The Knob in Woods Hole, MA Day Trip
Welcome to The Knob in Woods Hole, Massachusetts for Stunning Views
See beautiful panoramic vistas of the Cape Cod, Massachusetts (MA) shoreline and Buzzards Bay inlet by taking a quick, fun hike to The Knob peninsula in Woods Hole.. Once you start on the trail, and depending on your walking pace, it’s about 10~15 minutes to the overlook for majestic views and incredible sunsets. On a clear day by standing on the rocks at the edge of the overlook plateau (be careful because the rocks slope down steeply), you can also see New Bedford, MA looking west and the Elizabeth Islands looking south.
The quick, easy hike to the viewing plateau overlooking Buzzards Bay is a bucket list Cape Cod and coastal New England day trip. Here are two scenes from my most recent May 2023 day trip.
Hiking up stone steps to The Knob viewing plateau overlooking Buzzards Bay.
Moody golden sunset view from The Knob viewing plateau overlooking Buzzards Bay.
Update: New pictures and tips were added from July 2022 sunset excursion.
How to get to The Knob (Woods Hole, MA)
From either Falmouth or Woods Hole, MA, take Woods Hole Road to Quissett Harbor Road and turn right (coming from Falmouth) or left (coming from Woods Hole). Note you may only see a sign for Oyster Pond Road as you’re driving; this is a landmark because turning right or left, respectively, takes you onto Quissett Harbor Road.
Use this map to plot the intersection of Woods Hole Road and Quissett Harbor Road.
Tip: Onsite (free) parking by the harbor is limited, and it gets crowded so if you are a morning person, we recommend going before 10 a.m.
What to see at The Knob
You’ll start your quick hike by walking from your parking spot by Quissett Harbor to the entrance sign and a bit further on reach a kiosk and two walking trails.
Update on The Knob Trails
During our recent visit in July, 2022, the main trail, or the path that goes to the right after you reach the kiosk, is now open for a quick, easy hike to the Knob overlook. Alternatively, you can hike left along the trail that follows the Quissett Harbor beach and once reaching the sandy shore, you can walk on narrow paths that (going right) cut through woods and connect to the main trail taking you to the plateau.
Going left takes you through the woods by the harbor and Buzzards Bay down to the beach and going right is the quicker route; both trails merge about two-to-three “blocks” distance from The Knob viewing plateau.
By going left to walk along the bay side, there’s somewhat more diversity in terms of small rocks and meandering twists and turns along the way.
By taking the harbor trail, you hike through diverse, wooded nature and can reach the rocky shoreline and walk on the beach. This is a great spot for a family visit as you can bring blankets and beach chairs.
As you make your way the to the Knob overlook, you’ll reach the (now) wider part of the main trail with expansive views on both sides of the peninsula. There are stairs going down to the shoreline on both sides, and going down to the Buzzards Bay side offers an opportunity for a fairly quiet time laying or walking on the beach.
Update: During our visit on May 2021, the restoration efforts have cleared away the plants and created a wider dirt path once you are out of the wooded section. Approaching the plateau, the Buzzards Bay vistas become expansive, and the horizon really pops on a sunny day, especially with clouds.
The payoff comes once you reach overlook after climbing a small, narrow staircase. Sit on the rocks or small bench and take in the amazing, panoramic Buzzards Bay vistas.
The payoff comes once you reach the overlook after climbing a small, narrow staircase. Sit on the rocks or small bench and take in the amazing, panoramic Buzzards Bay vistas.
From the plateau, you’ll see and appreciate that you are amidst great, natural diversity: oceans, beach, marsh, rocky shores and woods. On a clear, bright day, the ocean vista from The Knob extends out for miles.
We recommend visiting in the evening because the sunsets are spectacular, both as you approach and from The Knob overlook. People will often come and sit for an hour gazing out at the sunset horizon.
Tip: You can make it a beach day and go swimming by taking one of the small paths down from the main trail onto the shoreline. Paths down to the beach are accessible as you get closer to the plateau.
Tip: Because both hiking paths (until reaching the portion where you see the overlook) are narrow and have prickly bittersweet vines, we suggest putting on bug spray, socks and wearing decent sneakers (leave the fashion sandals at home).
Tip: Watch out for poison ivy, especially on some parts of the trail that are narrow as you walk through wooden areas .
