TRURO

Truro, although not boasting a town center, they do boast of having Cape Cod’s oldest lighthouse, Highland Light.  Ships can identify it from 23 miles away.  Cape Cod Light has the distinction of being the only one of four Outer-Cape lighthouses listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  In 1794, Reverend James Freeman of the Massachusetts Historical Society, noted that there were “more ships wrecked near the eastern shore of Truro than on any other part of Cape Cod.”  In 1776, 10 acres of land were acquired for the princely sum of $110 from Isaac Small of Truro who became the first lighthouse keeper.  The original 45-foot wooden tower was built in 1797 at a distance 500 feet from the bluff.  The location was chosen “because the lands here are pretty good and are not so sandy as to be liable to be blown away by the high gales of wind too often experienced on the Cape.”  The original tower contained 24 whale-oil lamps.  To distinguish it from Boston Light, Highland Light was equipped with a rotating eclipsor, making it the nation’s first “flashing” light. 

Corn Hill Beach

This beach enables those with mobility disabilities access and use of the beach.  There is a boardwalk that extends from the parking lost to the beach.  They also have two beach wheelchairs that are available. 

Highland Light Golf Course

If golf is an interest, try Highland Light Golf Course, a true links course.  The holes are challenging and the views are spectacular.  You may even forget that you are golfing as you gaze at the picturesque scenery around you.  The gazing certainly is a good excuse if the score gets to high.

Pilgrim Heights – look for National Park Service sign off Route 6, North Truro.  Viewpoint overlooks kettle hole with distant views of the sand dunes of the Province Lands.  Access to Pilgrim Heights Trail.  Picnic area.  Seasonal restrooms.