Cape Cod stands out as a premier destination for cycling enthusiasts, boasting a dramatic landscape where the bay, ponds, and ocean converge, interwoven with an impressive network of Bike Paths On Cape Cod. Currently offering 114 miles of trails, with expansions continuously planned and underway, cyclists are treated to picturesque towns, stunning coastlines, and iconic lighthouses at every turn. Nickerson State Forest in Brewster is a haven for camping cyclists, providing scenic campsites adjacent to the renowned 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail. During peak season, visitors from Boston can effortlessly bring their bikes aboard ferries to Provincetown, a true cyclist’s dream. Alternatively, the seasonal CapeFLYER train service offers free bike transport from Boston directly to Cape Cod, making it incredibly accessible for a cycling getaway.
Exploring the Cape Cod Rail Trail
The Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 25-mile off-road paved path, invites cyclists to journey along the historic Cape Cod Railroad route, traversing six charming towns in mid-to-lower Cape Cod. Starting in South Yarmouth and extending into Dennis, the trail gracefully meanders through Harwich, Brewster—offering a scenic detour into Nickerson State Park—Orleans, and onwards through the beautiful Rock Harbor area. It continues along a salt marsh, leading to the Cape Cod National Seashore Center in Eastham, and finally reaches Le Count Hollow in Wellfleet. Its accessibility to numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions makes it a central artery for exploring the Cape.
Named after the former railroad right-of-way that served as Cape Cod’s transportation backbone from the early 1800s to around 1960, the trail is steeped in history. It guides riders past local landmarks and several inviting lakes perfect for swimming and picnicking, most notably within Nickerson State Park in Brewster. Regular patrols by local police on bikes ensure the Cape Cod Rail Trail remains a safe and enjoyable experience throughout the summer. For those without their own bikes, rentals are readily available at bike shops situated conveniently along the trail in Dennis, Brewster, Orleans, and Wellfleet. Parking is available at various trailheads, with the main access point in South Dennis, a short distance from Route 6 on Route 134.
Discover the Cape Cod Canal Bike Paths
For an easier ride, the Cape Cod Canal Bike Paths provide 14.2 miles of paved, off-road trails accessible from Sagamore. These paths trace both sides of the man-made Cape Cod Canal, offering a flat and wide surface ideal for beginners and families with young children. Stretching approximately 7.5 miles between the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges, the smooth concrete bikeway features a central yellow line to separate two-way traffic. Cyclists can savor refreshing sea breezes and observe the constant parade of ships and boats navigating the Canal. Numerous spots along the way invite riders to pause and appreciate the scenic views.
On the mainland side, the path extends from Buzzards Bay to Scusset Beach, covering about seven miles. Access points include the Herring Run on Route 6 or any parking area from the Sagamore Rotary. On the Cape side, the trail spans from Sandwich to Bourne, roughly 6.8 miles, with entry points at the U.S. Engineering Observation Station, Sandwich, or from Pleasant Street, Sagamore.
The Scenic Shining Sea Bikeway
The Shining Sea Bikeway, offering 10.7 miles of paved, off-road trails, accessible from various points in Falmouth, is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery. This path connects North Falmouth village to the vibrant village of Woods Hole, home to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Marine Biological Laboratory. It follows the original New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad route, which once linked Buzzards Bay to Falmouth Station. The breathtaking vistas along the Shining Sea Bikeway are reminiscent of the landscapes celebrated in “America the Beautiful,” from which the path derives its name.
This route skillfully avoids Falmouth’s busy summer traffic, winding along beaches, past cranberry bogs and harbors, and through marshes and the Salt Pond Bird Sanctuary. Popular throughout the season, the bikeway encourages users to share the space respectfully with inline skaters and runners.
Explore Chatham Loop and Nauset Marsh Trail
The Chatham Loop offers a shorter, five-mile signed route starting from Chatham Fish Pier or any town parking lot, showcasing Chatham Light, boatyards, and harbors.
For nature enthusiasts, the Nauset Marsh Trail, a 1.6-mile path, begins at the Salt Pond Visitors Center or Doane Rock Picnic area in Eastham and leads to Coast Guard Beach, intersecting with the Cape Cod Rail Trail. This trail delivers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean on a three-mile round trip. It initially meanders through cedar, pine, and oak woods, opening up to rolling landscapes. A trailside bench provides a perfect rest stop to soak in the scenery. A detour to the Doane Memorial, commemorating Deacon John Doane’s 1644 home site, is highly recommended. Continuing on, a wooden bridge crosses the marsh overlooking Salt Pond, leading to the historic Coast Guard Station and the expansive Coast Guard Beach, known for its surfers and harbor seals.
Head of the Meadow and Province Lands Trails
The Head of the Meadow Trail, a 2-mile path in Truro, is accessible from Head of the Meadow Beach parking area, leading to the peaceful beach itself.
For a more challenging ride, the Province Lands Trail, spanning 7.25 miles, presents a paved loop through the impressive dunes of Provincetown, reaching Herring Cove and Race Point Beaches. Starting from the Province Lands Visitor Center, this hilly loop can be extended by two miles with trails to Herring Cove Beach, Race Point Beach, and Bennet Pond. It’s an excellent way to explore the vast dune system of the Province Lands and the shaded Beech Forest. While the undulating terrain can be demanding, the trail offers spectacular scenery, from marshlands to dunes and ocean views, with direct access to Race Point and Herring Cove beaches.
Wellfleet itself is a haven for casual cyclists. Beyond its art galleries, the town features winding roads through a charming village and a lively Main Street, all easily accessible by bike from bay to ocean. Cape Cod’s diverse bike paths promise an unforgettable cycling adventure for everyone.
