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Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Massachusetts

Barnstable County

Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Massachusetts

Barnstable County

Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop

Moderate

3.2

(28)

hikers

Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop

Q: How long does it typically take to complete the Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop?

The Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop is a moderate hike that generally takes around 2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

Q: What is the terrain like on this loop trail?

You can expect a varied terrain, including wooded ridges, steep-sided hollows, rocky hills, and sandy paths. Sections follow old carriage roads, which are generally sandy and easy, while smaller footpaths branch into hilly woods with rocks and boulders. The loop also extends through open fields at Peterson Farm.

Q: Is the Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop suitable for beginners?

Yes, the trail is generally considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for beginners and families. While some smaller footpaths can be hilly and rocky, many sections follow old carriage roads that offer an easier walk.

Q: What are the main points of interest along the route?

The loop offers several notable features. You'll pass by the historic Highfield Hall and Gardens , the picturesque The Punch Bowl (Deep Pond) , and Miles (Ice House) Pond . The trail also takes you through the Peterson Farm Sheep Pasture , where you might see grazing sheep, and along the Esker Trail , showcasing glacial formations.

Q: Where can I park to access the Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop?

Access points are available from various locations. You can find parking near Highfield Hall, Peterson Farm, and the Cape Cod Conservatory. These spots provide convenient starting points for your hike.

Q: Are dogs allowed on the Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop?

Yes, the Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop is very popular for dog walking. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all trail users.

Q: Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to hike this trail?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access Beebe Woods or Peterson Farm. Both properties are preserved for conservation and public enjoyment, offering free access to their trail systems.

Q: What is the best time of year to hike the Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop?

The trail is enjoyable year-round. During warmer months, the dense tree canopy provides a cool and shaded experience. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while spring brings new growth. Winter hiking is also possible, offering a different perspective of the landscape.

Q: What kind of wildlife or plants might I encounter?

The diverse habitats support various wildlife, particularly birds, especially around Otter Marsh. At Peterson Farm, you'll likely see grazing sheep. The woods feature a wide array of trees, including oaks, pines, beech, tupelo, Atlantic white cedar, sassafras, and hickory.

Q: Does the Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop intersect with other trails?

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other paths. You'll find yourself on parts of The Cape Cod Way, various foot paths within Peterson Farm, and the Beebe Woods Access Trail, connecting you to a broader network of trails.

02:02

7.77km

50m

Hiking

Hike the 4.8-mile Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop, a moderate trail featuring glacial ponds, diverse woodlands, and active sheep pastures

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

185 m

Highfield Hall and Gardens

Highlight • Historical Site

Highfield Hall was one of the first grand summer mansions built on Cape Cod by the Beebe family and designed by Ernest Bowditch in 1878. After decades of neglect, the recently restored Highfield Hall is one of the only examples left of Stick-Style Queen Anne architecture in the Northeast. Outside of this grand estate is a lovely, restored garden with beautiful trees and flowers arranged in geometric patters, which reflect some of the popular landscaping trends in the Victorian Era. The Hall and its gardens are a great place to visit in of themselves, but are also a fantastic way to start your journey exploring the Beebe Woods, which were once a part of the 700 acre property that were owned by the Beebes but are now managed by the town.

Tip by

655 m

Esker Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This trail (like most of the others in the scenic Beebe Woods area) runs across the top of a glacial moraine that extends from Woods Hole to beyond the Cape Cod Canal. This trail in particular provides a fascinating glimpse into the area's geological history as you traverse up and over rolling hills that formed during the last Ice Age some 15,000 to 18,000 years ago. You also pass by nearly all of the large, named boulders in the Beebe Woods, which were left by retreating glaciers. Some of the area's more recent history can also be seen on this trail; Beebe family, who owned the property before donating it to the town, were passionate about growing and nurturing trees, and many of the specimen trees found in the forest were planted by the family. This peaceful, beautiful trail offers a pleasant shaded hike in the woods and can be a great chance to explore a very different environment from the sunny beaches that the area is famous for.

Tip by

1.89 km

The Punch Bowl (Deep Pond)

Highlight • Lake

The Punch Bowl, or Deep Pond, is a small, but deep, circular kettle pond at the edge of Beebe Woods. This tranquil pond is surrounded by lush greenery and large boulders that were left by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago. The Punch Bowl is a popular destination for visitors to the Beebe Woods area.

Tip by

3.77 km

Miles (Ice House) Pond

Highlight • Lake

Miles Pond, or Ice House Pond, is a small, 7-acre kettle pond on the edge of Beebe Woods near the Peterson Farm. Ice House Pond provides a secluded and peaceful spot to enjoy the water. Ice House Pond was a source for ice in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, hence its name. Today, it's a great place to swim, fish ( with a valid Massachusetts freshwater fishing license), canoe, and even ice skate during the winter months.

Tip by

4.35 km

Peterson Farm Sheep Pasture

Highlight (Segment) • Natural

Peterson Farm is one of the oldest farms on the Cape. Although it is currently owned by the town of Falmouth, farmers have raised, and continue to raise, sheep on the property for nearly 300 years. This segment of trail offers a picturesque view of a working farm as you hike through the large grazing pasture; you can frequently see the sheep, as well as songbirds and insects, like dragon and damselflies, in this pleasant spot.

Tip by

7.77 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.32 km

3.26 km

201 m

Surfaces

7.42 km

226 m

106 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Tuesday 7 July

22°C

17°C

94 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 30.0 km/h

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it typically take to complete the Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop?

The Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop is a moderate hike that generally takes around 2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

What is the terrain like on this loop trail?

You can expect a varied terrain, including wooded ridges, steep-sided hollows, rocky hills, and sandy paths. Sections follow old carriage roads, which are generally sandy and easy, while smaller footpaths branch into hilly woods with rocks and boulders. The loop also extends through open fields at Peterson Farm.

Is the Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop suitable for beginners?

Yes, the trail is generally considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for beginners and families. While some smaller footpaths can be hilly and rocky, many sections follow old carriage roads that offer an easier walk.

What are the main points of interest along the route?

The loop offers several notable features. You'll pass by the historic Highfield Hall and Gardens, the picturesque The Punch Bowl (Deep Pond), and Miles (Ice House) Pond. The trail also takes you through the Peterson Farm Sheep Pasture, where you might see grazing sheep, and along the Esker Trail, showcasing glacial formations.

Where can I park to access the Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop?

Access points are available from various locations. You can find parking near Highfield Hall, Peterson Farm, and the Cape Cod Conservatory. These spots provide convenient starting points for your hike.

Are dogs allowed on the Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop?

Yes, the Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop is very popular for dog walking. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all trail users.

Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to hike this trail?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access Beebe Woods or Peterson Farm. Both properties are preserved for conservation and public enjoyment, offering free access to their trail systems.

What is the best time of year to hike the Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop?

The trail is enjoyable year-round. During warmer months, the dense tree canopy provides a cool and shaded experience. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while spring brings new growth. Winter hiking is also possible, offering a different perspective of the landscape.

What kind of wildlife or plants might I encounter?

The diverse habitats support various wildlife, particularly birds, especially around Otter Marsh. At Peterson Farm, you'll likely see grazing sheep. The woods feature a wide array of trees, including oaks, pines, beech, tupelo, Atlantic white cedar, sassafras, and hickory.

Does the Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm Loop intersect with other trails?

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other paths. You'll find yourself on parts of The Cape Cod Way, various foot paths within Peterson Farm, and the Beebe Woods Access Trail, connecting you to a broader network of trails.

Are there any cafes or amenities near the trail for after my hike?

The trail is located in Falmouth, Massachusetts, which offers various amenities. You can find cafes, restaurants, and other services in the town center, a short drive from the trailheads, perfect for a post-hike refreshment.