Cape Cod Rail Trail FAQ
Quick answers to the questions people ask most about the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Each answer is short; the full details are on the pages for parking, length and start points, bike rentals, rules, hours and fees and extensions.
The Basics
How long is the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
25 to 26 miles, from South Yarmouth to South Wellfleet. DCR describes it as both a 25-mile and a 26-mile trail; older guides say 22 miles, its length before the Yarmouth extension.
Where does the Cape Cod Rail Trail start and end?
It starts at the Station Avenue trailhead in South Yarmouth and ends just past LeCount Hollow Road in South Wellfleet, at the edge of Wellfleet Hollow State Campground.
Which towns does the Cape Cod Rail Trail go through?
Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet.
Who runs the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), from the Nickerson State Park office in Brewster, (508) 896-3491.
Is the Cape Cod Rail Trail paved and flat?
Yes, it's paved the whole way and mostly flat because it follows an old railroad bed. Expect many road crossings and a few tunnels.
When did the Cape Cod Rail Trail open?
Officially on September 25, 1981. A first 7-mile section from Brewster to Eastham opened unofficially in October 1980.
Cost, Hours and Parking
Is the Cape Cod Rail Trail free?
Yes. Riding is free, and parking is free at every DCR lot except Nickerson State Park, which charges $5 for Massachusetts plates and $20 for others in season.
What are the Cape Cod Rail Trail hours?
Sunrise to sunset, every day of the year. DCR says riding outside those hours with lights is at your own risk.
Where is the best place to park for the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
For a ride in both directions, park in the middle: Route 137 in Brewster or Orleans Center. For the whole trail, start at Station Avenue in South Yarmouth or LeCount Hollow Road in South Wellfleet.
Is the Cape Cod Rail Trail open in winter?
Yes. DCR lists no closing season and includes cross-country skiing among its activities. Many shops and restrooms are seasonal.
Riding
How long does it take to bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
About two and a half hours one way at an easy 10 mph without stops. Most people ride a 10- to 20-mile round trip instead.
What is the best section of the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
For woods and ponds, Brewster through Nickerson State Park. For marsh views and a beach detour, Orleans to Eastham with the Nauset Bike Trail to Coast Guard Beach.
Can you rent a bike on the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
Yes. Shops beside the trail in Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich, Brewster and Orleans rent bikes and e-bikes.
What is the speed limit on the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
15 mph, set by DCR.
Do you need a helmet?
Massachusetts law requires one for riders 16 and under. DCR recommends one for everybody.
Are e-bikes allowed on the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
DCR's trail page doesn't state an e-bike rule, and shops on the trail rent e-bikes for it. The 15 mph limit applies to all riders.
Dogs, Walking and Accessibility
Are dogs allowed on the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
Yes. DCR lists the trail as dog-friendly. Keep dogs leashed, close when bikes pass, and pick up after them.
Can you walk or run on the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
Yes. DCR lists running and walking along with biking, in-line skating, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.
Is the Cape Cod Rail Trail wheelchair accessible?
DCR lists it as wheelchair accessible, with accessible bike paths and hand-cycles available. Call the Nickerson office about hand-cycles.
Connections and Other Trails
Does the Cape Cod Rail Trail go to Provincetown?
No. It ends in South Wellfleet. DCR dropped a planned link to Route 6 in 2021. Provincetown has its own Province Lands Bike Trail.
Does the Cape Cod Rail Trail go to Chatham?
Through the Old Colony Rail Trail, which branches off at the Harwich bike rotary and runs 8 miles to Chatham center.
Is the Shining Sea Bikeway part of the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
No. It's a separate 10.7-mile path in Falmouth, run by the town, from Woods Hole to North Falmouth.
Is the Cape Cod Rail Trail being extended?
Yes, west into Barnstable. A roughly 4-mile section from Yarmouth to Mary Dunn Road is scheduled to finish in 2031.
Can you camp on the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
Not on the trail itself, but Nickerson State Park in Brewster has more than 400 campsites beside it.