The Harbor Overlook Loop at the Mass Audubon Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable, Massachusetts is an easy 0.6-mile hike that features views of Sandy Neck, the Sandy Neck Lighthouse, and Night Heron Pond.
Hike Description
This short hike begins at the main parking lot located near the Discovery Center at the Mass Audubon Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary and follows along the playground before reaching a beautiful overlook view of Sandy Neck, almost immediately after starting the hike, located around mile 0.08.
Boardwalk Views - Mile 0.16
After visiting the first overlook, hikers will head west and then down a series of stairs to reach a boardwalk that juts out into the marsh for additional views of Sandy Neck and the harbor, located around mile 0.16.
Eastern Red Cedar Grove - Mile 0.2
At mile 0.2 is a nice bench with an obstructed view of the harbor, located in an Eastern Red Cedar grove.
The trail then meanders through the woods as it heads south and then curves back to head north.
Trail Junction (Straight) - Mile 0.35
Hikers will find a trail junction at mile 0.35 - go straight here.
Night Heron Pond View - Mile 0.4
At mile 0.4, the trail will begin wrapping around Night Heron Pond where hikers will get a nice view of the pond.
Two Left-Turns to Parking
After visiting Night Heron Pond, hikers will take a left-hand turn at the next two trail junctions. After those two left-hand turns, the trail heads back to the Discovery Center and leads to the parking lot for a ~0.6 mile hike.
Fees
As of May 2023, there's a $5/adult fee to walk on the property. Hikers can pay at self-pay kiosks at other trailheads or they can pay inside at the Discovery Center.
Parking
Hikers will find a large parking lot at the coordinates provided. The lot is large enough to accommodate a couple dozen vehicles.
Pets
Dogs are not allowed on trails here.
Water Source
If the Discovery Center is open, hikers can refill their water bottles inside.
Hike Description
This short hike begins at the main parking lot located near the Discovery Center at the Mass Audubon Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary and follows along the playground before reaching a beautiful overlook view of Sandy Neck, almost immediately after starting the hike, located around mile 0.08.
Boardwalk Views - Mile 0.16
After visiting the first overlook, hikers will head west and then down a series of stairs to reach a boardwalk that juts out into the marsh for additional views of Sandy Neck and the harbor, located around mile 0.16.
Eastern Red Cedar Grove - Mile 0.2
At mile 0.2 is a nice bench with an obstructed view of the harbor, located in an Eastern Red Cedar grove.
The trail then meanders through the woods as it heads south and then curves back to head north.
Trail Junction (Straight) - Mile 0.35
Hikers will find a trail junction at mile 0.35 - go straight here.
Night Heron Pond View - Mile 0.4
At mile 0.4, the trail will begin wrapping around Night Heron Pond where hikers will get a nice view of the pond.
Two Left-Turns to Parking
After visiting Night Heron Pond, hikers will take a left-hand turn at the next two trail junctions. After those two left-hand turns, the trail heads back to the Discovery Center and leads to the parking lot for a ~0.6 mile hike.
Fees
As of May 2023, there's a $5/adult fee to walk on the property. Hikers can pay at self-pay kiosks at other trailheads or they can pay inside at the Discovery Center.
Parking
Hikers will find a large parking lot at the coordinates provided. The lot is large enough to accommodate a couple dozen vehicles.
Pets
Dogs are not allowed on trails here.
Water Source
If the Discovery Center is open, hikers can refill their water bottles inside.
