Cape Cod Rail Trail
A former railroad carries cyclists and walkers through pine woods, cranberry country, ponds, town centers, and links toward Cape beaches.
Artwork inspired by Arthur Wesley Dow
A former railroad carries cyclists and walkers through pine woods, cranberry country, ponds, town centers, and links toward Cape beaches. The trail reveals Cape Cod away from Route 6 and the ocean bluff. Rail geometry, glacial terrain, village commerce, road crossings, and spur trails create a practical regional corridor.
Choose a segment around one town rather than assuming an out-and-back across the entire trail. Summer crossings are busy; carry repair supplies and confirm bike-rental return times. The route mixes families, fast cyclists, walkers, and road intersections. Announce passing and do not assume water or repairs are available off-season.
- Length
- About 25 miles
- Surface
- Mostly paved
- Towns
- Dennis through Wellfleet
Quick guide
- Choose a midpoint
- A one-way shuttle avoids doubling the distance.
- Slow at crossings
- Road traffic interrupts the rail corridor.
Know before you go
- Choose a midpoint
- A one-way shuttle avoids doubling the distance.
- Slow at crossings
- Road traffic interrupts the rail corridor.
- Add one spur
- Ponds and beaches expand the route.
- Plan for headwind
- Cape weather can reverse the easy leg.
Good to know
The route mixes families, fast cyclists, walkers, and road intersections. Announce passing and do not assume water or repairs are available off-season.
Notice these
- Nickerson connection
- Orleans trail center
- Pine-forest corridor