Cape Cod Bike Trails
The Cape Cod Rail Trail (CCRT) is a paved bike path running 25 miles from Yarmouth to Wellfleet, MA. The terrain is fairly level with some minor grades along certain stretches of the Lower/Outer Cape sections, specifically in Orleans and Wellfleet. Without a doubt, CCRT offers the widest variety of scenery and natural landscapes among all our regional Cape Cod bike trails.
This path stretches from South Yarmouth all the way to Maurice’s Campground in Wellfleet. The name stems from an old railroad track it follows which transported passengers and freight from the early 1800s until around 1960. CCRT is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR). It passes by numerous points of interest through each town and several kettle ponds, along with Nickerson State Park in Brewster.
CCRT is a safe and enjoyable way to spend a Cape Cod summer day. Passing through the towns of Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet, its smooth pavement is iperfect for bikes and other non-motorized modes of transport.
CCRT Extension
As of Fall 2022, Mass DCR has finished construction on Phase II of the Cape Cod Rail Trail extension. This project erected bridges over Route 134 in S. Dennis and Station Ave. in S. Yarmouth. A third bridge to span Bass River and 3.7 miles of new paved was also built, along with new overflow parking at the original Dennis Town Hall lot on Old Bass River Rd. Additionally, a new parking area with facilities adjacent to Yarmouth Commons shopping plaza was added for access to the Station Ave. bridge.
Phase II includes an at-grade crossing at North Main Street in Yarmouth and new paved trail to the Bass River bike bridge.
Phase III adds a bike bridge over Willow St. plus crossings at Forest and West Yarmouth roads. Scheduled to begin construction in 2023, the 4.4-mile expansion will cost $9.5 million, most coming from state and federal funding. It extends Yarmouth’s path into Barnstable with a new spur connecting Mary Dunn Road to Independence Park. Accordingly, parking lots will be built at Mary Dunn Road, Higgins Crowell Road and Bayberry Hills Golf Course.
Most recently, the Wellfleet DCR trail extension from Lecount Hollow Road to Maurice’s Campground near Oriole Lane has been completed. The next phase of that project extending the path to Truro is currently still under development.
Trail Rules
• MA state law requires helmets for cyclists ages 16 and under
• Stay to the right and in single file
• Alert others if you’re going to pass
• Always pass on the left
• Dismount bikes when crossing roadways
• Educate your children – they should know these rules
• Watch for hazards like potholes, gravel and storm grates
• Be visible – wear bright clothing and use reflectors
• No children under age 1 may ride in a baby seat
• Please don’t litter
• Nickerson State Park trails reside within official MA DCR parklands
Local Resources
Below are some Cape Cod regional bicycling resources – please report any broken hyperlinks to us ASAP!