Biking

Biking is the “unofficial” sport of summer on the Cape!

The Cape is a beautiful place to explore on bicycle. Scenic bike paths stretch across the peninsula, providing a wonderful excuse to explore the unique landscape of Cape Cod. Older kids will love to burn off energy on the bike paths, while bike trailers, carts, and the new “alleycats” (imitation tandems which hook on to an adult bike) can help little kids last longer on the trail. These and all sorts of other bikes and accessories are available for rent at the Cape’s many bike stores.

A reminder: Massachusetts state law (and common sense) mandate helmets on all children 16 and under riding on public roadways.

Here’s a sampling of our favorite bike trails:

The Nauset Trail in Eastham is 1.6 miles from Salt Pond Visitor Center to Coast Guard Beach.

In Truro, try the Head of the Meadow Trail that runs 2 miles through marshlands and dunes. Access at High Head Road or at the Head of the Meadow Beach lot.  

The Provincetown Provincelands Bike Trail is a 7-mile loop that rolls through dunes, marshes, bogs, and woodlands, past Herring Cove and Race Point beaches. Access at National Seashore’s Provincelands Visitor Center (free parking).

The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs over the old tracks of the Cape Cod Railroad, this scenic path starts in Yarmouth and continues for 25 miles all the way to Wellfleet. Access points include Route 124 in Harwich, Route 137 at Underpass Rd in Brewster, Main Street in Orleans and LeCount Hollow Road in Wellfleet (by South Wellfleet General Store).The Chatham extension of the Rail Trail provides 7.5 miles of paved trail from Crowell Road in Chatham to a bike rotary in Harwich. Access Route 137 near Route 28 intersection and on Wilifred Road, Chatham.