Beech Forest: One of Provincetown's Best Kept Secrets

Provincetown, Massachusetts, is known for many things, including being one of the country's most inclusive towns and having some of the East Coast's most scenic beaches. This small municipality with about 3,000 permanent residents also becomes a bustling cultural hub in the summer, with estimates suggesting its population surges to between 40,000 and 60,000 people when temperatures rise.

Despite having so much activity, Provincetown isn't known for its hiking, as beaches take up much of its coastline and its dunes extend significantly inland. There is a stretch of woodland near where Route 6 runs north of downtown, however, and it's here that you'll find Beech Forest and its trails.

Most visitors to Provincetown probably won't have the chance to experience Beech Forest, but once you buy a home here, you'll have plenty of time to get to know one of P-Town's best-kept secrets.

Getting There and Parking

No matter where in Provincetown you buy a home, you'll be close to Beech Forest. That's because the park is minutes from Route 6 and just north of the downtown area.

Just follow the signs to Race Point from Route 6 and turn into the Beech Forest parking lot to reach this little slice of heaven. The parking area is large enough to accommodate all visitors on most days, so you shouldn't have to worry about finding an alternate place to leave your vehicle.

There are picnic tables in the parking lot, too, some of which overlook Blackwater Pond, giving you a great place to stop for lunch.

Taking a Hike

Beech Forest Trail itself isn't the longest, as you can hike for about a mile around the pond. The path is a loop, so you don't have to worry about getting lost, and it's moderately trafficked in the summer.

Perhaps the best thing about the trail is the tree cover, as you'll be out of the heat for most of your walk and can enjoy the coolness of the water, as well.

There's also the wildlife, as the secluded environment of the woods attracts all kinds of birds. In fact, many birdwatchers believe Beech Forest has the best conditions on the entire Outer Cape. Make sure you bring binoculars because you're sure to see multiple species during your time in the park.

Overall, the trail is well-marked, nicely maintained, and mostly flat, providing a relaxing hiking experience for even the most novice participants.

Riding the Province Lands Bike Trail

Beech Forest Trail isn't the only attraction that starts in the parking lot, as you can also access the Province Lands Bike Trail. Depending on what you're looking to do on that particular day, you can take the bike trail to Herring Cove Beach or Race Point Beach.

Keep in mind that it's a somewhat long ride to either of these beaches, as Herring Cove is 3.1 miles and Race Point is 3.6 miles away, but the paths are paved and enjoyable to explore.

If you're into taking a ride and don't want to head to more famous paths like the Cape Cod Rail Trail and the Shining Sea Bikeway, the Province Lands Bike Trail is an excellent option to consider.

Race Point and Herring Cove Beaches

For those who choose to ride to the beaches, you should anticipate a different experience at each.

Race Point Beach is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, so it has all of the amenities you'd expect at a National Park. The beach area has restrooms with showers, a large parking lot, and sweeping views of the Atlantic from Cape Cod's northernmost beach.

Herring Cove Beach, on the other hand, has two parking areas and is much closer to downtown Provincetown. The town operates this beach, and it has lifeguards on duty in the busy season and a restaurant.

You can ride Province Lands Road back into P-Town from Herring Cove Beach, making it a good option if you've cycled from town to Beech Forest.

Making the Most of Your New Hometown

While Provincetown's outdoor areas, outside of its beaches, don't get much press, there are certainly some great places to check out once you live here.

Outside of a few months in the summer, P-Town is relatively quiet, and its hiking and natural areas give you an excellent opportunity to experience the serenity and peacefulness that only the Outer Cape can provide.

If you're looking to buy a home on Cape Cod, Provincetown has a little bit of everything throughout the year, making it worth your consideration.