In the 1970s, Cornelia Carey left the community and visitors of Woods Hole a gift that has become one of the best-kept secrets on Cape Cod: The Cornelia Cary Santuary.
The Santuary's 12 acres include public beaches, nature trails, picnic tables, and, most famously, "The Knob."
What is it? The Knob is a small (accurately named) knob-shaped peninsula less than a mile long, which overlooks Buzzards Bay and protects Quissett Bay from harsh winter storms.
The harbor area and Knob are visited by approximately 12,300 people during a normal year, the Quissett Harbor Preservation Trust estimated.
It's a little less than a mile walk from the head of the trail to the Knob. There are two paths on the peninsula and include various scenic stops, including views of Quissett Harbor.
Swimming is open to public at Crescent's Beach, accessible by stairs near the end of the peninsula. No life guard is on duty.
History: According to the 300 Committee, the Quissett Harbor area was used for saltworks and shipbuilding during the 1800s. By the early 1920s, various summer homes began to sprinkle the area.
In 1877, Stephen W. Carey bought about 16 acres of the land and opened the Quissett Harbor House hotel. In the early 1970s, the hotel closed. Upon her death in 1973, Cornelia Carey gifted the land--and the hotel--to the Salt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuaries, according to the Quissett Harbor Preservation Trust.
Directions: To get to The Knob, follow Woods Hole Road from Falmouth center for about two miles. At the traffic lights, turn right onto Quissett Harbor Road and follow until you reach the dead end. Limited parking is available along the road.
Hours: Every day, from sunrise to sunset.