Forest Beach
 Forest Beach Trail | |
| Vital Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Town | Chatham |
| Administered By | Town of Chatham |
| Where | Forest Beach Road |
| Distance | 0.5 mile |
| Surface | Beach sand |
| Last Visited | 28 August 2010 |
| Ratings | |
| Overall | Easy |
| Walking | Excellent |
| Running | Good |
| Biking | Poor |
| Hiking | Good |
About The Trail
This short beach trail runs between the Forest Beach marsh and Forest Beach out to the inlet to Taylor's Pond. Egrets, Great Blue Herons and Ospreys populate the marsh and the small inlet beach is quiet and secluded all year round. As you head out along the trail you'll see the remains of one of the Chatham radio stations, WCC. Primarily used in the 1940's and 1950's for maritime communications, the remaining tower and antenna poles were dismantled in 2004 when the land was purchased by the Town of Chatham from MCI for conservation purposes. Consisting mostly of soft sand and short sections of harder packed sand, the flat trail is a nice walk for little ones who like to explore but aren't ready for longer or more difficult paths. A right turn at the end of the trail will take you out to the end of Forest Beach on the other side of the dunes and you can then return to the Forest Beach parking lot along the beach. Although not quite long enough for a run in its own right, add the trail to a longer run for a nice intermission of soft sand and no cars.
Getting There
Take Route 6 to exit 11 and head south on Route 137 to South Chatham. At the end of Route 137, turn right on Route 28 and proceed about 3/4 mile to Forest Beach Road on your left. Adequate parking is available in the Forest Beach parking lot although the lot tends to fill quickly on hot summer mornings. No beach stickers or passes are required at Forest Beach.
Maps
Images
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The Forest Beach Trail - Source: Geof Newton -
Remains of WCC in the Forest Beach Marsh - Source: Geof Newton
