Most of the southern half of Great Wass Island is owned by the Nature Conservancy, which maintains a 4.5-mile hiking trail on the preserve. Information about this preserve and a trail map can be obtained from the Nature Conservancy’s website. This trail can be accessed from an anchorage by dinghy. If you row along the southern shore, you should see tree-tied lines hanging down the rocky bank to the water. Secure your dinghy to a line and clamber up the bank using the line as an assist. If you can’t find a line, climb the bank at a convenient spot and tie your painter to a tree. The bank is steep and high, especially at low tide, and very slippery, so much caution should be used–especially when descending. The trail parallels the shore and can be found a hundred or so feet up the hill from the shore. The trail itself is rough, particularly the southern section crossing the middle of the island, requiring proper footwear. All this effort is well worthwhile as the views and vegetation are lovely. The large, high rocks at Little Cape Point make for a spectacular picnic place.