The Cape Cod Rail Trail

On your left! Some extend the courtesy, some don’t, so it’s best to look over your shoulder before any sudden moves.

Lauren and I weren't out to set any land speed records the day before Memorial Day – just a leisurely ride along what was once the Old Colony Railway Company. Opened in 1978, The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs 22 miles from Dennis to Wellfleet, with an extra side trip to Chatham. It's good exercise and a great way to surround yourself with the natural beauty of Cape Cod’s forests, cranberry bogs, kettle ponds and parks.

There are several places to park your car and hop on the trail. We picked it up in Dennis where it begins (or ends - depending where you started), and there just happens to be a bike shop there where you can buy or rent bikes, get repairs done, or perhaps pick up a shiny horn and tassels for your handle bars. There are many other bike shops along the trail, so not to fret if you pop a tire and don’t have a spare.

We decided to ride on a day that was perhaps the best weather to ride in: mostly overcast, sprinkled a little in the middle and then sunny towards the end of our ride. We had no particular goal or distance in mind. We just thought we would go until we felt half exhausted and turn around. We made it all the way to Nickerson State Park in Brewster before I realized that I was actually about three-quarters exhausted, and that the pace back was going to be a little more relaxed. Lauren boasted that she could have ridden straight on to Provincetown. Not to be outdone, I said “Yeah, me too, but I think I left the iron on.” All in all it was a 22 mile trip.

That day was particularly fragrant on the trail – we couldn’t figure out what it was, but it smelled like Indian Soap. And most of the trees had burst to life by this time, so there was a nice canopy of green above us along most of the trail. The birds seemed extra chirpy that day, too. Maybe it’s just because we had such a long, long, long, long winter (be it known to out-of-state-ers – we are coming off of a year long winter with about 60 feet of snow. No lie.) They were very cheerful and filled us with glee. Yes, glee.

There had been some work done along the trail in the last couple of years. A new walking path with guide maps is now accessible along the trail. Several sandwich and/or ice cream shops have cut paths to the trail, so you can find and access them easily. We stopped for lunch at such a sandwich shop, “Local Flavor” in Brewster. There are also new informational plaques along the trail to educate on the fish and wildlife in the area.

If you’ve never been on a bike trail (you can also walk and rollerblade the trail) it’s a good idea to read over the rules of the road found at every parking lot. There are a lot of roads to cross along the way, so take caution. And while on the trail, and you plan to pass someone – signal with “On your left!” so they know you’re coming. Bring water, bring a camera, and bring your sense of wonderment for the great outdoors. If you were like us this winter – stuck in the house under 100 feet of snow – you will truly appreciate this scenic ride!



For more information, visit: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/ccrt.htm