Cape Cod is a dream destination for couples and families, rife with oceanside spaces, great restaurants, and outdoor activities to keep even the busiest bees happy. Surf, sunshine, and fresh air; that’s what we’re all about.
If you’re planning a little R and R in our cozy little nook of the East, we’ve got some of the best bike trails and paths to satisfy beginners, seasoned cycle veterans, and everyone in-between.
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is just one of the cycle-tastic offerings you can expect if you stay at the Blue Hydrangea Beach Cottage or other vacation rental properties in the surrounding area.
Read on to find out more about this historic, beautiful bike path.
The Cape Cod Rail Trail
The Cape Cod Rail Trail (CCRT) is a paved bike trail that stretches 25 miles from Dennis to Wellfleet. Its relatively flat grade makes it an easy ride and offers stunning views of the area’s local scenery and natural landscapes. It winds around many local points of interest, including several beautiful kettle ponds. Of all the regional bike paths, the CCTR is the most popular and versatile. It’s a safe and fun way to while away a Cape Cod summer day and is very family-friendly.
Because of its smooth surface (similar to gravel asphalt), it’s the ideal path for cyclists and walkers, runners, and rollerblading enthusiasts. If you can’t bring your bike from home, that’s not a problem; bike shops up conveniently adjacent to the trail in Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster, Orleans, and Wellfleet offer bike rentals.
History
The trail is named a throwback to the area’s rich history. The trail follows an old railroad right of way that began at the original trailhead in South Dennis. The train carried passengers and cargo to Cape Cod way back in the early 1800s until its decommissioning and removal in the 1960s. The CCRT is managed by the MA Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR). Riding along the trail, you’ll come through many recreational areas, including Nickerson State Park in Brewster; perfect spots for a picnic!
Brewster Area Paths
In the Brewster area, forests, cranberry ponds, and bogs are all on the menu as you cruise the Rail Trail. The CCRT is mostly sheltered from the wind and is accessible through many antrance points across the region, including the intersection of Route 137 and Underpass Road (where you’ll find a convenient parking area). In East Brewster, the Rail Trail intersects with 8 miles of further biking paths throughout Nickerson Park, for a fun detour and further exploration of the State Park (and access to the campground, if you’re of mind to pitch a tent in the great outdoors!).
These 8 paths–with quaint names like Mother’s Bog, Crosby Landing and Huckleberry Hill–boast treks that vary from 0.2 miles to 2.5 miles round-trip. Whether you have an hour or an afternoon, you’ll find a bike trail that suits your fancy. Grab a handy map of the Trail, available in the Information Center, located at 2198 Main Street in Brewster’s Town Hall and open daily from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
The Old Colony Rail Trail
Moderately trafficked and featuring a lake, the Old Colony Rail Trail is accessible near South Dennis and stretches for 12 miles all the way to Chatham. Available year-round, it’s perfect for cyclists of all skill levels as well as walkers, runners and rollerbladers. Dogs are welcome on the trail as long as they are leashed. Barb’s Bike Shop in Dennis is the place to go for bike rentals and parking.
The trail winds its way serenely through quiet, quaint Cape Cod towns on peaceful residential streets. After taking bikers on a meandering ride through wooded backyards, this bike path also joins up with the CCRT and offers a shortcut into the Island Pond Conservation Lands (perfect for a walk or hike). Parking is available on either side of Depot Road.
Cyclists looking for a relaxing, fun activity that allows you to see the sights and enjoy the fresh summer air of a Cape Cod day have some exquisite choices when it comes to bike paths and other outdoor activities. It’s not hard to combine an active hobby with enjoying some local scenery and spending quality time with your loved ones.
Looking to spend some vacation time in beautiful, friendly Cape Cod? Our Blue Hydrangea Cottage is perfect for families and couples looking to make the most of their time on the Jersey Shore. Book your rental today and enjoy proximity to some of the area’s best attractions and amenities that make our properties feel like home.
