Exploring the Cape Cod Bike Paths

The Best Paved Bike Paths to Explore on Cape Cod

Cape Cod offers tourists and residents several options in outdoor activities to do throughout the year. If you are on the Cape during the summer and fall months, you should definitely bike through some of the scenic bikeways on Cape Cod. It is an excellent way to blow off steam and to see more of what the area has to offer.

There are several dedicated bikeways with many stretching through miles and miles of beautiful greenery. The air is always fresh and Cape Cod’s great weather makes rides enjoyable for people of all ages. The bikeways attract both professionals and leisure cyclists. You will see people cruising full speed in full biking gear. You will also see families riding down the trails leisurely, especially over the weekends.

Below are some of the popular Cape Cod biking trails that both residents and travelers can explore…

Cape Cod Rail Trail (CCRT) (Yarmouth/Wellfleet)

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is the most popular bikeway on the Cape. It draws its name from the fact that it runs alongside an old railroad that was operational in the 1800s till the mid-1900s. It is under the management of the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

Stretching over 25 miles, the trail runs from South Yarmouth to Wellfleet and offers cyclists the best experience in terms of natural landscapes to see. If you bike the entire length of the trail, you will pass through the towns of Wellfleet, Eastham, Orleans, Brewster, Harwich, Dennis, and Yarmouth. It is an easy ride throughout as the trail is very well paved. DCR has done several renovations over the years to maintain and improve the condition of the trail. If you have been away from the Cape for a long time, you will definitely find out that exploring the new and improved Rail Trail is a lot more interesting now than it was several years ago.

There are great establishments along the way where people can stop for lunch, a snack, or a drink. Several hotels and inns on the Cape also have easy trail access. You are always free to move at your own pace and you can stop wherever you want.

Shining Sea Bikeway (Buzzards Bay/Falmouth)

Falmouth is Katherine Lee Bates’ native town. It is from a line in Katherine’s song America the Beautiful that the Shining Sea Bikeway draws its name. As beautiful as America is, the beauty of the bikeway and the landscapes that surround it will still impress even the most widely traveled American.

The Bikeway trails along what used to be a railroad running from Buzzards Bay to Falmouth Town. Along the way, it ran through West and North Falmouth and then curved its way around the beautiful Woods Hole. Falmouth bought the right of way and then built a long paved way along the same route. It is now about 10 miles of unhindered bike paths offering riders a chance to sample beautiful landscapes including the Chapaquoit Beach, the beauty of Woods Hole, and lots of greenery. Both beginners and advanced cyclists will like the trail.

Province Lands Trail (Provincetown/Herring Cove Beach)

The Province Lands Trail is a 7.25-mile paved trail running from Provincetown’s Province Lands Visitor Center to Race Point Beach and Herring Cove Beach. If you are looking to see the dune system in Province Lands, this is the perfect trail to take. Along the way, you will pass saltwater kettle ponds, exposed dunes, cranberry bogs, and marshes. The trail also passes through Beech Forest.

The hilly terrain makes the trail relatively challenging. The last two miles of the trail to Race Point Beach to Herring Cove Beach are actually extensions to the original trail. The original trail was 5.25 miles long. The city has done some renovations to make the trail more accommodating. For instance, a section of the trail that was steeply graded has been done away with and rerouted.

You can access the beginning of the trail near the Visitor Center easily by car. There is ample parking space at the Visitor Center that can accommodate up to 100 cars.

Cape Cod Canal Bikeway

This paved road runs along the Cape Cod Canal giving cyclists amazing views of beautiful shorelines and boat traffic in the canal. Maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers, the path is only accessible to government vehicles, non-motorized vehicles, and foot traffic. It is very popular with skaters, runners, and cyclists.

The entire bikeway runs about 8 miles from the Bourne Bridge to the Sagamore Bridge. It is made of smooth concrete and since government vehicles traffic it, there are yellow markings you’d normally find on a two-way traffic road. If you have some partners you want to compete against, feel free to bring them along as the road is wide enough for competitive cycling. You are also free to take a leisurely ride by yourself or in the company of others. Families will definitely enjoy cycling on this bikeway. There are benches along the way for when you want to rest.

Cape Cod National Seashore (Eastham)

This is a popular paved path that starts at Salt Pond Visitor Center just off Route 6 in Eastham. The tail end of the 1.6-mile path is in the Cape Cod National Seashore. The path is a convenient way to access the National Seashore on foot or by bike. You can easily access the start of the trail by car. Ample parking is available at the Salt Pond Visitor Center.

If you take this path, you will be treated to great views of the ocean as you approach Coast Guard Beach. The bikeway passes through acres of pine, oak, cedar, and other greeneries that add a lot of beauty to the bikeway. Mid-way, there is a bench for when you want to rest or just take in the beautiful scenery.

Cape Cod Nickerson State Park

The Nickerson State Park is conveniently located in Brewster just off the Cape Cod Rail Trail. The State Park has an eight-mile network of dedicated bike paths to access the various picnic areas and campgrounds on the vast property. Because of the picnic areas and campgrounds, expect to find a lot of foot and bicycle traffic in the summertime.

The bike paths in the Nickerson State Park provide cyclists with one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the area’s natural beauty and to breathe in the fresh air in its beautiful woodlands. The paths are lined with oak, pine, and fir trees. Scenic bogs and two lakes will also provide picturesque backdrops for your bicycle rides through the park. It is also very likely that you will spot foxes, deer, and various small animals.

Bike Rentals on Cape Cod

Don't have your own bike? No problem! Cape Cod offers a range of bike rental shops where you can find the perfect ride for your adventure.  Please note that availability, rental rates, and services may vary among these shops, so it's a good idea to visit their websites or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.  Additionally, during peak tourist seasons, it's advisable to make reservations in advance, especially if you need specific types of bikes or accessories.   Some popular options include:

Upper Cape Bike Rentals
(Bourne, Sandwich, Sagamore, Falmouth, Mashpee)

Corner Cycle  115 Palmer Ave Falmouth, MA 02540  Phone: 508-540-4195
Bike Zone 323 Barnstable Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601  Phone: 508-775-3299
Sagamore Beach Bike Shop  1 Federal Furnace Rd, Sagamore Beach, MA 02562  Phone: 508-888-0060
Cape Cod Cornhole  9 Jan Sebastian Dr, Sandwich, MA 02563  Phone:  508-833-0022
Art's Bike Shop  91 County Rd, North Falmouth, MA 02556 Phone: 508-563-7377
Canal Cruisers Bicycles 70 Main St, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 Phone: 508-759-3722

Mid Cape Bike Rentals
(Barnstable, Barnstable Village, Hyannis, Hyannis Port, Cotuit, Osterville, Centerville, Craigville, Cummaquid, Santuit, Wianno, Yarmouth, South Yarmouth, West Yarmouth, Yarmouth Port, Dennis, North Dennis, East Dennis, West Dennis, Dennis Port, and South Dennis)

Barbara's Bike Shop 430 N Chatham Rd, South Dennis, MA 02660  Phone: 508-760-4723
Great Cape Bike Rentals 1225 Route 28, South Yarmouth, MA 02664  Phone: 508-760-4723
Cape Cod Rail Trail Bike & Kayak  979 Route 134, South Dennis, MA 02660  Phone: 508-760-4723
The Bike Zone 323 Barnstable Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601  Phone: 508-775-3299
Sea Sports Cyclery & Outdoor 1441 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601  Phone: 508-775-1830
Dennis Cycle Center   249 Great Western Rd, South Dennis, MA 02660  Phone: 508-398-0011
Corner Cycle  1151 Route 28, South Yarmouth, MA 02664  Phone:508-394-6550

 

Lower Cape Bike Rentals
(Harwich, Brewster and Chatham)

Brewster Bike 442 Underpass Rd, Brewster, MA 02631    Phone: 508-896-8149
Chatham Hood Bikes  75 Depot Rd, Chatham, MA 02633  Phone: 508-348-8179

Outer Cape Bike Rentals
(Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown)

Ptown Bikes  42 Bradford St, Provincetown, MA 02657  Phone: 508-487-8735
Ptown Bikes at Herring Cove Herring Cove Beach, Provincetown, MA 02657  Phone: 508-487-8735  
Gale Force Bikes 144 Bradford St, Provincetown, MA 02657  Phone: 508-487-4849
Arnold's Bike Shop 3295 Route 6, Eastham, MA 02642 Phone: 508-255-0090
Idle Times Bike Shop 455 State Hwy, North Eastham, MA 02651  Phone:508-255-8281
Idle Times Bike Shop 2616 Route 6 Wellfleet, MA 02667  Phone:508-349-9161
Idle Times Bike Shop 29 Main Street Orleans, MA 02653  Phone:508-240-1122
Little Capistrano Bike Shop 2112 State Hwy, Eastham, MA 02642 Phone: 508-255-6515

Renting a bike allows you to explore the Cape without the hassle of transporting your own equipment.

Safety Tips for Biking on Cape Cod

Safety is paramount when cycling on Cape Cod. Here are some essential tips:

Wear a Helmet: Always wear a properly fitting helmet to protect your head in case of accidents.
Stay Hydrated: Cape Cod can get hot during the summer months, so bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Obey Traffic Rules: When cycling on roads, obey traffic signals and follow the rules of the road.
Use Lights: If you're biking at dawn, dusk, or night, use front and rear lights for visibility.
Share the Trail: Be courteous to pedestrians and other cyclists. Use hand signals to communicate and yield to slower-moving traffic.

Cape Cod Bike Trail Etiquette

To ensure an enjoyable experience for all, follow these trail etiquette guidelines:
Stay on the Trail: Avoid damaging the environment by sticking to designated paths.
Dispose of Trash: Properly dispose of litter in designated containers.
Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from wildlife and refrain from feeding animals.
Keep the Noise Down: Enjoy the peaceful surroundings without loud music or excessive noise.
Travel Single File: When riding with a group, ride single file to allow space for others to pass.

Plan Your Cape Cod Biking Adventure

Cape Cod's diverse landscapes offer something for every cyclist. Whether you're exploring the Cape Cod Rail Trail, soaking in the coastal beauty of the Shining Sea Bikeway, tackling off-road trails in Nickerson State Park, or admiring the Cape Cod Canal's historic charm, you're sure to create lasting memories.

Closing Thoughts

There’s more to the Cape than just the beaches. While people are trooping to the beaches when the sun is up, you can break away from the crowd to explore the vast beauty that is Cape Cod by bike. All the long paved trails are very good and give cyclists a chance to see many beautiful types of scenery. Your ride can be as leisurely or as demanding as you’d like. Cape Cod is a leisurely place so there’s absolutely no pressure. Also, there are great establishments along some of the paved bikeways where cyclists can stop for a snack or drink.

So, gear up, choose your trail, and embark on a memorable biking adventure on Cape Cod. Happy cycling!