Upper Cape Spots – Monks Park, Pocasset

It’s another beautiful morning on the Upper Cape. With client emails sent, a couple of items checked off the to-do list, I have a couple of hours before having to get in the car.  I fill up my travel mug with coffee and head up to one of the nicest spots to start, end, or to spend the entire day on the Upper Cape – Monks Park, Pocasset. Monks Park is one of those special spots hidden in plain site just off Shore Road in Pocasset. The 9 acre site is located on the Little Bay Conservation Area and is criss-crossed with walking trails, beautiful march and bay views, salt water access for some bay beach relaxing or experiencing some of the best kayaking and paddle boarding the area has to offer.

If you are leaving Pocasset toward Monument Beach on Shore Road, go through the “Crazy Intersection” (where Barlows Landing Road intersects Shore Road) and go over the blue “Singing Bridge” which spans the Pocasset River. Monks Park is about a half mile on the left.  The entrance, Valley Bars Road, is marked with the Monks Park entrance sign. If you are leaving Monument Beach on Shore Road, just head toward Pocasset, pass the baseball field on the left off Shore Road and the entrance to Monks Park is on the right.

As you enter, there is a small trail head on the left that holds a few cars. This is a convenient spot to park if you want to access the walking trials that border the salt mash part of the park. If you take the Loop Trail this will swing you along the water’s edge and is a great bird watching trail. Across the street the trails continue and are well marked. You really can’t get lost, but the wooded trails make you fell as if you are in parts of New Hampshire.

If you continue down the hill toward the entrance there is ample parking, left and right, just before the train trestle. These parking spots do not require a town beach sticker and are another great access point the the walking trails. If you brought your kayak or paddle board, you can easily carry it just under the train trestle and launch it in the calm salt water cove.

As you walk under the train trestle, the dirt road veers off to the left and after a short walk you will find yourself in a parking area (beach sticker required here if you are in your car). Here you will find sandy paths leading you to some hidden beach spots along the sandy (and rocky) spit, a somewhat official kayak boat launch, and some of the most beautiful bay water views the area has to offer. The best way to experience this part of the park is to just walk down the first path you see and explore. After you visit Monks Park a few times you will find your very own favorite spot. Enjoy the quiet, take in the endless water views, clear your head, but remember, keep it a secret.