A Quick Guide To The Morris Island Loop Trail

Looking to visit Cape Cod's Morris Island Loop Trail? You are in the right place! In this guide we will go over how to get to the trail, why you should visit, the best swimming areas & viewpoints, wildlife to look for, and safety tips. Read on to discover your quick guide to the Morris Island Loop Trail.

Despite spending my summers down the Cape, it was only this summer that I discovered the Morris Island Loop Trail, and entirely by accident. I was looking at google maps for hiking in my area and stumbled upon the secret trail. I suppose Morris Island is a hidden gems for tourists and locals alike! Anyway, I am so glad I decided to visit, this place is truly incredible! The crystal clear water, open spaces, views, wildlife, and hidden beaches make Morris Island truly spectacular.

Guide To The Morris Island Loop Trail

Morris Island Loop Trail Hike Map

How To Get To The Morris Island Loop Trail

The Morris Island Loop Trail is a part of The Monomoy Island Wildlife Refuge (which is basically a series of beautiful islands off the southern coast of Chatham). Morris Island is the only island you can drive onto - so getting there is quite easy - just put into your GPS! Once you get there you will have to drive through these gates into a rizy neighborhood, which feels wrong, but since you are going to the trail you are fine.

The parking lot is tiny - only about 7 spots. So while this place is unpopular, try to go early as parking is a bit tricky (honestly everywhere in Massachusetts it is).

Once you park, to get to the actually trail you have to leave to parking lot and walk down Tisquantum Road (about 5 minutes) to the trail head. Just put Morris Island Trail Access into your GPS and you will find it.

Why Visit Morris Island

Well just look at the photos! It is incredibly beautiful. But besides the beauty, it is so peaceful. Its quiet, nothing to bother you there. It is perfect for everyone - photographers, families, solo travelers, friends, ect.!

Best Swimming Areas & Viewpoints In Morris Island

Trail From The Parking Lot

The first viewpoint you should checkout is the trail from the parking lot. It is a super short trail that leads to an incredible view of the open ocean.

Harding Beach Point

Once you are on the trail, be sure to take a little detour and walk out to Harding Beach Point. Here you will find incredible views of both the open ocean and Stage Harbour, marshes, and mainland Chatham (look for Stage Harbour Lighthouse).

The Half Moon

At the Half Moon (near Harding Beach Point) you will find a tiny, secluded beach perfect for swimming. It is located on the Harbor side, so you don't have to worry about strong currents or sharks!

One place I would absolutely avoid swimming at is Amos Point (see map). The currents are so strong and sharks are all over the place in that area.

Wildlife To Look For At The Morris Island Loop

Seals - The Monomy area is home to tons of Grey Seals. If you stare at the ocean for long enough here you are bound to see one. They usually hangout in the ocean side, but sometimes they creep around in to the Harbour. I grew up on a river in Harwich and even saw them there.

Great White Sharks - This is both fascinating and terrifying. The Monomoy area is home one of the largest populations of Great Whites in the world. If you are boating in the area, you may come across one - it's not uncommon. From the beach you are less likely to see one. While many people in my family seem to be fearless of Great Whites, I avoid swimming in the open ocean on the outer Cape at all costs. So if you are like me - swim on the Harbor side, you will probably be fine swimming on the ocean side, but it's not fun if all you can think about are sharks.

Horseshoe Crabs - You can find horseshoe crabs on the beaches all over the Cape. They are ugly, but cool.

Birds - There are so many birds in the Morris Island and Monomoy area. Some to lookout for include the endangered Piping Plovers, Ospreys, King Eiders, Mallards, Common Terns, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Black-and-White Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo, and more!

Morris Island Safety Tips

White this hike is super short, it is always good to remember water as once you are on the trail, there is no where nearby to get provisitions - I think the closest would be downtown Chatham.

I already wrote about the sharks, but try to stick to the harbor side if you want to swim. I mean, you'll be fine either way, I'm just terrified of sharks, and I know I'm not the only one.

Aviod swimming at Amos Point - strong currents. Visit during the day, even though the Morris Island Loop is easy, hiking at night is incredibly dangerous for a number of reasons.