Cape Cod Rail Trail
About
The Cape Cod Rail Trail offers 22 miles of smooth, paved pathways perfect for family bike rides through some of Cape Cod's most beautiful scenery. This flat, car-free trail winds past cranberry bogs, kettle ponds, and charming Cape towns, making it ideal for families with young cyclists or those pulling kids in bike trailers. The gentle terrain and multiple access points mean you can customize your ride to match your family's energy level.
Highlights
- ✓Flat, paved surface perfect for beginners and young cyclists
- ✓Swimming opportunities at multiple pond access points along the trail
- ✓Passing through charming Cape Cod towns with ice cream shops and playgrounds
- ✓Wildlife spotting including turtles, birds, and occasional deer
- ✓Connection to Nickerson State Park with additional trails and camping
Pro Tips
- 1.Rent bikes from shops near the Nickerson State Park entrance where there's ample free parking and easy trail access
- 2.Start early in summer (before 9am) to avoid crowds and midday heat, especially on weekends
- 3.Pack a picnic and stop at one of the scenic ponds like Long Pond or Hinckleys Pond for swimming breaks
- 4.Download an offline trail map as cell service can be spotty in wooded sections
- 5.The section between Dennis and Harwich is most family-friendly with plenty of rest stops and fewer road crossings
Best Time to Visit
Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) offer perfect weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful foliage. Weekday mornings are ideal for families wanting a more peaceful experience, while summer weekends get very busy.
What to Know
The trail is completely free to use with multiple parking areas along the route (some free, some paid in summer). Several bike rental shops are located near main access points, and there are restrooms at Nickerson State Park and some towns along the way.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, but most popular April through October. Summer (July-August) brings peak crowds. Fall offers stunning cranberry bog colors. Winter riding is possible on mild days but expect fewer services and some icy patches.
Nearby Eats
Stop at Cobie's in Brewster for famous clam rolls and fried seafood with outdoor picnic seating, or visit Hot Chocolate Sparrow in Orleans for kid-friendly sandwiches, cookies, and their signature hot chocolate.
More Activities Near Cape Cod
Cotuit Kettleers
Experience authentic Cape Cod summer tradition at Cotuit Kettleers baseball games, where college players compete in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League. With wallet-friendly admission, a laid-back atmosphere on the grass or bleachers, and games that move at a perfect pace for kids, it's an ideal way to spend a warm summer evening without the hassle or expense of professional ballparks.
Gull Pond Landing Beach
Gull Pond Landing Beach offers the perfect freshwater alternative to ocean swimming on Cape Cod, with calm, crystal-clear waters that are ideal for nervous or beginning swimmers. The sandy beach and shallow entry make it especially welcoming for families with young children, while on-duty lifeguards give parents extra peace of mind during summer fun.
Chatham Fish Pier Viewing Deck
The Chatham Fish Pier Viewing Deck offers kids an authentic, working waterfront experience where they can watch fishermen unload their daily catch, spot seals lounging on the nearby sandbars, and observe seabirds swooping for fish scraps. This free attraction provides an educational glimpse into Cape Cod's maritime heritage while offering stunning harbor views that captivate children and adults alike.
Nickerson State Park
Nickerson State Park is a family outdoor paradise on Cape Cod featuring eight pristine freshwater ponds perfect for safe swimming with kids, miles of easy hiking and biking trails, and excellent camping facilities. With over 1,900 acres to explore, families can spend entire days fishing, paddling, picnicking, and discovering nature together in this beautifully maintained state park.