Cape Cod Rail Trail
Cape Cod Rail Trail
4.5
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This bike path runs 25 miles, from Dennis to Wellfleet.
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- SteveDGTNorthborough, Massachusetts702 contributionsA Must Do when on the capeThis is a must do for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Paved trail that connects towns, with east on and east off for restaurants, ice cream, and even Nickerson State Park. Beautiful in the morning when less crowded and can really enjoy nature. Fantastic views too!Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 18, 2023
- ogerkanNew York City, New York4,742 contributionsExcellent trail for running and bikingPicked up the trail in Dennis and ran up to thru Harwich. The trail is in excellent condition as is pretty scenic. A few road crossings here and there. Plenty of parking in Dennis. Wish I brought my bike!Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 2, 2023
- UPNorthguy41990Beulah, Michigan275 contributionsWonderful pathwayBeautiful trail that my family used for a run. The 6-7 mile section we ran on was mostly tree covered and well maintained. Plenty of use from bikers, runners, and walkers, but not so busy you cant navigate easily. We started at the national park visitor center and ran it to the end parking lot trailhead.Visited July 2023Written July 12, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
462 reviews
Excellent
354
Very good
86
Average
17
Poor
3
Terrible
2
jaseaton
Silver Spring, MD2,586 contributions
Jul 2020 • Solo
The Rail Trail is one of many bike trails that criss-cross the Cape. Entirely flat (or nearly so), it runs for miles and offers stretches in sun & shade. The number of people is down considerably due to a Covid, but people are good about slipping on masks when distancing isn’t possible. If what you want is to spend a couple of hours in the outdoors without too much physical strain, the bike trail is perfect. And if you plan so your rude ends by the Hit Chocolate Sparrow in Orleans, you’ll have a little piece of heaven.
Written July 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jrousseau10
Andover, MA31 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
The whole family loved the rail trail experience. We always felt safe with the two lanes and well lit street crossings. Bridges and tunnels to cross main roads. Gradual inclines and declines meant it was never strenuous. We went about 6 or 7 miles from Nickerson State Park west towards Brewster and beyond. Passed some lovely lakes if you want to take a break from the ride. Highly recommended as an off-season activity.
Written April 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph H
Beavercreek, OH1,441 contributions
Oct 2021
My wife and I rented a VRBO in Brewster MA that is one block off the Cape Cod Rail Trail (CCRT). We walked about two miles one-way on the CCRT heading south/west. We met many bikers on the trail, as well as several other walkers. Very well maintained. Not much foliage color change yet (as of 20 Oct 2021).
Written October 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sandi s
Berwyn, IL134 contributions
Jul 2022
The CCRT is a don't miss if you are visiting the cape. We rented bikes in Dennis right off the trail and were on our way! it is very well maintained, easy to navigate and an beautiful enjoyable ride. I am not an avid bike rider but found this very doable. There are several road crossings, all well marked and the cars stop for bikers. I think depending on what time of year you go makes a difference on the scenery but it was nice and shaded with a good breeze which was great! Plus we love the First Crush Winery's turbo wine slushies, a must have in my opinion, and the winery is literally right off the trail (marked with a sign and a balloon!). Stopped for a little drink and snack and back on our way! loved it.
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mooredominic
Rutland, MA127 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Nice ride through paved trails. We ( myself and boys aged 4 and 5) joined in Brewster and rode a couple of miles before returning. Suitable for bikes with training wheels. Easy trail parking. In the words of my 4 year old ‘me like this’. Will be returning soon
Written July 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrucknerPacific
Maplewood, NJ60 contributions
Jul 2020
I love to cycle and was really looking forward to exploring the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Over the course of my weeklong vacation on the Cape this summer, I rode the entire length of the trail - one day I rode 50 miles. It is well-maintained, cool and flat. It's really a treasure and a model for other rail trails.
Written October 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ElleandThom
Alexandria, VA26 contributions
Sep 2020
This is a lovely, mostly flat ride through forested areas of the Cape (although it also crosses multiple roadways in multiple towns - but cars are very good about stopping for bikers on the path, so I wouldn’t worry if you have kids). We started at mile 0 in Dennis (at Barb’s Bike Shop, very nice) and went up to Nickerson State Park, stopping at JT’s Seafood in Brewster for clam chowder about halfway through. There’s a nice place to stop near Long Pond with benches and sand.
Written September 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amarpuri90
Mumbai, India125 contributions
Jul 2019
We rode around 15 miles and it’s mostly flat with beautiful scenery. You can easily rent bikes at the Dennis Cycle Center. They charge you at the end of your ride. You pass many gorgeous views and you can stop to take pictures. I would highly recommend to this anyone.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bden99
Manchester, NH1,222 contributions
Sep 2020
We have ridden the entire trail, much of it multiple times. On this occasion we began at Nickerson State park and rode to Yarmouth. The scenery is generally good. There are some road crossings which all have crosswalks and most have flashing lights. I have to say that most people here are very good about stopping. The trail gets fairly busy but most people follow the rules. Like anywhere there are some who think they own the trail and ride like idiots. The trail is fairly level which makes it good for families.
Written September 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tara508
Wayland, MA28 contributions
Aug 2020
Want to see seals and possibly sharks while on a bike trail? The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a must when visiting cape cod! A wonderful way to explore the Cape, breathe in the salt air, capture some unique wildlife and perspective. The Trail is often shaded from the sun, and occupied enough that if you ever need help there is plenty of people willing to assist.Favorite part was reaching Wellfleet, beautiful surf and dunes. Here we often see the beautiful black harbor seals playing and feeding in the surf. Great white sharks can at times be seen patrolling close to shore, so do not swim if the seals are in the water to be on the safe side.Also enjoyed watching the cormorants drying their wings along the wires..overlooking the tidal marshes.There are restrooms and restaurants along the trails, or pack a picnic lunch..Bring water. We rent bikes with baskets for ease and comfort, and the electric bikes are a life saver for long treks. For best nature and smooth seas to view seals, early morning and sunset are best!
Written May 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meg B
Scotland, UK13 contributions
Looking to cycle for about 3 hours all in....where is the best place to start to get the best views. Staying near Hyannis but have a car so can drive. Also wheres the best place to rent bikes?? 🚲🚲
kathyksandiego
6 contributions
Hi, I asked this question of a couple of Bike Rental shops and they told be Brewster. Lots of deep shaded paved paths and a few cute towns too. Don’t think you could go wrong in any section. Would love to ride the whole trail some day.
sunstarsun
128 contributions
Where do pick up trail in Harwich?
Tina J
boston57 contributions
We picked it up eastham. Just look on a map. It's pretty clear
michelyn318
Newington, CT313 contributions
Are there any restrooms along the path?
PRomans
Marne, MI11 contributions
Yes, there are several stops with restrooms.
MaryAnn P
Pine Bush, New York, United States96 contributions
Where can you rent bikes for this trail?
Oversized
London, UK67 contributions
We rented from Idle Times. Worked very well. Their rates were lower than the places in Chatham, at least for road bikes, and they had a great selection. We were able to rent from one location and return to another. Bikes came with tire irons and a spare tube which my son needed to use.
Richard c
Centerville, MA26 contributions
Hi Pat,
I think you rode the Cape Cod Canal Bike Path and not the Cape Cod Rail Trail. The Canal path runs between Sandwich and Bourne, while the Rail Trail runs between Dennis and Wellfleet. It's an easy mistake to make!
Enforcerann
Buffalo, NY3 contributions
Is the bike path 22 miles one way or round trip
Jeff S
99 contributions
One way and about to get longer
Ittay D
Rishon Lezion, Israel20 contributions
Is there a place to rent bikes if I just want to ride in one direction (so I rent at shop A and drop the bikes at shop B)?
Pat H
Las Vegas, NV18 contributions
Hi, I'm not sure about this. You would have to call bike shops and find out if they have multiple locations. I rented at a shop in Wellsfleet, Little Capistrano, and biked the trail 11 miles in to Brewster and then 11 miles back to return the bike to the same shop (i was able to return the bike after they closed). If you can't find a shop that allows pick up in one location and return to another, I suggest you figure what part of the trail you want to bike and rent nearby and plan the trip accordingly. Orleans is pretty central and there is a bike shop there. You could then go either direction and easily get back to Orleans.
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Claim your listingCape Cod Rail Trail - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Cape Cod Rail Trail
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Cape Cod Rail Trail Information
Excellent Reviews | 354 |
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Very Good Reviews | 86 |
Cape Cod Rail Trail Photos | 111 |