COURTESY OF THE CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE
A photograph of the Cape Cod National Seashore by Gerald Cohen.
EASTHAM – After nearly nine years of being partially closed to the public, the entire stretch of the Red Maple Swamp Trail in Eastham is officially reopened.
Officials with the Cape Cod National Seashore closed the trail in 2010 amid safety concerns, and teamed up with the Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore to conduct a rehabilitation project.
“The Red Maple Swamp Trail is an elevated boardwalk that wanders through the swamp there near Fort Hill,” Cape Cod National Seashore Superintendent Brian Carlstrom explained.
“The surface of the boardwalk had fallen into disrepair and had been closed for a number of years while we were able, with the Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore, to help fund that, rebuild it, and restore it and it just opened up completely in December.”
Most of the trail reopened in 2017, with the spur being completed in November 2018.
The nearly decade-long project was completed in a series of phases, using unique methods to shape the curved boardwalk.
“We’re hearing great things about it. We really spent a lot of time and put in a lot of craftsmanship. That’s very evident in it,” Carlstrom said.
“They did a tremendous job with it. It’s there for our visitors to get out and enjoy.”
The walking trail was developed in 1964 and remains a popular destination for both area residents and tourists. The 1.5 mile stretch of large trees and swamp provides a natural and undisturbed environment for wildlife. The trail also connects Fort Hill and Hemenway Landing.
Cape Cod National Seashore staff are planning an event to officially celebrate the reopening of the trail in the spring.
By TIM DUNN, CapeCod.com News Center
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