Discover Falmouth's Great Outdoors

Released on Mar 31, 2008
    Discover Falmouth’s Great Outdoors

Falmouth is a Mecca for those who love the great outdoors. The south and west sides of town border the waters of Vineyard Sound and Buzzard’s Bay, and are lined with breathtaking beaches and secret inlets and coves awaiting exploration. Falmouth also boasts dozens of square miles of conservation and park land nestled among the ancient Cape Cod forests, riddled with hiking trails and crystal clear ponds. Of particular note is the Moraine Trail.

Bird Watching
Cape Cod lies along the North Atlantic flyway, along which hundreds of species of birds migrate north and south throughout the year. This location makes the Cape one of the best spots along the Northeastern seaboard to view birds. During migration seasons, more than 260 different species of birds may make a stop in or near Falmouth to feed on marine worms, insects, crustaceans, and mollusks before continuing their long journey, which may have started in the Arctic Circle to end in South America, 12,000 miles away. Cape Cod lies about half way along this busy flyway, and places like Falmouth are perfect stops to feed and rest before flying either north or south in spring and fall. Falmouth’s unique geographical position makes it a favorite among serious birders. Because the town rests on a peninsula which comprises the southwest corner of Cape Cod, many spectacular species of birds call Falmouth home for at least part of the year; many are year round denizens of Falmouth’s skies. The Salt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuaries (881 Palmer Avenue, 508-548-0711) is an outstanding resource for becoming acquainted with birding in Falmouth. Visit Cape Cod Bird Club at http://www.massbird.org/ccbc/ for information on birding on Cape Cod, monthly meetings and more.

Cycling
One of New England’s great cycling trails, the renowned Shining Sea Bikepath, is located in Falmouth. This unforgettable three-mile ride begins near Falmouth Village, winds through the canopy of oak and elm, and emerges onto the brilliant expanse of Vineyard Sound before ending in the village of Woods Hole. The asphalt path is a gentle ride, with no difficult hills along the way. Bicycle rentals are readily available in Falmouth. At the May 2005 town election, voters approved a $300,000 Capital Exclusion for design and permitting of the Shining Sea Bikeway to County Road in North Falmouth; the project is on Massachusetts’ improvement plan for construction in the federal fiscal year 2007. For additional information on this project, go to http://search.blossom.com/query/411/info3/style3/limit25/link1/more/form3/filter/pdf0?key=Bikeways+Committee .

Fishing
With almost 70 miles of coastline, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that Falmouth is an angler’s dream. Striped Bass, bluefish, yellow fin and blue fin tuna, Bonita, albacore, and mako and blue sharks are all found offshore. There are also dozens of fresh water ponds that offer great fishing. For more information on fishing in Falmouth, refer to the Official Guidebook of Falmouth to locate a variety of bait and tackle shops and fishing charter boat excursions.

Gardens
Spohr Gardens (free admission), a breathtaking six-acre garden on the banks of Oyster Pond with thousands of daffodils, day lilies, and rhododendrons, provides a brilliant display every spring and summer. Falmouth Museums on the Green also feature Colonial herb and flower gardens and a naturalized memorial park. Maps and trail guides to Falmouth’s conservation lands are available at The 300 Committee (157 Locust Street adjacent to the Shining Sea Bikepath).

Golf
Falmouth provides a long and comfortable golf season throughout the year and five spectacular golf courses make Falmouth one of the most desirable places to visit and stay on Cape Cod. An entire golf vacation can be planned around Falmouth’s unique and picturesque golf courses. From lush rolling fairways with great views to links-style golf, Falmouth is sure to excite the senses. Choose from the following courses: Ballymeade Country Club; Cape Cod Country Club; Falmouth Country Club; Paul Harney Golf Club; and Woodbriar Golf Club.

Hiking
While Falmouth’s population has grown rapidly over the past several decades, the town has wisely set aside many vast tracts of conservation land, making for great hiking, mountain biking, jogging, or just a nice afternoon stroll. Beebe Woods, Washburn Island, Crane Wildlife Reserve, Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (“the Knob”) and the Moraine Trail are all beautiful areas set aside specifically for preservation and the enjoyment of Falmouth’s residents and visitors. Visit the following for walks in Falmouth’s Long Pond http://www.cctrails.org/falmlong.htm. Maps of hiking and walking areas, including brief descriptions of conservation lands, is available from the Falmouth Conservation Commission, 59 Town Hall Square, Falmouth, MA 02540, (508)548-7611.

Goodwill Park: Information trail system in 85 acres of wooded area; public beach along Grew’s Pond is located along the east side of Route 28 (Palmer Avenue; Beebe Woods: Comprises 387 acres of woodlands with well-marked trails for walking, cross-country skiing and bird watching. It is located adjacent to the newly protected 88-acre Peterson Farm with access from Ter Heun Drive and Highfield Road (parking at the Cape Cod Conservatory).
Washburn Island: Here are 334 acres for swimming, fishing, walking, primitive camping (no toilet facilities). It is owned by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management (administered from South Cape Beach State Park, Mashpee). It is accessible by boat only from Town Landing Road on Waquoit Bay off Cotuit Road. Ashumet Holly & Wildlife Sanctuary: Offers well-marked network of trails on 45 acres of woodlands and fields encircling a large freshwater pond; contains 8 species of holly trees and more than 130 species of birds have been sighted here. The sanctuary is located on Ashumet Road, north of Route 151. Maps are available at the visitor center (or at: http://massaudubon.org/ashumetholly ); admission is free to member and $3/$2 for non-member adults/children.  
Salt Pond Area Reservation: Forty acres with trails along Salt Pond and parking at Mill Beach parking lot and along roadsides. The Reservation is owned by Salt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuaries (881 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth 508-548-0711.
Bourne Farm: Comprises 34 acres managed by Salt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuaries; ancient working farm with paths for walkers through a woodlot west of the railroad line; farmhouse and barn built in 1775. There is parking off Route 28A.
Sea Farms: 67 acres on Bourne’s Pond and Israels Cove; trails for hiking and birdwatching (access from Gayle Avenue; parking area in Davisville, East Falmouth).

Horseback Riding
Falmouth has a number of stables and riding areas that can offer a challenge even to seasoned equestrians. Inland Falmouth’s hilly terrain offers seclusion, relaxation, and remarkable beauty.

Jogging
Falmouth boasts a large number of road races each year—from the Main Street Mile to the world famous Falmouth Road Race (voted “Best Road Race in the US”). If competitive running is not your forté, there are plenty of wonderfully scenic jogging routes just waiting to be discovered.

Kayaking, Pedal Boats and Canoeing
Renting a kayak or canoe for an afternoon is an unforgettable way to experience Falmouth, whether you’re alone, on a romantic weekend, or with the entire family. The views while floating offshore or among the creeks and reeds are something to truly cherish. Lessons, rentals, and purchases are available from several businesses in town.

Sailing
With a history steeped in maritime traditions and lore, Falmouth takes sailing seriously. Conditions are best from May through October, allowing for memorable cruises along the winding, meandering, crenulated coastline. Falmouth Recreation Department offers recreational sailing programs for all ages (information at Gus Canty Community Center, 790 East Main Street). Falmouth Yacht Club (290 Clinton Avenue) also offers classes.

Whalewatching
The poetry and mystery of these graceful giants is beyond imagination. This is Cape Cod—and nature—at her very best. Take advantage of the whale watching excursions which run from Barnstable, Plymouth and Provincetown Harbors.

Windsurfing
Falmouth offers some of the region’s premier windsurfing, including Chapaquoit Beach, widely recognized as one of the top windsurfing spots on the entire east coast. Rentals and lessons are available from several Falmouth purveyors.

To learn how to Discover Falmouth in every way, please refer to www.FalmouthChamber.com
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