Coskata Pond & Woods Hike with Nantucket Walkabout
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable walking several miles over varying terrain including sand and uneven forest floors.
Overview
Discover the diverse coastal habitats of Coskata Pond & Woods on this four-hour hike with Nantucket Walkabout. Spot ospreys, explore salt marshes, and tread through maritime forests on this distinctive Nantucket adventure.
Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge - Coskata Pond & Woods
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 4-hour hike through the diverse ecosystems of Coskata Pond & Woods. Discover tidal ponds, sandy beaches, and lush forests while observing local wildlife like ospreys and oystercatchers. This unique journey offers a blend of natural beauty and exploration, perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge - Coskata Pond & Woods
Rates
Adults - $80.00 Children - $30.00
We do accept accept cash or check payment. Please call 508-422-7466 or email us at peter@nantucketwalkabout.com if you cannot pay online with a credit card.
Duration
4 Hours
About
- Coskata Pond & Woods, Six habitats — tidal pond, beach, cedar forest & dune, maritime oak forest, salt marsh and harbor — intersect at Coskata Pond and its woods. A three-mile hike mostly over sand, exploring this area is a fascinating exploration of the beginnings of Nantucket Harbor. On approach, the trail moves through dunes, past the tidal Haulover Pond, then the east end of tidal Coskata Pond and on to The Glades salt marsh with two active osprey nest poles. Backtracking to enter Coskata’s mature maritime oak forest a trail through the trees deposits hikers halfway up the pond. At its mouth with clay, sand and gravel banks topped with sassafras and Eastern red cedar trees, front the Head of the Harbor with American oystercatchers, willets, gulls, terns and egrets working the shallows for food.
What to Bring
- Please wear whatever walking footwear works for you, and we strongly recommend bringing the following items on our hike: bug spray, water, a snack, sunblock lotion and wide-brim hat. You may also wish to bring a camera, binoculars and compass to see more, plus a lightweight waterproof jacket if it looks like rain and a towel if you're thinking about a swim!
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear
The trail includes sandy and sometimes uneven surfaces; good shoes help prevent slips.
Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing
Birds like ospreys and oystercatchers are common—binoculars enhance your experience.
Pack water and sun protection
The hike is four hours with limited shade in places; hydration and sunblock are crucial.
Prepare for changing weather
A lightweight waterproof jacket may come in handy if coastal winds bring sudden rain.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Ospreys nesting on elevated poles
- American oystercatchers hunting in shallow water
History
Coskata Pond represents the formative coastline of Nantucket Harbor, shaped over centuries by tides and winds.
Conservation
Nantucket Walkabout emphasizes low-impact hiking to protect fragile coastal ecosystems and support habitat preservation efforts.
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Adventure Hotspots in Hyannis, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Protects feet on sandy, rocky, and forest trails ensuring stable footing.
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife observation opportunities along the trail.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during the four-hour hike, especially in warmer months.
summer specific
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Useful for sudden rain or coastal winds that may arise during the hike.
spring|fall|summer|winter specific