A 7,600-plus-acre federal refuge of barrier islands, ocean, marsh, dunes, and ponds south of Chatham, established in 1944 for migratory birds and spawning horseshoe crabs. Most visitors reach only the mainland Morris Island unit on foot; North and South Monomoy Islands themselves are boat-only.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot Free · unconfirmed
Trails
The Morris Island Trail is about 1.5 miles, crossing beach, forest, dunes, salt marsh, and tidal flats; the surface is soil and sand with some distance,…
Dogs
Prohibited year-round on the offshore islands. On the Morris Island mainland unit, dogs are not permitted May 1-September 15; leashed dogs are allowed on trails September 16-April 30.
Hiking/Walking
Allowed year-round, Morris Island unit
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round; piping plovers, roseate terns, red knots and other migratory species
Fishing
Allowed recreational fishing and shellfishing permitted per refuge rules
Swim
Allowed unguarded; listed among permitted activities, mainly on the offshore islands reached by boat
Hunting
Allowed permitted in designated season per refuge regulations; specific dates not confirmed
Managed by
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
(508) 945-0594 · WebsiteCommon questions
Can I drive or walk out to Monomoy Island?
No, the barrier islands (North Monomoy, South Monomoy, and Minimoy) are boat-only. The refuge runs no public ferry, so visitors use a private boat or book a guided tour, typically $40-$75 per person for a half day.
What's open on foot without a boat?
The mainland Morris Island unit, a roughly 1.5-mile trail through beach, dune, marsh, and pine-oak woods, starting at the 30 Wikis Way parking lot.
Where's the visitor center now?
At 791 Main Street in downtown Chatham, since the previous Morris Island building was torn down in 2025 due to coastal erosion; it's staffed on a limited, volunteer-dependent basis.
Where do I park at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge?
Free lot (Free).
Is there an entry fee at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge?
Prohibited year-round on the offshore islands. On the Morris Island mainland unit, dogs are not permitted May 1-September 15; leashed dogs are allowed on trails September 16-April 30.
What rules should I know at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge?
Visitors must stay on marked trails and out of areas posted closed, particularly seasonal shorebird nesting closures. Dogs banned year-round on the offshore islands; banned May 1-Sep 15 on Morris Island.