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Cape Cod Rail Trail

Route 134 Trailhead, East-West Dennis Rd, South Dennis, MA 02660 · South Dennis, MA

Why you should go…

Roughly 25 paved miles of former railroad bed roll from Yarmouth to Wellfleet, past cranberry bogs, kettle ponds, salt marshes, and the pine woods of Nickerson State Park. The grade is railroad-flat, making it Cape Cod's favorite family bike ride, with rental shops clustered near the trailheads and spur trails leading toward National Seashore beaches. Free parking lots in South Dennis, Brewster, Eastham, and South Wellfleet make it easy to ride a section at a time.

  • #biking
  • #rail trail
  • #outdoor
  • #family
  • #free

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Cape Cod Rail Trail, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Bass River Kayaks and Paddle Boards

    $25–$50

    Kayak and paddleboard rentals on Cape Cod's Bass River, with gear and instruction included.

    2.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Shark Shark Tuna Fishing Charters

    $50+

    Cape Cod charter fishing for bluefin tuna, striped bass, and even great white shark adventures, sailing from Dennis and Yarmouth harbors.

    2.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    3 Dukes Fishing

    $50+

    Six-passenger charter boat running striper, tuna, and bottom-fishing trips out of Dennis.

    3.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Foodie Favorite

    Cape Cod Lobster Cruises

    $50+

    Lunch, dinner, and sunset cruises on Cape Cod Bay aboard the M/V Lobster Roll.

    3.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Cape Escape Adventure Golf

    Under $25

    An 18-hole nautical-themed mini golf course in Orleans with a lighthouse, koi pond, and waterfall.

    11 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Cape Cod National Seashore

    Free

    Forty miles of protected Atlantic beaches, dunes, and lighthouses, the wild, unspoiled heart of the Cape.

    14 mi awayMore like this