Morris Island Loop Trail

The Morris Island Loop Trail is considered easy. It's generally flat and suitable for all ages, often described as a pleasant walk through woods and along beaches. The main challenge is timing your hike with low tide, as parts of the trail can be submerged.

The full loop is approximately 2.86 km (1.78 miles) and generally takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

Morris Island is the only island in the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge that you can drive onto, making access relatively easy. Parking is available near the trailhead, which is part of the refuge.

Leashed dogs are permitted on Morris Island from September 16 through April 30. However, they are prohibited during the nesting season, which runs from May 1 to September 15.

The trail offers a unique experience year-round. For optimal conditions and to avoid potential high tide submergence, it's best to hike during low tide. The cooler months (outside of nesting season) are ideal if you plan to bring a dog.

As part of the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, there are typically no entrance fees required to access the Morris Island Loop Trail. However, it's always a good idea to check the official U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website for any updated regulations or information.

The trail features generally flat and sandy terrain, traversing diverse coastal environments. You'll walk through dunes, tidal flats, forested scrub, and sandy marsh areas. Portions also go along beaches and salt marshes, with much of the loop on packed-down sand.

The trail is excellent for wildlife viewing, especially bird watching. You might spot migratory birds like plovers, pipers, American goldfinches, black-capped chickadees, mourning doves, and red-tail hawks. Seals, particularly gray seals, are also frequently seen along the peninsula in the Monomoy area.

Along the route, you'll encounter several notable spots including the Morris Island Loop Trail, Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge itself, a Lovely dune forest, and a Lovely lagoon. You'll also pass Hardings Beach East and a Bench With View Over the Salt Marsh, offering broad views of the Cape Cod shoreline and salt marshes.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Access Trail and the Monomoy NWR Nature Trail, offering a varied experience within the refuge.

Yes, it's crucial to be aware of the tides. Parts of the trail, particularly those traversing tidal flats and marsh areas, can be submerged at high tide. It's highly recommended to plan your hike during low tide to ensure a clear and enjoyable path.