Cape Cod Magazine / Web 2010 / Bike Trails on Cape Cod

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Bike Trails on Cape Cod

One of the best ways to explore Cape Cod is on two wheels. With miles and miles of trails designed exclusively for cycling, bike riding has become one of the area’s most popular activities. Trails run along the ocean, through wooded expanses, and along lush greenery that bursts with the season’s blooms, affording cyclists the opportunity to take in the pristine natural surroundings while getting a little exercise too.

The Cape Cod Rail Trail

The Cape Cod Rail Trail follows a former railroad right-of-way for nearly 30 miles through the towns of Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, and Wellfleet. Its paved surface, few hills, and well-marked automobile crossings make it ideal for cyclists. The trail has a wide unpaved shoulder on one side to accommodate horseback riding, walkers, and runners.

Nickerson State Park

Located in Brewster, Nickerson State Park Network is a network of trails that connects to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Cyclists can peddle along 8 miles of paved trails—some of them hilly—through pine and fir tree forests with scenic displays of bogs, lakes, and ponds. Parking is available in two locations on the right side of Route 6A heading east towards Orleans. For more information, contact 508-896-3491.

Shining Sea Trail

The Shining Sea Trail follows the old Penn Central Railroad grade, connecting Falmouth and Woods Hole. In many places, the 31/2 mile level trail travels right along water’s edge affording cyclists with brilliant views of Nantucket and Vineyard Sound. Parking lots that serve the trail may be found on both Locust Street and Depot Street in Falmouth.

Cape Cod Canal

Paved service roads parallel both sides of the Cape Cod Canal and are available for bicycling, jogging, and walking. Each service road is approximately 7 miles long. Parking areas, comfort stations, and picnic areas are provided at various access points in Sagamore, Sandwich, Bourne, and Buzzards Pay. For more information, call 508-833-9678.

Province Lands

Province Lands in Provincetown offers the rider views of Beech Forest, kettle ponds, and saltwater marshes. The paved trail begins at Province Lands Visitor Center, and runs for 5 miles through sand dunes and hilly terrain as it extends to Herring Cove Beach and Race Point Beach. For more information, contact 508-487-1256.

West Barnstable Conservation Area Trail of Tears

A challenging off-road bike trail, West Barnstable Conservation Area - Trail of Tears winds through the Barnstable power lines and ends on Chase Road at the Sandwich border. The trail extends for 15 miles through steep climbs and various types of terrain. Located off of Exit 5 on the Mid-Cape Highway, parking can be found on Farmersville Road off Race Lane or at the intersection of Popple Bottom Road and Route 149. For more information, contact 508-790-6272

Nauset Trail

The Nauset Trail Is a beautiful 1.6 mile ride, both ways: A round trip is 3.2 miles. The trail meanders through the woods, over the marsh and leads you to Coast Guard Beach. Access to the trail is from the Salt Pond Visitor Center parking areas or Doanne Hock picnic area both in Eastham off Route 6.

Head of the Meadow Trail

Head of the Meadow Trail is a pleasant two-mile Head of the Meadow Bicycle Trail behind the dunes. This idyllic venue is also a great spot for bird lovers. Access trail in Truro at Head of the Meadow Beach parking area or on High Head Road. For more information, call 508-349-3785.