Monomoy
Chatham, MA 02633
Plan Your Visit
Located in Chatham at the southeastern tip of Cape Cod, Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge protects a remarkable coastal landscape of sandy beaches, dunes, salt marshes, and tidal flats. The refuge includes Morris Island and three offshore barrier islands, with nearly half its acreage designated as the only federally protected Wilderness Area in southern New England.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography along the scenic trails of Morris Island, accessible from the parking area at 30 Wikis Way. Recreational opportunities also include surf fishing and designated offshore waterfowl hunting. North Monomoy, South Monomoy, and Minimoy islands are accessible only by boat, and the refuge does not provide public boat transportation.
Before You Visit: Portions of the Morris Island trails are affected by tides and may be inaccessible at high tide. Pets are prohibited year-round on all three offshore islands. On Morris Island, dogs are prohibited from May 1 through September 15, but leashed dogs are permitted on designated trails from September 16 through April 30. Seasonal wildlife closures and other access restrictions may apply. The refuge's visitor center is located at 791 Main Street in Chatham, with limited hours based on volunteer availability. Review the Public Access Map before exploring.
Sales of "America the Beautiful" passes at our location are suspended until further notice due to reduced staff availability.
Refuge Visitor Center Our new visitor center is located at 791 Main Street in downtown Chatham, and features interpretive displays, maps, trail guides, and informational brochures. The visitor center is staffed by USFWS staff and the Friends of Monomoy NWR and open hours are subject to volunteer availability. The closest parking is available at Veterans' Field, next to Red Nun. There are several public parking lots throughout Chatham.
Morris Island Parking Lot and Trailhead Parking and entrance to the Morris Island trails (the mainland section of the refuge) is located at 30 Wikis Way, Chatham MA 02633. Please note that the roads on Morris Island go through private neighborhoods, but there is a right-of-way over those roads for all refuge purposes, including visitation. Follow Morris Island Road to Tisquantum Road and follow signs for the refuge on the left, Wikis Way. Parking is available at this location but the lot may get full, especially during the high visitation summer months.
Island Access Access to the offshore island portions of the refuge is by boat. The refuge does not operate any public boat service at this time.
Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
Looking for ways to make a difference? From volunteering and joining a Friends group to exploring internships and hands-on conservation opportunities, there are many ways to get involved with the National Wildlife Refuge System. Whether you're looking to give back, gain experience, or connect with others who share your passion for nature, your involvement helps protect wildlife and their habitats for future generations.
About
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is one of eight refuges that make up the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Established in 1944 to protect migratory birds, the refuge encompasses 7,921 acres of barrier islands, beaches, dunes, salt marshes, and coastal waters off Chatham, Massachusetts.
Monomoy provides critical nesting, feeding, and resting habitat for migratory birds, including the federally threatened piping plover, roseate tern, and red knot. The refuge supports the largest nesting colony of common terns on the Atlantic seaboard and is recognized as an Important Bird Area and a Site of Regional Importance by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.
The refuge also includes the Monomoy Wilderness, the only federally designated Wilderness Area in southern New England, protecting one of Cape Cod's most remarkable coastal landscapes.