A National Park Service unit within Cape Cod National Seashore forming the west side of Wellfleet Harbor, connected to the mainland by a barrier spit. The Great Island Trail crossing it is considered the Seashore's most difficult hike, running over soft sand through marsh, dune, and pine woods to Jeremy Point.
What to expect
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Accessibility
The trail surface is soft sand, with sections submerged at high tide.
Dogs
Leashed dogs are permitted only in a designated stretch: between the upper and lower parking areas along the trail to the first cut, and out onto the beach there. Not the general townwide rule; this is the National Seashore's own…
Getting in
Parking
Resident sticker
StickerTown of Wellfleet beach stickers are not valid here; this is a National Seashore lot.
Great Island trailhead lot
Details unconfirmed
Great Island trailhead lot
Spacesunconfirmed
At the corner of Griffin Island Road and Chequessett Neck Road.
Access points along this beach
Griffin Island Road / Chequessett Neck Road trailhead
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Portable toilets at the trailhead parking area
Picnic area
Picnic area adjoins the trailhead parking lot.
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Great Island in Wellfleet open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
How long is the Great Island Trail?
The tavern-site loop is about 3.9 miles round trip; continuing to the Jeremy Point overlook extends it to roughly 8.8 miles round trip, with 3 to 5 hours recommended.
Can I bring my dog on Great Island?
Only on a leash, and only on the stretch between the upper and lower parking areas out to the first cut and onto the beach there, not the whole trail system.
Does my Wellfleet beach sticker work here?
No. Great Island is managed by Cape Cod National Seashore, and Town of Wellfleet beach stickers are not valid in National Seashore lots.
Is there parking at Great Island, and what does it cost?
Resident sticker. Great Island trailhead lot
Are there restrooms at Great Island?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What rules should I know at Great Island?
Some trail sections are submerged at high tide; plan the hike around tide tables and bring water and sturdy footwear.
Can you swim at Great Island?
Yes. Great Island has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.