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Cycling route · Hyannis, Massachusetts
Cape Cod Rail Trail
A paved bike path of about 41 km on an old railroad bed, from South Yarmouth to Wellfleet, passing ponds, woodlands, marshes and Cape Cod villages.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cape Cod Rail Trail
The Cape Cod Rail Trail follows the bed of a 19th-century railroad that carried passengers and freight across the peninsula. After trains stopped running, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts bought the corridor and began converting it into a bike path in 1980. Today it has about 41 km of paved trail, from South Yarmouth on the south side to Wellfleet near the Atlantic coast.
The route is flat and crosses seven towns: Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet. It passes through pine woods, glacial freshwater ponds, salt marshes and along village edges, with bike rental shops and cafés near the access points.
In Brewster the trail goes through Nickerson State Park, with ponds for swimming and its own hiking trails. In Eastham it passes near the Salt Pond Visitor Center of the Cape Cod National Seashore, from where paths lead to the Atlantic beaches.
It is used by cyclists, runners and families, and there are benches and rest stops along the way.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From two hours on a short section to a whole day for the entire route.
Best time
From spring through fall, early morning before the heat and crowds. In summer, sections near the villages get crowded on weekends.
How to get there
The trailhead is in South Yarmouth, about 10 km from Hyannis; there are parking areas at several access points along the trail. There is no fee to use the trail; some parking areas charge in summer.
Tip
Choose a section of 15 to 20 km, for example Brewster to Orleans, and stop to swim in one of the ponds. Bring water and sunscreen: there are stretches with no shade.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cape Cod Rail Trail
How long is the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
About 41 km of paved trail, from South Yarmouth to Wellfleet, almost entirely flat.
Where can you rent bikes for the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
There are rental shops near the main access points in Dennis, Brewster, Orleans and Eastham, many right along the trail.
Can you swim near the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
Yes, in freshwater ponds along the route, such as those in Nickerson State Park in Brewster.