False Cape Natural Area Preserve

False Cape Natural Area Preserve spans 3,573 acres between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay, featuring maritime forests, wetlands, and coastal habitats.

The area became known as False Cape in the 1800s when its shoreline shape caused ships to wreck, leading survivors to establish the Wash Woods settlement.

The preserve serves as a research site for scientists studying over two dozen rare plant and animal species at their northern geographic distribution limit.

Visitors must travel five miles by foot, bicycle, or seasonal tram through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to reach the preserve entrance.

The preserve contains 5.9 miles of undeveloped Atlantic beachfront, making it one of the last natural coastal areas in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Inception: 2002

GPS coordinates: 36.61630,-75.89540

Latest update: March 9, 2025 19:36