Nauset Bike Trail
The Nauset Bike Trail is a 1.6-mile paved path in Eastham from the Salt Pond Visitor Center to Coast Guard Beach, run by the National Park Service. It's the easiest way to ride from the Cape Cod Rail Trail to an ocean beach: the visitor center is about half a mile from the rail trail's Locust Road crossing.
Out and back it's 3.2 miles, with some short hills and curves. The Park Service rates it intermediate, a step up from the flat rail trail but much gentler than the Province Lands loop in Provincetown.
Nauset Bike Trail at a Glance
Getting There From the Cape Cod Rail Trail
In Eastham, leave the rail trail at Locust Road, between mile markers 16 and 17, and follow it about half a mile to the Salt Pond Visitor Center at 50 Nauset Road. DCR lists the visitor center as a free rail trail parking lot, so you can also drive there and start both rides from the same car. See all rail trail lots.
Where to Park
- Salt Pond Visitor Center: the main start, free, open year-round.
- Doane Picnic Area: a 2-hour parking limit.
- Coast Guard Beach: seasonal fees. In summer there's no drop-off at the beach; the Park Service uses satellite parking and a shuttle.
The Ride
From the visitor center the path heads east past the Doane picnic area to Coast Guard Beach. The Park Service notes the trail was recently repaved and links to several walking trails, including the paved, wheelchair-accessible Doane Trail loop and the Nauset Marsh Trail. Bikes aren't allowed on those walking trails, so lock up if you want to walk one.
Coast Guard Beach is a big Atlantic beach with sunrise views, accessible restrooms and changing rooms. National Seashore beach fees apply from late spring to early fall, paid at the fee booth by card or mobile payment.
Salt Pond Visitor Center
The visitor center is open year-round, daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (5 p.m. in summer), phone 508-255-3421. It has a park store run by Eastern National, and it's where you reserve free beach fire permits for Coast Guard, Nauset Light and Marconi beaches. It doesn't sell beach passes.
Good For, and Maybe Skip If
- Good for a beach detour on a rail trail day, especially for families riding from Orleans or Eastham.
- Good for a short ride with a reward at the end: the ocean.
- Maybe skip it with a dog in summer: pets are allowed on the Nauset trail only from November 1 to April 30. The Park Service's Head of the Meadow trail in Truro allows leashed pets all year (see all Cape bike trails).
Rules to Know
Wear a helmet; Massachusetts requires one for riders 16 and under, and the Park Service asks everyone to wear one. Ride single file, pass on the left after calling out, and walk bikes through tunnels and underpasses. E-bikes with working pedals are allowed, but not riding on the motor alone. Details for every trail are on our rules page.
Nauset Bike Trail FAQ
How long is the Nauset Bike Trail?
1.6 miles one way and 3.2 miles out and back, between the Salt Pond Visitor Center and Coast Guard Beach in Eastham.
Does the Nauset Bike Trail connect to the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
Not directly, but it's close. Leave the rail trail at Locust Road in Eastham and ride about half a mile to the Salt Pond Visitor Center, where the Nauset trail starts.
Where do you park for the Nauset Bike Trail?
At the Salt Pond Visitor Center (free), the Doane Picnic Area (2-hour limit) or Coast Guard Beach (seasonal fee).
Are dogs allowed on the Nauset Bike Trail?
Only from November 1 to April 30, on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Is the Nauset Bike Trail hard?
No, but it isn't flat. The National Park Service rates it intermediate, with some hills and curves.