The Knob in Woods Hole, Falmouth, MA - Cape CodThe Knob, in Woods Hole, MA, is always a popular attraction. This unique, little peninsula offers a trails, beaches, birding, wildlife, and panoramic views of both Quissett Harbor and Buzzards Bay.

If a person were to make a list of Cape Cod’s most iconic views, The Knob would have to be right there near the top. Located on the tip of land where Quissett Harbor meets Buzzards Bay, The Knob sees night after night of spectacular sunsets. On clear days, the view extends all the way across the Bay to West Island and New Bedford Harbor.

The Knob is a narrow, little peninsula of beaches and sandy pines leading out to a rocky point or … knob. Its shape and location, right where Quissett Harbor meets Buzzards Bay, helps to protect the beloved Cape Cod harbor. A layer of large stones shields the promontory’s shoreline from erosion and gives the otherwise natural outcropping a bit of a constructed look.

Beaches and Trails

Visitors to The Knob enjoy the view, of course, but also exploring the trails and taking a dip at the swimming beach.

Several trails meander through the 12-acre preserve. The Main Trail, which is just under a half mile in length, leads from the parking area to The Knob overlook. Harbor Cliff Trail forks off to the left from the Main Trail, providing access to Fisherman’s Beach. Be sure to stay on the trails to help protect the area’s fragile habitat.

Little Sandy Beach, located just off the parking area, is the area’s swimming beach. Fisherman’s Beach is somewhat rocky and littered with oyster shells at low tide. Crescent Beach is located on the Buzzards Bay side of the peninsula and accessed from the Main Trail by a set of stairs.

Nearly 100 species of birds have been logged at The Knob, making it a magnet for birders. The area is also home to lovely wildflowers, scampering chipmunks, reclusive hermit crabs, and many others.

The Knob at Quissett Harbor

Woods Hole, MA 02543
The Knob was gifted to the Salt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuaries as a nature preserve by Cornelia L. Carey in the early 1970s. They still manage the property and work constantly to protect it from erosion caused by both weather and visitors.

The Knob is open from dawn to dusk, with limited parking. Follow Woods Hole Road south from Falmouth center for about 2 miles. Turn right onto Quissett Harbor Road at the traffic light, and follow until it ends by the docks. Learn more at saltpondsanctuaries.org.

Cape Cod Lodging

The Knob at Woods Hole is just down the road from our Cape Cod B&B, The Captain’s Manor Inn. You can drive there in about five minutes or, if you prefer, enjoy a nice walk or bike ride. The best thing about our location in Falmouth is that you’ll never run out of things to see and do! Book your Cape Cod getaway at Captain’s Manor Inn today!