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Click any link below to see pictures and read more about each
of these key Cape Cod bicycle trails or routes.
Cape Cod
Canal Bike Paths -
These paths follow the service roads along both sides of the Cape Cod
Canal. They are popular for bicycling, walking, and rollerblading.
The biking is entirely on the level, parking is exellent, and sightseers can
view the scenic Bourne and Sagamore bridges from unique perspectives unavailable
to automobile drivers. Other attractions along the Cape Cod Canal bike
paths are the Canal Marina, the Canal Electric Plant, the US Coast Guard
Station, the Buzzards Bay Railroad Bridge, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy,
Scusset Beach and Fish Pier, and Bourne Scenic Park.
Cape Cod Rail Trail
- During 2006-2007, reconstruction of the Rail Trail from Route 134 in Dennis to
Welfleet vastly improved the already famous Cape Cod Rail Trail. Initially
completed in 1983, the Cape Cod Rail Trail currently extends from South Dennis
to South Wellfleet, running much of the length of Cape Cod in the mid-Cape and
lower-Cape. Gorgeous lake and cranberry bog views, woodlands, Nickerson
State Park, and the National Park are right along the trail. Just a short
distance off the trail are many places to eat, to shop, to swim, or just to
enjoy the scenery of the Cape. The Cape Cod Rail Trail has become a
"must-do" for bicyclists on the Cape.
Chatham Bike Route
- An extension of the Rail Trail, begun in 2004 and completed in 2006,
brings bicyclists from Harwich to Chatham. There is a wealth of
scenery to take in while visiting Chatham, and lots of shopping for those so
inclined as well. There are some breathtaking views from the Chatham
Light area, overlooking the breakers and the sandbars there; bathing is
available at several beaches, and there are many restaurants and stores right in
Chatham center.
Falmouth Shining Sea Trail
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Planning is in the works to extend the Falmouth Shining Sea Trail from Woods
Hole all the way to the Cape Cod Canal. Presently, the trail runs from
Woods Hole to north of Jones Road. While tiny, Woods Hole is a fantastic
destination and opportunity, with the marine museums, lighthouse area, and busy
science centers providing plenty to see and do. There are many
restaurants and stores right in Woods Hole, as well. Falmouth Center also
provides many opportunities for visitors. The Shining Sea Trail runs
directly along Martha's Vineyard Sound in some spots - you can literally stop
for a swim or picnic right on the beach.
National Seashore Trails
- There are miles of bicycle paths found within the Cape Cod National
Seashore. Besides the Rail Trail that passes through the Park, other
bicycle paths are found in Provincetown, Truro, and Eastham. While many
local residents disputed the wisdom of forming the National Park in
the 1960's, few will disagree now about the blessing that it has been,
especially in preventing over development and in teaching an appreciation
for Cape Cod's natural resources. The bicycle trails that the seashore
maintains are amongst the best on the Cape, with fantastic ocean breezes and
scenery that will definitely become a part of your memories! And stop to
see what the National Park offers in terms of tours, talks, and displays at the
recently-renovated Salt Pond Visitor Center.
Nickerson State Park Trails
- You could easily spend an entire day just bicycling on the bicycle paths
found within Nickerson State Park. In all there are almost ten miles
of trails at Nickerson. These bike trails tie in directly to the
Cape Cod Rail Trail. At the Park, there is camping, swiming, picnicing,
and some beautiful wooded areas that only hikers and bikers are able to
enjoy.
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