Five fabulous trails to help you celebrate Daylight Savings Time

Sure, March can be a bit dreary on Cape Cod, but here comes the sun! The timely gift of Daylight Savings Time is upon us, and suddenly sunsets linger into the evening.

As we move through March, sunset times spring from a humdrum 5:30 p.m. to a luxurious 7 p.m., thanks to Earth’s tilt and orbit and the turbo boost of spinning our clocks forward. We’re headed on a joyous late-light journey to the summer solstice in June, when sunsets will be well after 8 p.m.

A great way to celebrate this bonus time is to get outdoors and treat yourself to a walk at a beautiful Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) property. You’ll find trails of differing length, so you can tailor your walk to the time at hand. Along the way, you’ll find beautiful vistas and there’s a good chance you’ll see some intriguing wildlife.

So, we’ve crafted a list of five fabulous conservation areas that will help you savor nature and the change of seasons.

While later sunsets are a guarantee, you can also count on rising temperatures throughout the next few months to ease your journey. According to WeatherSpark.com, the average daily high temperature in our region in March is 44 degrees.

Average April high temperatures rise to 52 degrees, and May comes in at 62 degrees — we’re on a roll! And the U.S. Climate Prediction Center‘s seasonal temperature outlook for March, April and May 2025 indicates that there is a 40 to 50 percent probability of temperatures being above average for our area. It might even be warmer than usual.

Try these great Harwich Conservation Trust trails and enjoy Daylight Savings Time!

Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve (approximately 66 acres, trail length 2 miles)

The Harwich Conservation Trust’s recently-completed eco-restoration project restored the free flow of Cold Brook through the 66-acre property for the first time in over a century. Approximately two miles of trails, including a half mile wheelchair accessible All Persons Trail, wind by the brook and ponds, with several picturesque bridges now in place. Otters have recently been spotted in the area! Parking is available at 203 Bank St., Harwich Port.

Bell’s Neck Conservation Lands (259 acres)

Miles of dirt road and trails wind through the Bell’s Neck area, which surrounds the West Reservoir (fresh water) and East Reservoir (brackish). Trails offer views of wind ruffled water and sweeping salt marsh. Each April and May, herring swim upstream along a herring ladder at the west trailhead. It’s a popular spot for canoeists and kayakers.

West Trailhead Parking: From Rt. 28 in Dennis Port, take Depot St. north for 1.1 miles. Turn right on to a dirt road for 0.2 mile. From Great Western Road, take Depot Street south 0.6 mile. Turn left on to a dirt road for 0.2 mile.

East Trailhead Parking: From Great Western Road, take Bell’s Neck Road (dirt) south. Drive 0.25 mile and on the left will be a small trailhead kiosk and parking area.

Thompson’s Field Conservation Area (57 acres, trail length 2.75 miles)

Historically, like most of Cape Cod, Thompson’s Field had been cleared for grazing or subsistence agriculture. Some of the land south of the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which roughly bisects the property, has remained open field habitat, but is gradually being succeeded by pitch pine, eastern red cedar and non-native invasive plants. AmeriCorps, the Town, and HCT partner with volunteers to maintain the open fields and enhance wildlife habitat. This site is also popular with dog walkers.

South Trailhead Parking: From Rt. 39, take Chatham Road southeast 0.75 mile to a parking area on the left.

North Trailhead Parking: From the intersection of Rt. 124 and 39, drive 0.9 mile east to a parking area on the south or right side of Rt. 39.

Coy’s Brook Woodlands (28 acres, trail length 0.5 mile)

This is a beautiful place for a short walk and quiet reflection. Walk trails through quiet woods and along a dike through an old bog, long since grown into red maples. Peer skyward through a stand of Atlantic white cedars, an uncommon habitat across the Cape. Through the trees, you’ll see a magnificent view of the Herring River Estuary salt marsh.

Trailhead Parking:

From Great Western Road, take Lothrop Avenue 0.25 mile south past a water tower and one house to the parking area on the right.

From Rt. 28, take Lothrop Avenue approximately one mile north to the parking area on the left.

D. Isabel Smith Monomoy River Conservation Lands (77 acres, trail length 1.25 miles)

The land stretches nearly one-half mile along the Monomoy River (Muddy Creek) with a scenic view of Pleasant Bay. The wide trails, forest canopy and extensive water views make this a great spot for a family outing. This land contains sensitive wildlife and water resources, so no dogs please.

Trailhead Parking: From Rt. 39, take Bay Road one mile east to the parking area on the right, opposite Blue Heron Landing. From Rt. 28, take Bay Rd. 0.3 mile west to the parking area on the left.