Cape Cod Rail Trail

Vacations on Cape Cod invoke thoughts of beaches, lobster dinners and mini-golf but don’t look past the other great ways to see the area, including via the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Formerly railroad tracks for the Old Colony Railroad, it’s been converted to a 22 mile long paved path from Dennis to Wellfleet.  Whether biking, running or walking, the rail trail is great way to incorporate exercise into your vacation while taking the scenic route through six of the Cape’s scenic towns. This is just one of the rail trails you’ll find in New England. For a day trip from Boston, try out the Ashuelot Rail Trail in Keene, NH.

Easily Accessible

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is very easily accessible from all the towns through which it runs. There is ample parking in Dennis and Wellfleet, plus you’ll find many other free parking lots in the towns in between. I biked the trail but didn’t have time to ride the full 44 mile loop so I parked in downtown Orleans next to Hot Chocolate Sparrow, a popular coffee and ice cream shop also featuring sandwiches and fresh fruit smoothies.  There is plenty of parking and all you have to do is cross the street to hop on the rail trail.

Rail Trail Bike Shops

There is no shortage of bike shops along the rail trail so don’t worry if you don’t have your own bike. Rental rate are very reasonable, making biking the trail a very affordable activity. In Orleans next to Hot Chocolate Sparrow on Main Street, you’ll find Idle Times Bike Shop and Orleans Cycle, both of which offer rentals as well as sales and service.

If you’re in Eastham you can stop by Little Capistrano Bike Shop on Salt Pond Rd. The shop is just off Rt. 6 and across from the Cape Cod National Seashore entrance and Salt Pond Visitor Center. There is a second location near the Wellfleet trailhead on Lecount Hollow Rd. Also in Eastham, but farther down the rail trail toward Wellfleet is another Idle Times Bike Shop location on Bracket Rd. At the other end of the rail trail in Dennis Barb’s Bike Shop is another full service shop conveniently located next to the trailhead.

Biking The Rail Trail

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is extraordinarily scenic as it winds through marshes and cranberry bogs, along kettle ponds and forested areas.  If you don’t want to ride the full trail you can choose which section to ride based on the scenery you’re looking for.

Cranberry bogs can be seen from the rail trail in Dennis. The famed cranberry bogs are best viewed during the fall season just before harvesting, which occurs between September and November.  Once the berries reach their rich, red color the bogs are flooded with water to bring them to the surface for harvesting.  During the spring and summer you’ll only see the green vines in the bogs. If you can’t get enough of the bogs, consider a cranberry bog tour.

Between Dennis and Harwich you’ll pass by multiple kettle ponds formed when glaciers retreated from the area thousands of years ago. As you enter Brewster you’ll pass through Nickerson State Park, the most forested section of the trail.  Moving on into the town of Orleans and into Eastham and Wellfleet, you’ll pass salt marshes and kettle ponds along the tree lined rail trail. In both Eastham and Wellfleet there are multiple opportunities to take detours to beaches, including Coast Guard and Marconi Beaches.

The favorite part of my ride was detouring to the Nauset Bike Trail in Eastham.  This short yet beautiful ride is about 2 miles each way and and brings you to the very popular Coast Guard Beach.  This is a great detour off the main trail if you want to take a break for some beach time. On a hot day you’ll appreciate the outdoor showers or a dip in the cool Atlantic.  Public restrooms are also available.

To reach the Nauset Bike Trail look for the rail trail’s intersection with Locust Rd. Follow the signs to the Nauset Bike Trail. On the way you’ll pass by Little Capistrano Bike Shop and then need to cross Rt. 6 (use the crosswalk!) Follow the paved bike path past the Salt Pond Visitor Center towards the beach.

If you want another stop at the beach, as you ride into Wellfleet you can stop at the Cape Cod National Seashore Headquarters and Marconi Beach. Wellfleet is well known for its oysters and with good reason as they’re briny and delicious! If you’re visiting in October don’t miss the Oysterfest. Otherwise, visit the local seafood restaurants for freshly shucked oysters.

Where to Eat Along The Cape Cod Rail Trail

• Box Lunch– Home of the “rollwich”, this Cape Cod staple has been in business since 1977 with locations in N. Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown.  I had lunch at the N. Eastham location, which is on Rt. 6. To get there from the rail trail, turn onto Bracket Rd then make a left onto Rt. 6.
  

  

   

  I recommend riding on the sidewalk since Rt. 6 is a busy highway with a very small shoulder. I’m not easily impressed by sandwiches and don’t eat them often but the Californian Turkey sandwich on a pita rollup exceeded my expectations. The all-natural turkey was fresh and thick cut and the sprouts and avocado were a perfect complement.  There is something on the menu for everyone, whether it be seafood, meat or vegetarian sandwiches.

• The Beachcomber– Located at Cahoon Hollow Beach in Wellfleet, about 2.5 miles from the Cape Cod Rail Trail trailhead, this is a must for enjoying freshly shucked Wellfleet oysters, lobster and steamers (clams) on the outdoor patio overlooking the ocean. The menu is focused on seafood but there are plenty of other options, including salads and burgers.
• Arnold’s Restaurant  in Eastham (approximately mile 17) is a bike friendly spot on the Cape Cod Rail Trail. They offer free air station plus a restroom on the trail and, of course, a bike rack in case you want to stop for lunch. The clam shack’s menu includes the typical fried offerings and lobster rolls plus a surprising number of salads as well as a raw bar featuring the fabulous Wellfleet oysters.
• Devil’s Purse Brewing Company– I had to sneak in a craft brewery! This tasting room in South Dennis offers 5 and 10oz. pours of their freshly brewed beer as well as 32 and 64oz. growlers to go. They don’t serve food but you’re welcome to bring your own.

You’re sure to have a great time on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, whether you bike, walk or run. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate exercise into your sightseeing. I’d love to know if you uncover any hidden gems during your adventures. Drop me a note anytime!