I had a great time riding on the Cape Cod Rail Trail! Overall, I will pretty impressed with the conditions and felt that it was very safe. I didn't get to ride the entire thing, since I had to turn back to catch the train home to Boston, but I'd like to come back and ride it in full. Great alternative to the Minuteman if you're looking to get outside the city and bike somewhere with less people. Most of the trail there isn't a ton to see, but there are some cool areas (views of the water, golf courses, etc.). That being said, I didn't make it past Brewster (started in Hyannis), so I'm not sure what's beyond that point. I'd come back for sure! read more

Cape Cod Rail Trail - Path - Parks Near Me

Great hiking trail - maybe some ticks so just check after. Easy parking and a sign with some area info and list of wildlife in the area. Lots of flowers on the trail and some families fishing. read more

An amazing way to spend time whether you are biking, running, or taking a leisurely stroll with your pup. This is a well-maintained path that runs past ponds, beautiful homes, restaurants, parks, and more. Highly recommend making a whole day of it with breaks at the various landmarks along the way. read more

Cape Cod Rail Trail - Rail Trail - Parks Near Me

Since the CCRT covers between Wellfleet and West Yarmouth, there's a lot to explore. We only did a roundtrip from the Station Ave Trailhead to almost reach W Yarmouth Rd. There's quite a bit to take in with the short distance, such as passing Old Town House Park, which is pretty big itself and also a big field just west of the park. Besides that, nothing too scenic along the stretch that stood out. The path looks pretty well maintained, with the expectation of an overgrown plant that needs to be trimmed down. read more

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If you really, really love trains then you might like this one. Also if you're in your 80's. We paid extra for the single seats in the dome car. Gave us good views. But it wasn't very scenic. More trees along the tracks and yards of individual homes, and industrial buildings. Nice narration along the way but much too loud. Music was playing loudly too. Food was ok. But don't get the turkey sandwich I did and it was very dry. Brown tomatoes on top. I didn't eat them. Turkey meat was tender by itself but as a whole it needed more mayo or mustard. My wife got the baked cod. It was delicious. They charge you for coffee and I assume soft drinks. But no where on the drink menu did it mention that. Lots of overpriced alcohol drinks to get the octogenarians boozed up. Total waste of money and time. Didn't take any photos because there was nothing memorable. Also parking is extra and they double parked cars. We saw some upset people waiting to get their car out while the blockers were either in the gift shop or waiting for the bathroom read more

I made it my mission this summer to see the Cape and, after wrangling two bikes onto our car and braving the traffic on the way back into the city, I have to say the CCRT is the perfect way to spend a weekend. A few tips: - Bear in mind the full distance of the trail is around 20 miles one-way when you pick a spot to park. We parked around the mile 1 marker at the lot in Yarmouth, when I thought 40+ miles was no biggie, since the grade is relatively flat. A few hours later, puffing through the last two miles, I regretted not parking further into the trail, like in Brewster. The nice thing is that there is plenty of parking along the trail to choose from; we even passed one that had pumps for bike tires! - The trail cuts through several busy roads. Thankfully, drivers are pretty aware and considerate of cyclists and pedestrians passing through but you know what they say - keep your head on a swivel. It was a nice change of pace to see cars stopping to let you through, compared to the craziness on Boston roads. (Also, there are "Walk don't ride" signs posted at the crosswalks but no one actually heeded those.) - They do a great job maintaining the trail and keeping it pretty smooth. I appreciated that they outlined the bumps and ridges in yellow paint so you can steer around if you have room. - Not as many Porta-potties as I expected but you do pass through several towns with restaurants and cafes to stop for a bio break. I was especially fond of the pit stop in Brewster, where you have Cobie's, JT's, and Snowy Owl in one stretch. Also, I counted at least two bike shops along the way. - We went on a Sunday so there were parts of the trail that were packed (and other parts that were much less dense). Watch out for kids! At one point, in the rotary (which was awesome, the first time I've seen a rotary for bikes), I almost ran headlong into a kid going in the wrong direction. - If you cycle regularly, this trail is nothing too challenging - relatively flat grade throughout, some small hills here and there but nothing sustained, and shaded. Yours truly turned around at the 15 mile marker to get some grub but I'd like to pedal all the way to the end and back one day. read more

I love this trail so much, you can ride,skate or walk it. There are all kinds of cranberry bogs. On the side I walk I get to see, horses,swans,turtles and lots of bugs. The trees provide great coverage from the sun or rain. Just beware there aren't any bathrooms on the trail that's one found yet, so use the bathroom before you come read more

Cape Cod Rail Trail - Parks Near Me

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The Cape Cod Rail trail is amazing! You can go here for running, biking, walking, whatever you want. There is so much to see along the way. You can go for a long time or just for a short journey. It is primarily shaded, which is nice to get a break from the sun. It is nice to have a place that is away from the traffic that can congest the cape. You can get some fresh air and see a bunch of different things. read more

7 years later we did the same ride 44 round trip and it's along way!!!! True no massive hills but my legs are shot! read more

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25 years it took me to go down to the Cape. You see, neither I nor my family are beach people. I do, however, really enjoy biking. I found out this was here and decided it's time to go. I parked right around mile marker 11-ish, and I biked away from the Panhandle and back. I didn't make it towards the Panhandle twenty-odd miles in a day it's already a lot, and my tailbone already heard enough that going for 20 additional miles would require self-loathing would require a level of self-loathing I do not have. I do plan to return and bike the "upper half" of the CCRT, however, based on my current experience, there is nothing extraordinarily remarkable about this bike trail ( with the exception that the weather on the Cape tends to be a bit nicer) that would give me a reason to haul myself for an hour and a half one way. In terms of good: the bike trail isn't very challenging in terms of drastic changes in elevation, or hills that need to be climbed or descended. the area for biking is very well-marked and the one place where you are sharing the road there are conspicuously placed signs to help you find your way along the trail. are also a couple of Street Crossings, with automatically activated flashers that let the cars know that there's a cyclist crossing. I will also add that these places do have stop signs for the cyclists. additionally, it wasn't that crowded, and the wonderful folks I shared the trail with were polite, using the "on your left!", etc. In terms of what I would have liked to see: in the area I biked, there was one spot where you could rest and have some water, for two spots with port-a-potties. for someone who cannot bite very fast and suddenly feels the urge to go, it would be nice to have a couple extra "facilities" along the way. Furthermore, especially, having some extra water fountains great, though I do realize the challenges involved with plumbing, etc. As a final note: even though everyone has cell phones nowadays, I think it would not hurt to have those emergency blue-light call boxes, but I'm quite risk-averse, so that's where that comes from. read more

Amazing. Beautiful scenery. Moderate activity level. Can get a little crowded in the summer. read more

We were only on the Cape Cod Rail Trail for the last 9 mile leg, but I enjoyed it immensely despite being under-dressed for a day of biking in 60 degree weather that ended up raining on us. The trail was well marked and smooth. The fellow travellers of the road were on the whole happy and considerate. The trail took us through a variety of scenes including treey areas, backyards, past water and bogs, over bridge and into tunnel. The inclines weren't too tough, neither for this once a year bicyclist nor for a child on a single speed bike. read more

Cape Cod Rail Trail - map (5/09) - Parks Near Me

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So great for walks rollerskating riding bikes running. Extremely good for nature and birds. Very long so always remember you have to turn around and go back to your car. Have made the mistake of walking till I'm tired and forgetting I have to walk the same distance back. I'm silly like that. read more

As of 2018 the trail has been extended westward for about 5 miles. They built a bridge over Rt 134, and the trail continues west to Higgins Crowell Road in Yarmouth (exit 7 off 6). Unfortunately no parking on Higgins Crowell Road. read more

Flat fast fun and fantastic The Cape Cod Rail Trail is an absolute gem. A great 22 mile old railroad bed that starts (or ends) in South Wellfleet, goes through the quaint villages of Harwich, Brewster, Orleans and Eastham and then ends (or starts) in South Dennis. If you do the round trip that's about 44 miles but you can easily add more mileage by taking side trips down to the several National Seashore Beaches. The road is all paved and extremely smooth and flat. None of the holes, bumps or frost heaves that infest other bike paths, you can cover the miles quickly and easily. The flatness can be a bit tedious for some but for novice or casual bikers it definitely makes the miles less painful. There is a lot of traffic with other bikes, skaters and walkers so reasonable care must be used but this is definitely a place to go warp nine if you go at a time when the traffic is light. One possible danger is the numerous road crossings. Most cars stop at the crosswalks but some seem to enjoy blasting through without even a perfunctory glance. It's up the the cyclist to make sure the way is clear and that the cars are really going to stop. Lots of nice scenery along the way with salt marches, woods and small ponds with nice beaches to take a dip to cool off. It unfortunately doesn't go near the open ocean but short side roads do led to the beaches. Even though a lot of the trail is through woods and isolated marches, many restaurants, ice cream shops and even bike shops are scattered along the path so you are never far from help or food and drink. Cool looking mile markers are placed at every mile and even half mile markers are obvious so you know exactly how far you have to go. The state has plans to connect several other sections so eventually a ride form the canal all the way up to P-town might be possible. This is a great way to see the cape and for a biker just doesn't get any better. read more

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I did find myself getting use out of my road bike and the trails that the Cape offered. Personally, I'm not a huge Rails to Trails fan, but this isn't a dig on this bike trail or any others that I have ridden, it's personal. The southern portion of the system, has quite a few stops signs. This isn't a huge factor for most leisure cyclists, or the more laid back group rides. As a solo rider, I preferred the standard road routes, with vehicles. I like my senses to stay sharp and find this types of system mundane. I did like to use this trail on the return route, if it was dusk or later, as my lights work a lot better on a dark road versus a well lit road and I figured I would be one less obstacle from tipsy drivers and this trail is better maintained than a lot roads I would find myself on. 3 stars as an active road cyclist. 4 stars as a leisure rider. read more

Best place ever to ride a bike!! This trail is once of the best I have ever had the pleasure to ride on. Started in Dennis, and biked to Chatham (Downtown), had a nice lunch, and rode back. A fun way to explore the cape and recreate and get away from all the crowds. Mostly flat, but a few small hills, which everyone can handle. If you enjoy biking, this is a must do if you are on the Cape. read more

Great trail with nice patchy spots for the long rides. Sections are more beautiful than others, in my opinion, namely the more southern part of the trail. There are ocassionally cool cafes or rest areas off the trail. I wish there were more mile markers on the trail and more maps of where you are. There were multiple times when my fiance and I had to use my GPS to figure out where we were. All of a sudden we had biked 30 miles...! read more

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a great way to make your way up and down the cape. I picked up the trail in Chatham. At the bike rotary in Harwich, I headed North. From the trail you are able to see several cranberry bogs; you can watch them harvest if you visit in the fall. After passing through Nickerson State Park, and Orleans center, catch the Nauset Bike Trail which takes you out to Coast Guard Beach. This is about 45 miles, round trip. The scenery along the trail is great, and there are lots of little shops, cafes, and rest areas when you need a break. read more

Cape Cod Rail Trail - Cranberry harvest along the trail - Parks Near Me

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although the trail itself is nice enough and smooth and partially shaded, the parts in between are ruthlessly groomed. Yesterday I took pictures of the amazing wild Daisy like flowers and purple clover. I watched birds bees and butterflies enjoying the undisturbed habitat. Today I came back and everything was mowed flat, no pollinators no insect, no birds, just 1 inch high devastation. Why? read more

This is a perfect trail for family biking! We have been coming here on and off for many years and it is lovely. Trail is well kept and it has lots of shade; it is simply a delightful way to spend and afternoon on The Cape! read more

Cape Cod Rail Trail - Beautiful day for biking on the Rail Trail! - Parks Near Me

i don't give 5 stars because it's mostly flat and nothing that insane for scenery. the vibes also take a hit here imo with it being so busy all the time. i would try walking at some point down it since biking gets very uncomfortable imo. read more

Oh man. This is the big momma of rail trails in Massachusetts, 28 miles one-way. If you do this end-to-end, it's fun as hell, but not everybody can manage it. I gave it my first try in August, really eager to let my tires fly on the freshly-paved asphault. I started in South Dennis to head to the other trailhead in Wellfleet. In retrospect, that might not have been the best idea. From South Dennis to about Orleans, you can't go more than a few feet without having to stop for car traffic. This kills momentum and can get really aggravating if you're trying to go decently fast on your bike. If you park in Orleans and head up from there, there are fewer road intersections. That's not to say you won't hit any -- there are a lot on this trail, unfortunately -- but they lessen from Orleans on north. However you don't want to miss the bike ROTARY around Orleans, it's hilarious to ride around a few times. There are a few points on the trail that can be a bit confusing -- there's a bit where the trail seems to end at a suburban cul-de-sac, and you have to do some side-street biking for a few blocks and even cross some heavy car traffic to find where the trail picks up again. The scenery along the trail isn't the best I've ever seen consistently, but there are some gorgeous spots along some beaches and lake fronts. Other times, you're behind a junkyard. So it varies a lot. The half-way point (roughly) is at Nickerson State Park. There's a bathroom there as well as a water fountain (in front of the visitor's kiosk by the car entrance, it's not quite on the bike path, but further along the park's parking lot). I've yet to bike this trail in the fall, though I want to. When I went in August, on a Sunday no less, the traffic ON the trail was quite bad. Roadies can go pretty fast on some patches but it might require a lot of dodging. If you are really into cycling, as a speedster or just a touring cycler (like me), you must give this trail a shot at least once, end to end. It will make for a beautiful day of cycling, I guarantee it. read more

Cape Cod Rail Trail - Parks Near Me

How can you not give this bike train 5 stars??? I mean really how can't you?? I don't think I can really add much more to all of the reviews that have already been written, but this bike trail is pretty much the king or queen or all bike trails. I live in Boston and we have the minuteman trail which is awesome, don't get me wrong, but there is something about this bike trail here on cape cod that just makes it so much more fun. It is so scenic, biking past huge marshes, oceans, sand dunes, forests...the list goes on and on. I feel like I could bike forever biking on this bike trail which is something I don't feel often! Biking 20 miles on it seemed like one of the easiest bike rides probably because they mapped out this trail so it is mainly flat for easy riding but partially I think because they have so many beautiful sites to see along the trail that is distracted me from all of the work my muscles were doing! 5 stars and 5 cheers for the Cape Cod Rail Trail! If only it were in Boston!!! read more

You may wonder how does a rail trail become worthy of 5 stars? If you do you haven't been to this trail. One of the best experiences you'll have on the Cape. The trail is massive, clean and really gives you a sense of the cape. There's plenty of fun places to stop and eat or even go in for a quick swim. So many great restaurants to try too. It can get crowded later in the day with kids and families but it is very manageable. Signs clearly mark the trail (even for the stretch where you ride on the road). Highly recommended. read more

I recently started biking, and a few weeks ago my husband took me to ride the Cape Cod Rail Trail. I wasn't sure what to expect- previously I'd only rode about 12 miles on the Minuteman Bike Path and I thought this 22 mile trail might be too much for me. It turned out to be a wonderful day. We started out at Barb's Bike shop which is right at the beginning of the path. They stock sunscreen, which I forgot, and I was able to pick up a souvenir water bottle. I love a souvenir. As an added bonus, they have a restroom for customers so there was no need to use any of the port-a-potties along the trail. The trail itself is stunning. We passed cranberry bogs, beaches, and a salt marsh. My favorite part, though, was a rotary for bicycles. Who knew that even existed?! Definitely fun to ride around. There were children selling lemonade along the way. The whole experience was idyllic. Well, except for the part about halfway through when I felt like I was going to keel over and die from exhaustion. But why talk about that? The husband packed Gu and Cliff bars, so even that problem was solved easily enough. The end of the trail is a bit anti-climactic. You basically arrive at a parking lot and a sign that reads "end of trail". But if you bike another 2/3 of a mile, you'll hit a beach. The day we were there we saw whales swimming offshore. You can't beat that as a reward for a ride well-done. read more

Geez...what a gem of a trail....plenty wide, recently paved, scenic, easy access, easy parking, well marked, plenty of stop signs for crossing autos, friendly atmosphere...I'm just getting started. We picked up the trail from Nickerson State Park and took it North and back for the Saturday AM exercise. As with all former rail lines...no real hills, plenty of room to ride double if no one else is around. The real treat was turning off at the end to take in the Atlantic vista. It's another 2/3 mile to the right...well paved, not much traffic. We were rewarded with a whale watching episode, as a small pod were feeding just off shore. What a nice two-fer--muscle-powered sports and whale watching. This trail is great for feet, bikes, blades, and skateboards. read more

I CONCUR! HOW COULD YOU NOT GIVE THIS TRAIL 5 STARS? Perfectly smooth to use our road bikes, not overly crowded, many areas that it was only my boyfriend and I. Ended starting at the start (or end of the trail depending on how you look at it) and going all the way down to the town of Chatham and then all the way back equaling out to about 54 miles. Plenty of food stops of the way, was on the trail long enough to stop for lunch and then even for dinner. The rail trail made a perfect last day in Cape Cod. read more

I have been going down to the Cape for more than 10 years. I go almost every month except in the winter. And each time I try to get on the CCRT. The entire CCRT has been overhauled gradually in the past few years and is outstanding to be on today. Towards the Wellfleet area, you get more hills but also some great beach/ocean views. Towards and after Orleans, the bike trail is almost always flat and you ride by spectacular brush, kettle ponds & marsh lands as well as right through busy town centers. There are several ice cream shops and restaurants right by the CCRT. There are a couple of bike shops close to it as well. My best moments on the CCRT have always been bicycling by moonlight in the off-season! read more

CCRT is a great way to explore Cape Cod, without endangering your life riding on Route 6. The trail is asphalt paved, and is wide enough to allow four riders to ride side-by-side, though I would not recommend that due to two-way traffic. Users range from families with small kids, to avid cyclists, to runners, walkers and inline skaters. Due to multiple pedestrian and car crossings, as well as the varying speed of bicycle traffic, I would recommend wearing a helmet. When approaching a crossing, make sure to stop and get waved on by drivers approaching the intersection. I was told to avoid the "Massholes", but I never really experienced anything but cautious drivers. We took CCRT from Eastham to Wellfleet and to Orleans. It runs much further, but we didn't make it as far South as we could have ridden. This is a great way to explore without a car. There is great beach access, as well as access to the Cape Cod National Seashore Visitor's Center. read more

I'm no bike trail pro but this was very enjoyable, especially on a nice + sunny, but not too hot day on the Cape. I thought 40+ miles would be tough for me on a hybrid (and my super cool basket) but it wasn't bad at all and the bike shorts helped a lot (highly recommend you get a pair). The trails were nicely paved and flat with very gradual inclines in some places. They even graffitti the cracks on the path so you know to stand and not hurt your rear! My only qualm would be the numerous streets you have to cross, but I guess that's how it is. Oh yeah, there's a bike rotary! That was super neat. And it wasn't too crowded and 99.9% had bike etiquette. There's always a rebel somewhere. read more

Fantastic bike trail! You can go for hours, if you want. Places to stop along the way to get a drink or snack. Can't find bike trails like this just anywhere. read more

Very nicely paved bike path. Intersections are clearly marked with points of interest like food, beaches, and bike repair. Path is fairly level and wide. read more

Yet another incredible bike trail in Massachusetts. I picked up the trail in Eastham, went to the start of the trail in Dennis and then back to Eastham. This trail is pretty long (24 miles each way I think) but there aren't any really big hills to climb so it's not as bad as it seems. If you pace yourself for the length I'm sure many could complete the entire trail. There are lots of places to stop along the the way to get drinks, food, sit down at a picnic table etc.. Lake views can be stunning. There is also a General Store that sells 'Wicked Whoopie' Whoopie pies! What more could you ask for? The trail does split up in places but well-placed signs will ensure that you don't get confused as to where the trail picks up again. The surfaces were very smooth and well-paved for the entire distance I was on it. Every so often you go by markers on the ground that say '5MILE'. I kept seeing them out of the corner of my eye and thought it said 'SMILE' and figured that was why the other cyclists on the path were so friendly :). Def a five-star trail for me. read more

Cape Cod Rail Trail - 5 Mile marker, encouragement to smile at passing cyclists, or both? - Parks Near Me

Absolutely amazing place to ride a bike, run or walk. Very clean, scenic and just a wonderful way to explore the Cape.

Best 50 miles round trip of biking I've done. Go on a nice, spring or fall day. Also, count the number of ice cream stores. I also recommend Barb's Bike Shop at the Trail Head in Dennis. Definitely recommend this trail! read more

Rail trail was a great experience for a family to get some exercise and bike through almost all flat beautiful countryside. Lots of butterflies along the trail abd everything is well marked and safe for street crossings. Lots of small lakes and streams and mostly woods to ride through. read more

4.5 stars... If you were like me and wondering why so many people go to Cape Cod and what is there to do there? Well you go to the beaches, the lakes, ride your bike, go whale watching, check out landmarks (like the lighthouses), shop, and eat (mostly seafood, fudge, taffy, and ice cream). Of course there's more to Cape Cod than that but those are the highlights. Bike riding is actually huge in Cape Cod and most of that centers around a gorgeous 28mile long paved (and mostly flat) bike path in the mid Cape that runs from South Dennis to Wellfleet. The bike path does go through woods and past lakes but it doesn't offer any ocean views nor is there any place to refill your water bottle (though it does cross several streets where you can take a detour to a convenience store if necessary). The path is very well maintained and is wide enough to comfortably fit three bikes. If you're looking for more to do than bike I'd recommend taking a bathing suit and towel and take a detour to the Sheep Pond beach (which can get to about 80 degrees by the sandy beach in the summer). read more

I love the rail trail! Easy bike ride through a beautiful, quiet corner of the Cape.

I love Cape Cod, so I'm biased already. I'm only reviewing from mile 10.5 at Nickerson S.P., to the extreme end, mile 22.8 AT LeCount Hollow Beach in Wellfleet. Short and sweet: if you're looking for a scenic ride, this ride 'ain't for you.' Unless you like power lines... lots of those, and not much else. If you're up for the last half, park just off Route 6A. Heading from Route 6, pass by the main entrance to Nickerson, and take the next left into the free rail trail parking area. If you're up for the .06 mile trek from the end of the trail to the beach, go to the end of the parking lot, and take a right... follow the road to the very end. This is the best part of the journey... the beach! FYI: Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth... WAY better... lots of scenic areas. =) read more