Before you start out on your walking adventure in Dennis, be sure to protect yourself and your family from tick bites. Click here for a helpful brochure from the Barnstable County’s Cape Cod Cooperative Ext. Deer Tick Project.
INDIAN LANDS & CONSERVATION TRAIL
Location: 485 Main Street, South Dennis. Indian Lands Conservation Area Trail is a 1.3 mile loop trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
This area has a dirt road, power lines, and woods path leading through hundreds of endangered Ladyslipper flowers in spring, beside Bass River for great views of the river and marsh. Please stay on the marked paths as there is private land to the left of the power lines.
FRESH POND CONSERVATION AREA
Location: The area consists of 27 acres acquired under the self-help program in 1968. It is 6/10 of a mile from the light at Upper County Road in Dennisport on Route 134 going south. Sign is green with white letters. There are five trails: Trails 1 an d 2 are below the parking space; Trail 3 is north from the parking space; Trail 4 should be considered abandoned, its signpost is in bad repair and the trail is impassable because of fallen trees and broken bridges. Trail 5 (1/10 mile south) is beautiful woodlands; however, one should be aware of private property, wet ground and broken bridges.
Approximate length: Trail 1 is 20-30 minutes; Trail 2 is 1 minute and leads into Trail 1; Trail 3 is also very short (5 minutes) and leads into Trail 1; Trail 5 is what you want to make it.
Terrain and use: Level and for walking only. Trail is best for hiking.
Facilities: 2 picnic tables, 2 fireplaces, good parking. About half-way around the ponds, the Scouts made little handrails and bridges and cleared the land. There is also a launching area for small sail and row boats.
Fresh Pond Dog Park is a new addition to the conservation area. This dog-friendly recreational area boasts two fenced enclosures, a fresh water swimming area for dogs, and a walking trail through the woods.
JOHNNY KELLEY RECREATION AREA
Location: Off Access Rd. in South Dennis across from the Highway Garage.
Approximate length: 1 1/4 miles in length and is a circular route.
Terrain and use: Level, used for walking, jogging, exercising with the use of exercise apparatus. It is a wide, sandy trail.
Facilities: Good, sandy parking, basketball court, ball field, Bocce court, pickle-ball, tennis courts, playground, handball court pavilion.
WHITFIELD JOHNSON NATURE TRAIL
Location: End of Forest Pines Drive off Rte. 134 in East Dennis. It is a circular trail.
Approximate length: 3/4 mile.
Terrain and use: The trail has level areas and hilly areas which can be used mostly for walking. It is a dirt trail, pine-needle covered, with very little wildlife; there could be no biking on it and very little horseback riding. It is also very narrow.
Facilities: None.
CROW’S PASTURE
Location: At the end of Quivet Cemetery in East Dennis – end of South Street.
Approximate length: One mile to Cape Cod Bay – then up the beach 1/4 mile to a sign “Vehicle Trail” to return. About 2 1/2 miles round trip.
Terrain and use: Mostly level; dirt roads; walking, riding and hunting in season. Sandy road to beach by bearing right, except where there are stone posts; dunes and beach and marsh; start of Quivet Creek at right in the marsh. A circular trail.
Facilities: None.
ROMIG-JACQUINET & SIMPKINS NECK CONSERVATION AREA
Location: Route 6A to New Boston Road. Two houses past the Berrien Studio. On left-hand side is a small paved area; around a stand of trees is the sign and road or path going south.
Approximate length: 1 1/2 miles round trip.
Terrain and use: Wide flat road covered with pine needles; one path runs within sight of houses; another runs out to Chase Garden Marsh. Beautiful woods, quite open. Used for hiking or walking, jogging, riding.
Facilities: None. Parking for 2 cars.
SWAN POND OVERLOOK
Location: From Route 134, take Upper County Road to Searsville Road and then left on Center Street. The site is 1/2 mile on the right overlooking Swan Pond
Approximate length: 1 to 1 1/2 miles.
Terrain and use: The Swan Pond Overlook opened to the public in 1993 and is a wonderful site for watching waterfowl and other birds. The walking trails are designed in a butterfly shape with picnic facilities making up the “body” of the butterfly and trails fanning out as the “wings.” Terrain varies, with two t rails being hilly, the rest flat. No biking or horseback riding.
Facilities: Picnic areas and benches along coastal bank; fishing.