Cape Cod Rail Trail

Cape Cod Rail Trail is a paved, point-to-point shared-use route from South Yarmouth to Wellfleet. The through route is about 26 miles one way. DCR rounds it to 25 miles in its overview and 26 in the biking details; the mapped line from Stations Avenue to the Wellfleet end measures 25.98 miles. It is mostly level, and works best as a bike ride: allow about three to four hours of riding, plus stops. Walking the whole route is a full-day commitment, so on foot it's easier to choose an access point and go out and back.

The asphalt path runs through six Cape towns, linking local parks and access points. Busy road crossings and several tunnels break up the easy grades. Around Orleans, the mapped bicycle route uses short on-road links on West Road and Salty Ridge Road, so stay with the signed route through town. Sand, standing water, pavement bumps and low branches can catch a fast rider.

Keep right, signal before passing and stay under the 15 mph speed limit. Cyclists should walk their bikes through tunnels and underpasses. Dogs are allowed. The South Yarmouth start is at the Stations Avenue trailhead; DCR also lists free parking at Route 134 in South Dennis, Headwaters Drive in Harwich, Route 137 in Brewster, Orleans Center, Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham, the Marconi area and LeCount Hollow Road in Wellfleet. A one-way ride needs a pickup or second vehicle. Parking at Nickerson State Park is fee-charged seasonally.