Beebe Woods
Explore Cape Cod’s fascinating glacial past at Beebe Woods, a 400-acre swath of protected forest near Woods Hole in Falmouth. Miles of trails loop through the rocky hills and sandy woods at this town-owned property, providing a peaceful place to walk any time of year.
Features
For a forest adventure, explore some of Beebe Woods’ hilly foot paths, where you can see evidence of the area’s glacial past.
As one of Falmouth’s earliest protected public lands, Beebe Woods holds a special place in the hearts and minds of local residents. Formerly the 19th century summer estate of the Beebe family, this serene forest was deeded to the people of Falmouth in 1972 after being saved from a proposed development. Today, Beebe Woods is a popular destination for hiking, dog walking, and outdoor family fun.
There’s a lot to love at Beebe Woods: well-marked trails that range from easy to adventurous; the scattered remnants of Ice Age boulders, called glacial erratics; and a deep kettle pond named the “Punch Bowl” that offers a place to take a dip on a hot summer’s day.
Trails
Beebe Wood’s extensive network of old carriage roads and foot paths provide many different walks for all levels. Combined with neighboring Peterson Farm, you can explore nearly 7 miles of trails here. (Download trail map)
For an easy walk, head from the main parking area at Highfield Hall and the Cape Cod Conservatory on one of the sandy carriage roads. Numerous smaller foot paths branch off these carriage roads, leading to hilly woods studded with rocks and boulders.
If you’re up for a longer adventure of a few hours, head northwest to circle around the Punch Bowl and then venture southwest toward Ice House (Miles) Pond and Peterson Farm. After rounding the farm fields, walk back toward Beebe Woods on the carriage roads to the main parking area.
Habitats & Wildlife
Beebe Woods sits atop the rocky moraine hills that run from Woods Hole to the Cape Cod Canal. These hills formed during the last Ice Age, when a massive ice sheet deposited rocks, sand, and gravel as it advanced and retreated. Evidence of the area’s glacial past is everywhere: big boulders, rocky soil, and the kettle pond known as the Punch Bowl.
True to its name, Beebe Woods is a wooded area with a wide variety of trees: oaks and pines, as well as beech, tupelo, Atlantic white cedar, sassafras, and hickory grow here. These woods create a cool canopy that provides a welcome summer escape from the heat.
Download Property Map