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Bike Route · Yarmouth to Wellfleet, Cape Cod

Cape Cod Rail Trail

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a 25.5-mile paved rail-trail running the length of the outer Cape from South Yarmouth to Wellfleet. Smooth, flat and fully paved, it is one of the most family-friendly rides in New England.

Distance
25.5 miles (41 km)
Surface
Paved asphalt
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
25.5 miles (41 km)
Surface
Paved asphalt
Difficulty
Easy
Elevation
Flat, mostly level
Endpoints
South Yarmouth to Wellfleet
Parking
Trailheads at Yarmouth (Station Ave) and Wellfleet, plus points between
Best for
Family day rides and paved, car-free cruising
The map

Overview map via OpenStreetMap. Open the full map →

Overview

The trail links seven towns, Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet, passing cranberry bogs, kettle ponds, salt marshes and easy detours to beaches and ice-cream stops.

What to expect

A wide, paved surface suitable for any bike, including road bikes, hybrids and kids bikes. It is popular with families, so expect a relaxed pace and shared use with walkers and inline skaters.

Mostly flat and shaded in stretches, with road crossings through town centres. Numerous spurs connect to Nickerson State Park, the Old Colony Rail Trail and beaches.

Plenty of services: bike rentals, cafes, seafood shacks and swimming stops are never far away, which makes it easy to ride as short out-and-back segments.

Best time to ride

Late spring and early autumn (May to June, September to October) offer warm days without peak summer crowds and traffic.

July and August are beautiful but busy; ride early to beat both the heat and the crowds. The paved surface also makes shoulder-season and even winter riding straightforward when clear.

What to bring

Rail-trails are remote between towns. These links go to Amazon; as an affiliate we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

Spare tube & tire levers . The nearest bike shop can be many miles away on a rail-trail.
Mini pump or CO2 . Reinflate after a flat without waiting for help.
Water / hydration pack . Water sources are spread out between towns.
Padded shorts . Long flat miles are easier on a comfortable saddle contact.
Bike lights . Tunnels and tree cover get dark even in daylight.
Sunscreen & snacks . Open stretches offer little shade; fuel every hour.
FAQ

Cape Cod Rail Trail FAQ

The main trail is 25.5 miles from South Yarmouth to Wellfleet. With connecting spurs such as the Old Colony Rail Trail and the Chatham branch, you can extend the ride further.

Yes, it is fully paved and mostly flat, which makes it suitable for road bikes, hybrids, families with children and casual riders.

Common trailheads with parking include Station Avenue in South Yarmouth (near US 6 exit 75), Nickerson State Park in Brewster, and the Wellfleet trailhead at LeCount Hollow Road.

Yes, several rental shops sit right on or near the trail in Dennis, Brewster and Orleans, offering bikes for adults and children as well as trailers.

Very much so. It is flat, paved and car-free apart from marked road crossings, with frequent stops for snacks and beaches, which makes it a favourite family ride on the Cape.

Plan your ride

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