by Jeff Shaw
The Cape Cod Rail Trail, one of the most popular recreational attractions for visitors and locals on Cape Cod, keep growing. For decades, the 26-mile, paved recreational path passed through the towns of Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet (with an extension or spur trail to Chatham). But a vision to connect the current Cape Cod Rail Trail all the way west, to the Cape Cod Canal as well as all the way east, to Provincetown, is more likely than you may think.
In 2018, a 3.7-mile extension to the west opened a new trailhead at Higgins Crowell Road in Yarmouth. Plans to extend the trail further to Mary Dunn Road in Barnstable are underway. Though grainy, this map, courtesy of Friends of the Cape Cod Rail Trail, shows the most updated route and future expansions.
Photo credit: Bob Shaw.
New in 2022, the first mile of a two-mile extension in Wellfleet opened. That first new mile connects the LeCount Hollow Road trailhead to Bittersweet Farm Road, near Wellfleet Hollow Campgrounds. Apparently construction of the second mile of the two mile extension is stalled after public outcry.
Interestingly, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation previously approved a 14-mile shared use path along Route 6 from Main Street in Wellfleet to Shore Road in Truro. Already a preferred biking, running and walking route, Shore Road in Truro parallels Route 6 where it is squeezed by Pilgrim Lake and Cape Cod Bay. The actual sections of the 14-mile shared use path are still being debated.
On the other end of Cape Cod, there are plans to connect the Cape Cod Canal Recreation Path with the Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth. Completing this project would create about 24 miles of uninterrupted trail on the Upper Cape running from Sandwich to Woods Hole. Sounds like a North to South Cape Cod Rail Trail (24 miles vs 30+ miles, respectively)!
Also new, the Old Colony Rail Trail, that previously mentioned extension or spur trail, connecting Chatham and Harwich trail sections, is planning to install a bicycle repair station near Brooks Park (in Harwich) in the fall. The station will have tools on hand for bicyclists to make minor repairs. Additionally, the town is seeking to install a hydration station to refill water bottles, especially helpful, not to mention, an efficient use of time on longer rides. Finally, be on the lookout for Bernie Meggison, a seasonal ranger on patrol and local bike celebrity to answer your questions.
So yeah, there may just be a future where you can walk, bike, run, rollerblade or even skip in delight, the entire length AND width of Cape Cod!
June 17, 2022