families with children.

Cliff Pond Loop (Moderate)

3.2 miles, about two hours at DCR's average pace. The Brewster Ponds Coalition mentions a huge boulder about halfway around and small Grassy Nook Pond along the way, southwest of Fisherman's Landing. Mountain bikes aren't allowed on this trail. Full details are on the Cliff Pond page.

Other Ways to Explore on Foot

• Unpaved park roads: DCR's trail map notes that gates keep cars off some of them, but walkers can go past the gates.
• Bridle paths: DCR lists horseback riding, and the trail map marks bridle paths. Give horses room.
• Winter: DCR lists cross-country skiing among the park's activities, for days with snow.
• Group walks: DCR's Nickerson page links its Southeastern Massachusetts Adult Walking Club.

Wildlife and Plants to Watch For

The park brochure describes Nickerson as a regular stop for migrating birds: thrushes, warblers, woodpeckers and finches in the woods, and herons, cormorants, ducks, geese and the occasional loon on the ponds, with osprey, hawks and owls overhead. Red foxes, white-tailed deer, turtles, frogs and salamanders live in the park too.

Rare wildflowers grow on the pond shores and depend on the rise and fall of the water. They're easily trampled, so stay on the marked trails around the ponds, especially in summer and fall.

Before You Go

• Bring water. DCR says drinking water usually isn't available on the trails.
• Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet; DCR says appropriate footwear is a must.
• Bring a map and tell someone your plans. DCR's trail map is a free PDF, and our trail map page explains it.
• Dogs are welcome on the trails on a leash no longer than 10 feet. Pick up after them, and keep them off the beach (see rules).
• Keep groups to 12 people or fewer, and hike at the pace of the slowest member.
• In hunting season, wear blaze orange. DCR's hiking sheet reminds visitors to check the state's season dates.
• Carry in, carry out all trash.