by Jeff Shaw
Chatham boasts 60 miles of scenic shoreline, waterways, harbors and ocean open. Unfortunately, access to all that beach is usually limited given privately owned shoreline. Fortunately, designated landings give the public specific areas to access the water (put-in/out).
While I’m working on a more comprehensive project to highlight these areas, below are a handful worth visiting.
Cotchpinicut Landing, 156 Cotchpinicut Road
Let’s start with my favorite, Cotchpinicut Landing, in North Chatham. This quiet neighborhood provides access to an interesting shoreline down a narrow road (looks more like a private driveway). A small parking lot consisting of concrete blocks provides space for a few vehicles. The shoreline is beachcomber’s dream, with plenty of (intact) scallop and oyster shells. Rows of equally spaced pilings are evidence of a former dock and a collection of kayaks, sailboats, and paddleboards rest neatly on dry sand suggest a popular put-in spot. The landing has a great view of Strong Island the barrier beach.
Stage Harbor Point, Next to 326 Morris Island Road
A close second in my book is Stage Harbor Point, located off Morris Island Road. This barely visible sandy path snakes through a surprisingly thickly wooded area in the middle of multiple private homes. The path ends with a stunning view of sailboats moored in the calm waters of Stage Harbor. You can walk along the shoreline to the Morris Island Dyke area, popular for clamming and photographs.
Strong Island Landing, Next to 197 Strong Island Road
The view of Strong Island is obviously good (it is a short paddle away), but the history of the area makes this landing special. Over 100 years ago, it was part of a former World War I United States Naval Airstation. The patrol base was in operation from 1917-1922 and a stone marker located in a grassy area next to the parking lot provides a brief history.
Taylor’s Pond Landing, Across from 37 Taylor’s Pond Road
A South Chatham hidden gem, Taylor’s Pond provides calm waters to start a paddle into Mill Creek (pass Mill Creek Landing) and onto Nantucket Sound. The large parking area gives way to a wooden bridge to put-in your floatation device of choice. A memorial stone bench reinforces the “hidden gem” theme.
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
Vineyard Avenue Landing, Next to 238 Vineyard Avenue
Even I didn’t know about Vineyard Landing until noticing a yellow “no beach access” sign on the actual green street sign and pole off Route 28. While it is true there is no beach access, there sure is put-in access to Oyster Pond. The landing also provides a wonderful view of downtown Chatham (most people don’t see downtown from that vantage point) as well as the Chatham Yacht Basin. Even the broken seashell driveway to the landing is mostly hidden behind a set of tall pine trees.
Water Street East, Next to 144 Water Street
The story of this location is shifting sands (erosion) and development (modern day downtown). As the informational sign will explain, Water Street use to be the center of Chatham (in the 1800s), connecting packet ships in Nantucket Sound and related commerce in Mill Pond. When you hear the term Chatham’s “Old Village,” think Water Street and the surrounding neighborhood. Nowadays, the public right of way offers side street parking for a handful of vehicles. A metal staircase brings you down to the sandy shoreline of Lighthouse Beach.
The Port Fortune Landing is also a fun access point. I will explain why through my Chatham Landings Trail project. Stay tuned!
October 5, 2023