Pedal Power: Biking Cape Cod and the Islands
by David Gallagher
Originally published in Inside Cape Cod, July 2003
Too often, we spend our days at highway speed, driving between work, appointments, and errands at a pace more like the Grand Prix than everyday life. For those fortunate enough to live or vacation on the Cape and Islands, there is an easy exit from this life in the fast lane. But many, especially those with small children, understandably don’t want to ride on roadways. For those who don’t want to compete with automobiles for the road, there is a solution. Miles of bike paths crisscross the Cape and Islands, just waiting for the adventurous to take a ride. The Cape’s relatively level land and low hills make it the perfect place for a family-friendly biking adventure.
So pull out that bicycle and fill up the water bottle! Explore the Cape and Islands on two wheels.
THE UPPER CAPE
The Cape Cod Canal Bikeway
Length: 8 miles
Trail Type: Level, paved
Skill Level: Easy
What better place to start your Cape bicycle adventure than along the Cape Cod Canal? This bikeway follows the canal on both sides, through sections of Bourne and Sagamore. The path is paved, and offers fantastic views of the canal's boat traffic as well as access to fishing spots along the canal.
The Canal Bikeway is a paved route that runs for 7 - 8 miles between the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges. This two-way path is wide and level enough to accommodate bikes, walkers and in-line skaters. Benches and picnic tables along the route make this the ideal spot for beginner to casual cyclists, especially families with younger children.
Directions: From the Bourne Bridge: Head west off the South Bourne (Cape-side) Rotary at the bridge. Take the first right and continue until a T intersection. Turn right. The parking area is immediately on the left after you go back under the bridge. Restrooms are open in-season. The other (off-Cape) side of the Canal is accessible from a parking area off Main Street in Buzzards Bay next to the train station, and from parking areas along the Scenic Highway (Route 6).
Shining Sea Bikeway
Length: 3.5 miles
Trail Type: Level, paved
Skill Level: Easy
The Shining Sea Bikeway is an extremely pleasant 3.5 mile paved path between Falmouth and Woods Hole. While there are two street crossings to be aware of, most of this wonderful bike path glides through beautiful woods, marsh areas, and along beaches.
The path ends at the Woods Hole Steamship Authority parking lot. The ferry terminal offers public restrooms and a convenient bike rack to park your ride for your stroll around Woods Hole. It is only a short walk to the Oceanographic Institution, Marine Biological Laboratory, and aquarium. Use care when maneuvering your bicycle around Woods Hole; the streets are narrow and summertime traffic is often heavy.
Directions: From Bourne Bridge, travel Rt. 28 south to Falmouth. Fork right onto Locust Road. Entry to the bikeway parking area is a mile down on the right just past Pine Oak Way.
MID CAPE
Cape Cod Rail Trail
Length: 25 miles
Trail Type: Level, paved
Skill Level: Easy
The Cape Cod Rail Trail follows a former railroad line for 25 miles through the towns of Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet. Its smoothly-paved surface, few hills, and well-marked street crossings make it ideal for cyclists of any ability. If you look carefully as you ride along the trail, you can still see occasional relics of the Cape’s rail days.
There are many opportunities to get off the trail and visit a beach. Food and water are also readily available and public restrooms can be found at Nickerson State Park, Salt Pond Visitors Center at Cape Cod National Seashore and the National Seashore Headquarters. If you do not have a bike, bike rentals are available at many points along the way. For people with disabilities, a limited number of hand-cycles are available for rent at specific bike concessions.
Directions:
Free parking for trail users is available at:
• The trailhead at Route 134 in South Dennis
• Headwaters Road in Harwich
• Route 137 in Brewster
• Nickerson State Park in Brewster
• Orleans Center
• Cape Cod National Seashore at the Salt Pond Visitors Center in Eastham, one-half mile from the Locust Road intersection with the trail
• National Seashore at Marconi Area
• The trailhead at LeCount Hollow Road in South Wellfleet
LOWER CAPE
Nickerson State Park Network
Length: 8 miles
Trail Type: Unpaved
Skill Level: Moderate to Difficult
Brewster’s Nickerson State Park’s 1900 acres includes more than 420 campsites, an amphitheater, eight miles of roads, hiking trails, and ponds stocked year-round with trout. Nickerson’s eight mile bike path connects to the 25 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail. Cape Cod Bay is within walking or bicycling distance. You can swim and canoe at Flax Pond, and birdwatch or catch-and-release fish at Higgins Pond.
The extensive bike trail system at Nickerson is shown in a trail guide available at the Park Store, about one mile down the park road, on the left. Biking Nickerson’s trails can be difficult in spots, with several steep hills and unpaved paths. Beginners can choose a shorter path through the wooded areas. The park has public restrooms, picnic areas, freshwater swimming, and camping.
Directions: From the Sagamore Bridge: Rte. 6 to exit 12 in Orleans, turn left off the ramp onto Rte. 6A West towards Brewster. Continue for about 2 miles. Park Entrance is on left.
Cape Cod National Seashore Network
Length: Varies by trail
Trail Type: Paved and unpaved
Skill Level: Moderate to Difficult
Cape Cod National Seashore comprises 43,604 acres of shoreline and upland landscape features, including a forty-mile long stretch of pristine sandy beach, dozens of clear, deep, and freshwater kettle ponds. A variety of historic structures are within the boundary of the Seashore, including lighthouses, a lifesaving station, and numerous Cape Cod style houses. The Seashore offers six swimming beaches, eleven self-guiding nature trails, and a variety of picnic areas and scenic overlooks.
The biking trails in the National Seashore include the Salt Pond Trail, the Provincelands Trails, and the Head of the Meadow Trail.
The Salt Pond Trail:
This rolling trail offers many views of Coast Guard Beach and the old Coast Guard Station. The path follows a wooded bridge over the Nauset Marshes, ending on a bluff at Coast Guard Beach. The Salt Pond Trail is moderately difficult, winding over many rolling hills. Bike racks are provided at Coast Guard Beach.
The Provincelands Trails:
These difficult trails wind through approximately seven miles of hilly terrain, passing over the soft dunes of Provincetown. Beach access is found at Herring Cove and Race Point. The Provincelands Visitor Center offers an observation platform with breathtaking views of the surrounding land and sea.
The Head of the Meadow Trail:
This level, four-mile trail takes you along the edge of the Salt Meadow to the Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro. This is a short but pleasant trail, with picnic tables and beach access. The trail runs between the high land of Truro and the sandier dunes to the north.
Directions: Parking is located at the Salt Pond Visitor Center off Route 6 in Eastham. Just bear right at the signs for the National Seashore (heading east) and immediately turn right again into the lot, which is adjacent to the Nauset Marsh Trail entrance.
THE ISLANDS
The bicycle is an ideal vehicle for the Vineyard. Most island roads are level and the scenery makes the ride all the more enjoyable.
Manuel F. Correllus State Forest, Martha’s Vineyard
Length: 6 miles
Trail Type: Unpaved
Skill Level: Moderate
The trails of Correllus State Forest offer a change from the flat streets of Martha’s Vineyard. These unpaved trails wind through a vast scrub oak and pine forest.
The forest occupies over 5,100 acres in the center of the island. It was created in 1908, and today it is used mostly hiking and cycling on its miles of paths. Even during peak summer months, the forest typically remains relatively quiet, and is a perfect place to find a shady spot to spend the afternoon.
Directions: Vineyard Haven/Edgartown Rd., right on Barnes Rd., park on left.
Nantucket Island
Length: Varies by path
Trail Type: Paved
Skill Level: Easy
Nantucket is a bike lover’s dream. Paved bike paths radiate out from the center of town to the various beaches. The paths run about 6.2 miles west to Madaket, 3.5 miles south to Surfside, and 8.2 miles east to Siasconset. Bike racks are available at most beaches.
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© David Gallagher 2005.
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