Cape Cod Rail Trail

Swim, walk, and picnic along cycling routes    

Bike trail scene of Classic Cape Cod sand, water, and sky

Classic Cape Cod sand, water, and sky 

Photograph TrailLink user mybikeymio2, courtesy Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Before bridges built in the 1930s paved the way for car traffic and visitors choking routes to Cape Cod, the coastal retreat was reachable only by stagecoach, boat, or train. Rail lines arrived in the mid 1800s, ultimately linking passengers and freight from Boston to Provincetown. That extensive service has ended, but the Cape Cod Rail Trail (CCRT) follows portions of those scenic journeys, with plenty of spots to veer off to beaches, nature preserves, and historic villages.

The relatively flat, 25.5-mile route runs between Yarmouth and South Wellfleet. From the western end, ride 2.5 miles, partly through woods and over the Bass River Bridge, into South Dennis, and then on to charming Harwich. Stop for food and drinks, or for a walk in the William & Barbara Hacker Wildlife Sanctuary. A short pedal on the connecting Old Colony Rail Trail (which ends in Chatham) leads to the lovely Cape Cod Lavender Farm: stroll its paths or shop for fragrant herb-infused soaps and sachets. Once back on the CCRT, meander north to spectacular Nickerson State Park, in Brewster. Hike among scrub pines and kettle ponds, bike a shady eight-mile trail—or just hang out and swim at the beach. From there, Orleans offers restaurants and shops, or continue on to Eastham and explore Salt Pond Bay and Cape Cod National Seashore via the tranquil Nauset Bike Trail (about three miles out to the shore and back). Eastham is 6.5 miles from the CCRT’s end, amid many more miles of soothing sandy stretches in Wellfleet.

Read more articles by Nell Porter-Brown
Related topics

You might also like

Harvard Football: Harvard 41, Brown 7

The Crimson assertively avenge last year’s loss to their Ivy rival.

Harvard Football: Harvard 59, Stetson 7

In season opener, the Crimson dispatch the overmatched Hatters.

What Does the $2.8b NCAA Settlement Mean for Harvard?

Athlete-payment case will change little for Ivy League athletes.

Most popular

Harvard Art Historian Jennifer Roberts Teaches the Value of Immersive Attention

Teaching students the value of deceleration and immersive attention

At Harvard, Mike Pence Discusses Democracy and Conservatism

The former vice president denounces political violence, expresses hope for a deal between Trump and the University.

Two Years of Doxxing at Harvard

What happens when students are publicly named and shamed for their views?

Explore More From Current Issue

Renaissance portrait of young man thought to be Christoper Marlowe with light beard, wearing ornate black coat with gold buttons and red patterns.

Shakespeare’s Greatest Rival

Without Christopher Marlowe, there might not have been a Bard.

Johnston Gate

Your Views on Harvard’s Standoff, Antisemitism, and More

Readers comment on the controversial July-August cover, authoritarianism, and scientific research.

David McCord in suit reading a book at cluttered wooden desk in office filled with framed art and shelves.

The Pump Celebrates Its 85th Birthday

Giving Harvard traditions their due