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

A person walking down a steep trail at Beebe Woods in Falmouth.

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.

Property Owned By
Details
Size: 400 acres
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking lot at Cape Cod Conservatory; Small unpaved parking area off Ter Heun Drive
Trail Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate
Dogs: Yes (on leash)
Facilities: None
Boat Ramp: No
Lifeguards: No
ADA Accessible: No

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Address & Contact Information
60 Highfield Dr.
Falmouth, MA 02540
41.558095, -70.630379
Falmouth Conservation Commission: (508) 495-7445
Email: concom@falmouthmass.us

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Beebe Woods
Falmouth, MA
View larger map

Related Stories

BBC and neighbors convert coastal eyesore into native landscape to absorb flooding

A deserted coastal property will be restored to its natural state, helping to control flooding in its West Falmouth neighborhood.

Full Story ›
390 Riders Enjoy New Scenic Route at 17th Annual Watershed Ride

After a summer full of rainy weekends, 390 riders enjoyed a crisp and clear fall day at the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride on Sunday, October 1. 

Full Story ›
Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride Adds New Coastal Feature to Route

The October 1st cycling fundraiser will now include the newly opened Shining Tides Mile on the Mattapoisett Rail Trail.

Full Story ›

Upcoming Events Near Here

Falmouth Road Race
Sun, August 18
Woods Hole to Falmouth Heights,
Falmouth
Buzzards Bay Swim – Registration Now Open!
Sat, June 22
6:30AM - 10:30AM
Fort Phoenix State Reservation,
Fairhaven
Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride
Sun, October 06
Sakonnnet Point to Woods Hole,
Falmouth

Nearby Places To Go

Peterson Farm

Discover one of Cape Cod’s oldest farms at Peterson Farm in Falmouth, a working farm with grazing sheep alongside miles of trails through fields and forest.

Ice House (Miles) Pond

Cool off at Falmouth’s Ice House Pond, a 7-acre kettle pond that's open for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and ice skating.

Shining Sea Bikeway

Take a journey of discovery down the Shining Sea Bikeway, a 10.7-mile paved bike path through Falmouth.

Current Issues

Land Conservation

Conserving land is one of the most important ways to protect clean water in Buzzards Bay. Since 1998, the Coalition has forever preserved more than 7,000 acres of land across our region.

Read More ›