Rail trail · Massachusetts
Cape Cod Rail Trail
Massachusetts's most iconic rail-trail: 25 miles of paved pathway through six Cape Cod towns, passing salt marshes, kettle ponds, and the Cape Cod National Seashore on a nearly flat former railroad grade.
Length
25 miles
Surface
Paved
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
South Dennis to Wellfleet (South Wellfleet)
Season
Open year-round, sunrise to sunset; peak season is late May through Labor Day; cross-country skiing possible in winter after snowfall
Plan your ride or walk
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is one of New England's best-loved rail-trails, following the bed of the old Old Colony Railroad for 25 paved miles through Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, and Wellfleet. The route passes salt marshes, kettle ponds, and touches the Cape Cod National Seashore near Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham. Bike rentals are available near multiple trailheads, and the trail connects to Nickerson State Park in Brewster, which offers camping. Free parking is available at trailheads in South Yarmouth, South Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, and near the National Seashore. Parking at Nickerson State Park costs $5 for Massachusetts residents and $20 for non-residents from Memorial Day through October 31. Cross-country skiing is allowed in winter.
Getting there
The main managed trailhead is at Nickerson State Park in Brewster (3488 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631; call 508-896-3491). Free trailhead parking is available at Stations Avenue in South Yarmouth, Route 134 in South Dennis, Headwaters Drive in Harwich, Route 137 in Brewster, Orleans Center, and the Cape Cod National Seashore's Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham (about half a mile from the Locust Road intersection with the trail).
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Massachusetts DCR: Cape Cod Rail TrailWhat to bring
Gear keyed to a long, flat trail day: footwear, hydration, sun protection, and a pack sized for the distance.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
The trail is 25 miles point to point from South Dennis to South Wellfleet. A full out-and-back is 50 miles, so most visitors pick a section or use a car shuttle between trailheads.
Is there a fee to use the trail?
The trail itself is free. Parking at Nickerson State Park costs $5 for MA residents and $20 for non-residents from Memorial Day through October 31. Multiple free parking areas are available at other trailheads.
Where can I rent a bike near the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
Bike rental shops are clustered near several trailheads, especially in Brewster and Orleans. The trailhead at Nickerson State Park is a convenient hub with rental operations nearby.
Can I camp along the trail?
Camping is not on the trail itself, but Nickerson State Park in Brewster offers campsites very close to the trail. Reserve well in advance for summer dates at recreation.mass.gov.
More Massachusetts trails
Looking for parks instead? Browse state parks by state.