Doane Trail Map (click to enlarge)

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See the Hiking Trails web page for an interactive location map.

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Length: .6-mile loop
Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

The Doane Trail at Cape Cod National Seashore is a paved, handicap accessible trail that begins at Doane Memorial, which is the area located near the corner of Doane Road and Pinecrest Drive. There are two parking lots, with the first catering to those who want to see Doane Rock and the second for those using the Doane Rock Picnic Area. You can start the hike at either one, though the trailhead is closet to the picnic area parking lot.

You can also get to the Doane Trail by hiking or biking the Nauset Trail from the Salt Pond Visitor Center (I came by bike). The paved Nauset Trail bisects the Doane Trail a little south of the picnic area parking lot. No bikes are allowed on the trail, so you must leave your bike at the trailhead. Since there are no bike racks, I chained mine to a tree.

Intersection of the Doane and Nauset trails at Cape Cod National Seashore

The main point of interest along the trail is the homestead site of Deacon John Doane and his family. I hiked the trail in the counterclockwise direction, so the homestead site was only 500 yards down from where I parked my bike. Cape Cod was the first land sighted and explored by those on the Mayflower, though they ultimately chose to settle at Plymouth on the other side of Cape Cod Bay. However, some families wanted to relocate to the cape, and in 1644 seven families were allowed to do so, one being the Doane Family. The group would go on to establish the town of Eastham in 1651.

John Doane Homestead Memorial at Cape Cod National Seashore

Memorial marker placed in 1869 at the Doane Family Homestead at Cape Cod National Seashore

There is also what appears to be a tombstone for John Doane, though I don’t know if this is his actual grave or just a memorial to the man—it looks old, that’s for sure. I find it hard to believe that the location of a grave from 1685 (date on the tombstone) is still known with certainty, especially since no other family member graves are marked.

Possible tombstone of John Doane at the Doane Family Homestead at Cape Cod National Seashore

As you proceed around the Doane Trail you will come to two intersections with trails that lead to Coast Guard Beach, with the first being just a few minutes from the Doane Homestead. However, the only trail in this area that takes you to the beach is the paved Nauset Trail, so these side trails just lead over to the Nauset Trail. Signs warn that the forest is infested with deer ticks, and since hikers are most likely in flip-flops and shorts if the beach is their destination, I suggest avoiding these dirt trails and accessing the Nauset Trail directly, either back where I started the hike or a little farther ahead where the two trails cross for a second time.

Intersection of the Doane Trail and a connecter to the Nauset Trail that leads to Coast Guard Beach at Cape Cod National Seashore

Just past the second crossing of the Nauset Trail is a fork to the right. Stay straight to remain on the Doane Trail. I have no idea where the fork to the right leads. Oddly enough, it is paved as well. The second dirt trail to Coast Guard Beach, which you now know is really just a connector to the Nauset Trail, is just a few more minutes ahead.

Unmarked paved path forks off from the Doane Loop Trail at Cape Cod National Seashore

The Doane Trail eventually ends up back at the Doane Rock Picnic Area, which is spread out next to the second parking lot. This is the end of the hike for those who started from here.

Doane Trail runs along the parking lot for the Doane Rock Picnic Area at Cape Cod National Seashore

Since I started the hike at the intersection with the Nauset Trail, I still had a tenth-of-a-mile walk south to get back to my bike. However, I first made a detour to see Doane Rock, and if you want to do this as well, take the side trail that runs next to the restroom. A sign points the way. This adds about .2 mile (round trip) to the hike.

Detour from the Doan Trail to Doane Rock at Cape Cod National Seashore

Doane Rock is just a large boulder, so don’t expect to be dazzled, but it is significant if you are into geology. Cape Cod was formed by “glacial till,” which is simply the scientific name for small rocks, pebbles, clay, and sand left behind by glaciers over 18,000 years ago. In some cases, large boulders were also left behind, which accounts for Doane Rock. It gets its name from being on the land originally owned by John Doane—at least originally in terms of white settlement.

Doane Rock at Cape Cod National Seashore

I can’t honestly recommend that you go out of your way to hike the Doane Trail unless you are picnicking at Doane Rock and want some exercise after you eat. If you happen to be on the Nauset Trail on your way to the beach, you might make the side trip to the Doane Homestead and then turn around. While the trail offers some insight into the history of the area, there is nothing scenic about it. There are better ways to spend your time at Cape Cod National Seashore.

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