by Jeff Shaw
The granddaddy of all Cape Cod boulders – Doane Rock in Eastham.
At 18 feet tall, and 12 feet wide it is the largest exposed boulder on Cape Cod.
The boulder is named after Deacon John Doane, one of Eastham’s original settlers. It has also been called Enochs or Enos rock for the deacon’s son, as well as Great Rock. The rock was left by the glaciers (Laurentide Ice Sheet; 18,000–12,000 years ago) between what is now the Salt Pond Visitors Center and Coast Guard Beach.
The Rock is easy to access, as a dedicated (2-hour limit) parking lot is mere steps from its location. The beach is walking distance, as is the surrounding hiking trails that pass points of interest, such as the Doane Homestead.
Unlike the 1996 movie that shares its name, enjoy your time on The Rock!
September 10, 2025