How long is the Cape Cod Rail Trail?

The main Cape Cod Rail Trail runs about 25 to 26 miles, depending on whether the Yarmouth extension and trailhead approach paths are included. For planning purposes, 25 miles is the most reliable working number for the main route from South Yarmouth to Wellfleet.

Does the Cape Cod Rail Trail go to Chatham?

Not directly. Chatham connects to the Cape Cod Rail Trail through the Old Colony Rail Trail, an approximately 8-mile paved route from Depot Road in Chatham to the CCRT bike rotary in Harwich.

Where should I park for the Cape Cod Rail Trail from Chatham?

The best starting point for Chatham visitors is the free parking lot at the elementary school on Depot Road, across from the Chatham fire station and adjacent to Veterans Field. Restrooms are available a short walk away at the Chatham Community Center.

Is the trail good for families with young children?

Yes. The Cape Cod Rail Trail and most of the Old Colony Rail Trail are paved, flat, and well-maintained, making them suitable for riders of all ages and experience levels. Families with very young riders may prefer to start at Brooks Park in Harwich to access the off-road sections directly.

Can I ride the trail on an e-bike?

Yes. Class 2 compliant e-bikes are permitted on the trail, and the 15 mph trail speed limit applies to e-bike riders. Massachusetts law prohibits anyone under 16 from operating an e-bike on public ways.

Where does the Cape Cod Rail Trail start and end?

The main Cape Cod Rail Trail runs from South Yarmouth to Wellfleet. It passes through Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, and Wellfleet.

What is the prettiest part of the Cape Cod Rail Trail?

Nickerson State Park in Brewster is one of the standout scenic stops, with freshwater kettle ponds, pine and oak forest, and dedicated paved bike paths connected to the Rail Trail. Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham and the Bass River Bridge in Dennis also offer memorable scenery.

Are there bathrooms on the Cape Cod Rail Trail?

Yes. Restrooms are available near several access points, including the Chatham Community Center near the Depot Road trailhead, Brooks Park in Harwich in season, Nickerson State Park, and Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham.

Is the Cape Cod Rail Trail flat?

Yes. The Cape Cod Rail Trail is paved and largely flat, with only gentle elevation changes. The Old Colony Rail Trail connector is also mostly flat, though it has a few hills and some on-road sections near Chatham.

Can you walk dogs on Cape Cod Rail Trail?

Yes. Dogs are allowed on leash throughout the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Owners should keep dogs leashed at all times and clean up after them at every stop.

Where to stop along Cape Cod Rail Trail?

Popular stops along the Cape Cod Rail Trail include Nickerson State Park in Brewster, Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham, the Bass River Bridge in Dennis, and downtown Chatham via the Old Colony Rail Trail connector. Brooks Park in Harwich is a practical family stop with restrooms, water, and a playground in season.

Why do bikers say "on your left"?

Bikers say "on your left" to signal audibly before passing another trail user. It is standard trail etiquette on shared-use paths like the Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Cape Cod Rail Trail: Must-See Stops on the Chatham Bike Trail

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is one of the most popular cycling routes in New England, covering about 25 to 26 miles of paved, flat path through seven Cape Cod towns from South Yarmouth to Wellfleet. Chatham visitors access the trail through the Old Colony Rail Trail, an 8-mile paved connector that runs from Depot Road in Chatham to the CCRT bike rotary in Harwich.

Whether you are planning a short family ride, a half-day scenic loop, or a full-day cross-Cape adventure, this guide covers everything you need to know: where to start in Chatham, how the Old Colony connection works, where to park, where to rent bikes, which stops are worth your time, and what to do before and after your ride.

What Is the Cape Cod Rail Trail?

The Cape Cod Rail Trail follows the grade of a former freight railroad that carried passengers and cargo across the Lower Cape in the 1800s.

Today, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages the paved multi-use path, which runs through Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, and Wellfleet. The surface is smooth asphalt, the terrain is largely flat with gentle elevation changes, and the trail is open to cyclists, walkers, runners, in-line skaters, and wheelchair users. Dogs are allowed on a leash throughout.

The CCRT is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Bike rentals are available from seasonal shops near several trailheads. Hand-cycles for riders with accessibility needs can be reserved at select concessions along the route. The speed limit on the trail is 15 mph, enforced primarily on honor and trail etiquette.

How Chatham Connects to the Cape Cod Rail Trail

The main CCRT does not pass through Chatham directly. Instead, the town connects to the broader trail system through the Old Colony Rail Trail, named after the Old Colony Railroad Company that originally operated this line in the late 1800s. The Old Colony Rail Trail is approximately 8 miles long and runs from Depot Road in the center of Chatham westward to the CCRT bike rotary in Harwich, where it meets the main trail heading north toward Dennis and Brewster.

Starting at Depot Road puts riders just a short walk from Veterans Field, the home diamond of the Chatham Anglers baseball team of the Cape Cod Baseball League. Across the street from the trailhead, the elementary school lot provides free parking.

Restrooms are available a short walk down the hill at the Chatham Community Center, and there is a large playground on site, making this one of the most family-friendly trailheads on the entire Cape Cod rail trail system.

The Old Colony Rail Trail Route from Chatham to Harwich

The first 1.5 miles of the Old Colony Rail Trail travel along quiet residential streets with light vehicular activity. Once you leave the on-road sections behind, the trail transitions to a dedicated off-road path that runs through pitch pine and oak forest, past residential areas in South Harwich, and along the perimeter of Chatham Municipal Airport.

That airport stretch offers an unexpected bonus: clear sightlines to small aircraft landing and taking off, which younger riders especially enjoy.

As you cross from Chatham into Harwich, a granite boundary marker announces the town line. Continuing west, the route passes Brooks Park in Harwich Center at approximately 0.9 miles from the Route 39 crossing.

Brooks Park has restrooms and a water bottle fill station available in season, making it a natural mid-ride stop. From Brooks Park, it is roughly 1.2 miles to the roundabout where the Old Colony Rail Trail meets the Cape Cod Rail Trail, opening up access to the full CCRT system in both directions.

Cape Cod Rail Trail Quick Facts

Before heading out, here is what you need to know at a glance:

Trail length: About 25 to 26 miles on the main CCRT, plus 8 miles on the Old Colony connector from Chatham
Surface: Paved asphalt, relatively flat with minor elevation changes
Towns covered (CCRT): Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet
Chatham connector: Old Colony Rail Trail, approximately 8 miles from Depot Road to the Harwich bike rotary
Hours: Open sunrise to sunset, year-round
Speed limit: 15 mph
Dogs: Allowed on leash throughout
E-bikes: Class 2 compliant e-bikes are allowed; Massachusetts law prohibits riders under 16 from operating e-bikes on public ways
Wheelchair accessibility: Trail is paved and largely flat; hand-cycles available at select concessions
Free parking: Available at all major trailheads (see section below for locations)
Nickerson State Park parking: Fee-based from Memorial Day through October 31

Best Ride Options for Chatham Visitors

Not everyone wants to ride all 25-plus miles in one go. Here are three practical ride plans based on how much time and distance you want to cover.

Short Family Ride: Chatham to Brooks Park and Back

Distance: About 5 to 6 miles round trip.

Start at the Depot Road trailhead near Veterans Field, ride the 8-mile Old Colony connector to Brooks Park in Harwich Center, and turn around. This route stays mostly off-road after the first 1.5 miles, the terrain is flat, and Brooks Park offers restrooms, water, and a playground for a midpoint break. This is the best option for young children or first-time trail visitors.

Half-Day Scenic Ride: Chatham to Nickerson State Park

Distance: About 22 to 24 miles round trip from Depot Road.

Take the Old Colony connector to the CCRT bike rotary, then head north on the CCRT through Dennis toward Brewster. Nickerson State Park in Brewster sits at roughly mile 11.6 from the Dennis trailhead at Route 134. The park covers 1,900 acres of pine and oak forest with eight freshwater kettle ponds for swimming, including Flax Pond and Seymour Pond. After a swim break, riders can return the same way or loop back through Harwich.

Full-Day Ride: Chatham to the Cape Cod National Seashore

Distance: About 30 to 34 miles round trip from Depot Road.

This route takes in the full Old Colony connector, continues north on the CCRT through Brewster and Orleans, and ends at the Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham on the edge of the Cape Cod National Seashore. The National Seashore visitor center has restrooms, parking, educational exhibits on the region's coastal history, and access to the Nauset Bike Trail, which leads to Coast Guard Beach. This is an all-day commitment best suited to experienced cyclists.

Parking and Access Points Along the Trail

The DCR provides free parking at multiple trailheads along the main CCRT. Here are the primary options, listed from east (Chatham) to west (Wellfleet):

Chatham / Depot Road: Free parking in the elementary school lot across from Veterans Field; restrooms nearby at the Chatham Community Center
Brooks Park, Harwich Center: Free parking on Oak Street; restrooms and water available in season
Headwaters Drive, Harwich: Free parking at the main CCRT trailhead off Route 124
Route 134, South Dennis: Main CCRT western access point; free parking at the lot just past Theophilis Smith Road
Station Avenue, South Yarmouth: Free parking near the trail's Yarmouth extension; convenient shopping plaza nearby with facilities
Route 137, Brewster: Free parking at the Brewster trailhead
Underpass Road, Brewster: Free parking at the Rail Trail Bike and Kayak shop, with direct trail access to Nickerson State Park
Orleans Center (Old Colony Way): Free parking in Orleans; adjacent to rental options and dining
Salt Pond Visitor Center, Eastham: Free parking for trail users at the Cape Cod National Seashore entrance
Marconi Area, National Seashore: Free parking for trail users at this National Seashore access point
LeCount Hollow Road, South Wellfleet: Free parking at the northern end of the trail near the General Store

Nickerson State Park in Brewster charges a parking fee from Memorial Day through October 31: $5 for Massachusetts residents and $20 for non-residents. The smaller of the park's two lots, which holds about 15 to 20 cars, is designated specifically for Cape Cod Rail Trail users and is often the better choice for avoiding the main park crowds during peak season.

Where to Rent Bikes Near Chatham

Riders who do not bring their own bikes have several rental options near Chatham and along the CCRT:

Chatham: Check the biking in Chatham page for current rental shop listings near downtown
East Harwich and Harwich Center: Several shops near the CCRT-Old Colony junction offer standard and e-bike rentals
Brewster: Rail Trail Bike and Kayak at 302 Underpass Road sits directly on the CCRT and rents pedal bikes, e-bikes, tandem bikes, kids trailers, adult trikes, kayaks, and paddleboards
Orleans: Shops near the Orleans Center trailhead rent standard and electric bikes; combined starts here work well for a one-way ride back toward Chatham

Hand-cycles for accessibility are available at select concessions; call Nickerson State Park at 508-896-3491 for current availability. E-bike renters should note the 15 mph trail speed limit applies regardless of the bike's maximum speed capability. Massachusetts law also prohibits anyone under 16 from operating an e-bike on public ways, including trail segments that cross roads.

Must-See Stops Along the Cape Cod Rail Trail

Nickerson State Park, Brewster

Nickerson State Park is the crown jewel of the CCRT corridor. The park's 1,900 acres contain eight freshwater kettle ponds formed by glaciers, eight miles of dedicated paved bike paths that connect directly to the Rail Trail, more than 400 campsites, and consistent wildlife sightings including fox, osprey, red-tailed hawks, and white-tailed deer.

Seymour Pond sits directly on the trail and offers freshwater swimming with a sandy bottom. This is the single best mid-ride stop for families or anyone on a longer ride.

Salt Pond Visitor Center, Eastham

Operated by the National Park Service as part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, the Salt Pond Visitor Center provides free exhibits on the Cape's natural and maritime history, restrooms, and access to the Nauset Bike Trail leading to Coast Guard Beach.

The National Seashore manages the protected barrier beach and dune landscape surrounding the trail in Eastham, and this stop rewards riders who make it past the halfway mark.

Bass River Bridge, Dennis

The Bass River Bridge crossing in Dennis is one of the more scenic moments on the early stretch of the CCRT. The trail crosses above the tidal Bass River, offering views of marsh grasses and watercraft below. It is a brief but memorable visual pause before the forest sections continue north toward Brewster.

Downtown Chatham Detour

Riders finishing the Old Colony Trail from the Harwich end can continue east into Chatham rather than turning around at Depot Road. From the Depot Road trailhead, it is a short ride along Crowell Road and the Chatham Bike Route, a marked on-road cycling path, to reach the Chatham Lighthouse, Main Street, Oyster Pond, and views of the open Atlantic across the Chatham Bars. This detour connects scenic landmarks in Chatham with the trail experience and works well as a post-ride exploration on foot.

Trail Safety and Etiquette

The CCRT and Old Colony Rail Trail are shared-use paths. Following these rules keeps the ride safe and enjoyable for everyone:

Stay to the right at all times unless overtaking another user
Signal audibly before passing; a spoken "on your left" is standard practice
Obey the 15 mph speed limit; this applies to all users including e-bike riders
Stop completely at road crossings before proceeding; several Old Colony crossings, including the Route 39 crossing in Harwich, require extra caution
Wear a helmet; Massachusetts law requires helmets for riders under 16, but experienced adult riders also strongly recommend them on shared paths
Keep dogs leashed at all times; clean up after your pet at every stop
Carry out all trash; no facilities exist between major trailheads for disposal

The Old Colony Rail Trail contains a few hills that may be challenging for very young or inexperienced riders, particularly in the on-road Chatham sections. The full Chatham loop via on-road routes to the Lighthouse is rated moderate and is not recommended for young children on bikes.

What to Do After Your Ride in Chatham

Finishing a ride at the Depot Road trailhead in Chatham puts you steps from some of the best things to do in town. Here is how to extend the day:

Beaches: Chatham has a full roster of ocean and bay swimming spots, from family-friendly coves to open Atlantic surf. Browse the complete Chatham beaches guide to find the right beach for your group after a morning on the trail.
Dining: From casual waterfront lobster rolls to sit-down seafood dinners on Main Street, Chatham's food scene is one of the best on the Lower Cape. The Chatham dining guide covers current hours and options across the town.
Lodging: If you are staying overnight before or after a trail day, where to stay in Chatham lists current accommodation options from inns and B&Bs to vacation rentals near the trailhead.
Parks and playgrounds: Riders with children can head from the Depot Road trailhead directly to Veterans Field or explore additional green spaces across the town. See the Chatham parks and playgrounds guide for locations.

Turn the Cape Cod Rail Trail into a Full Chatham Day

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is one of the easiest ways to explore the Lower Cape by bike, and Chatham’s Old Colony Rail Trail connection makes it simple to join the main route from town. Riders can keep the day short with a family-friendly trip to Brooks Park, continue toward Nickerson State Park, or build a full-day ride toward the Cape Cod National Seashore.

For a Chatham-based ride, start near downtown Chatham and use the biking in Chatham guide to find rental shops, route ideas, and local cycling resources. Families can pair the trail with Veterans Field, nearby parks and playgrounds, or more things to do in Chatham MA with kids.

After your ride, turn the trail day into a wider Chatham itinerary. Cool off at Oyster Pond, visit Chatham Lighthouse, follow the Shore Road scenic drive, or plan time at one of Chatham’s beaches. For food afterward, use the Chatham dining guide to find casual post-ride meals, seafood spots, and Main Street restaurants.

Before heading out, check your route distance, bring water, follow the 15 mph trail speed limit, and plan extra time for road crossings. Whether you ride five miles or thirty, the Cape Cod Rail Trail gives visitors a flat, scenic, and practical way to connect Chatham with the wider Cape.