Outdoor Adventure Guide

Safety tips, rules and regulations to help make your experience on the trails fun!

Trail Safety

It’s always best to research and plan your hike.

• Know where you’ll be hiking, and if possible what terrain you will encounter, how long the trail is, how difficult it is, and where to park.

• Know when the sun will set and time your hike so you aren’t caught out after dark.

• Always give yourself more time than you think you’ll need.

• Know what weather to expect during your hike.

• Always bring water, no matter how short you think your hike may be.

• Always tell a friend or family member where you are hiking and when to expect your return.

• Cellphone service can be weak or non-existent along some trails. Make sure you plan accordingly by downloading or printing any resources you need.

Rules & Information

• No motorized vehicles of any sort (including e-bikes) on ANY open space in the Town of Barnstable.

• No camping and no fires.

• Note: some beaches and ways to water are open to Town residents only. Please check the Town of Barnstable website for more information.

Trail Etiquette

When hiking on any trail, it’s best to follow the Leave No Trace principles. These principles include that you pack out what you bring in (including any trash or pet waste), stay on the trail, and leave natural features as you find them (rocks, plants, wildlife, etc.). If you find something extra special that you want to remember or share, take a picture or a video and leave it for others to discover and appreciate. Learn more at LNT.org.

Tick & Poison Ivy Safety

Always prepare for ticks and poison ivy.

Ticks can be active any time of year, even winter. Tuck your pants into your socks, and your shirt into your pants. Wear light colors to spot ticks more easily. Wearing insect repellant or treating your clothes with permethrin adds another layer of protection.

Poison ivy is most noticeable from spring through fall, but the oils can transfer from a broken leaf or branch any time of year. Washing your hands after lacing up or removing your hiking boots can help protect you from transferring the oils to skin and causing a rash.

Dog Walking Rules

All dogs must be leashed at all times in the Town of Barnstable. It is the responsibility of the dog owner or keeper —throughout the Town of Barnstable—to pick up and dispose of all dog waste in a sanitary manner. Dogs are permitted at certain Town of Barnstable conservation properties, but must be leashed at all times out of respect for other visitors and sensitive wildlife and wildlife habitat. Please clean up after your dog. Due to its toxicity to humans and wildlife, the bacteria in dog waste can shut down beaches and shellfish beds. Visit the Town of Barnstable website to see which conservation properties allow dog walking.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Trails marked with a wildlife sanctuary symbol convey that this area is protected specifically to support sensitive wildlife and wildlife habitat. While we value community access to wild and beautiful places, dogs are not allowed on trails within wildlife sanctuaries. Perceived as predators, dogs can cause alarm and stress to wildlife, resulting in reduced wildlife activity during the day or avoidance of areas altogether. Additionally, when left on trails, dog waste harms the environment by degrading the water that both animals and humans drink, and can potentially spread disease to vulnerable wildlife.

Hunting Rules

It’s important to be aware of hunting year-round. To stay safe and visible to hunters, be sure to wear bright colors. Hunting is allowed on certain conservation parcels as long as state and federal laws are followed. Check the Town of Barnstable website to know where hunting is allowed and when the hunting season is open.