WELLFLEET — The Cape Cod National Seashore's Great Island Trail might be the greatest hike on the whole peninsula. Located along Wellfleet Harbor, the views are spectacular and the trail winds through landscapes that include marsh, beach, dunes and forest. In warm weather, hikers can pop over to a long Cape Cod Bay beach and take a dip to cool off.

You could spend most of a day exploring this bayside and wooded gem, but beware the full length of the trail (up to 8 miles round-trip) and plan accordingly. Pack a backpack with water, snacks, sunscreen, a towel and bug repellent. And keep that phone charged in case you get into a jam. Remember, you can always cut the walk short and loop toward home.

The parking lot is located at the corner of Griffin Island Road and Chequessett Neck Road. The trail begins with a curling trek around a marsh, then enters a pine/oak forest. You can use the bayside beach of the island as kind of a shortcut. While the trail meanders, the beach is a straight shot. Sometimes that comes in handy on the long walk back to the parking lot.

According to a National Park Service guide to Great Island, "both Native Americans and European settlers took advantage of various marine resources, including stranded pilot whales. Gradually, whaling activities increased, as larger whales were driven ashore from Cape Cod Bay." The description addsadding that a tavern existed on Great Island in the late 1600s and early 1700s.

Once you are prepared and ready for the challenge, the Great Island Trail will be an unforgettable hike. The vistas of Wellfleet Harbor and Cape Cod Bay and the access to water make this a jewel of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

When you're done hiking, take a spin to the Wellfleet town pier, where there are several places to dine, including the Wellfleet Bookstore & Restaurant, the Pearl Restaurant and Bar and Mac's on the Pier Wellfleet. Mac's also has an ice cream takeout window.