Your Complete Woods Hole, Cape Cod Bike Guide

Your Complete Woods Hole, Cape Cod Bike Guide

Sure, Cape Cod is beloved for its beaches, lighthouses, seafood, charming towns and so much more. But the Cape is a true treasure for its biking trails and community.

Best yet, you don’t have to be an experienced cyclist to enjoy all that the bikeways have to offer. Cape Cod’s bike paths, scenic byways, and mountain biking trails cater to total bike enthusiasts and absolute beginners and leisure lovers.

Ready to experience the Cape on two wheels, with the wind in your hair, and from a whole different perspective? Let us help you plan your Cape Cod biking adventures.

What kind of ride are you interested in? Flat? Hilly? Smooth? Twisty? Challenging?

With a vast variety of scenic and stimulating biking trails to choose from – many offering gorgeous vistas along the way – you can enjoy the natural beauty of Cape Cod any way you’d like.

Here are the different kinds of biking routes you’ll find spread out on the Cape:

• Mountain Biking – Cape Cod offers hundreds of miles of awesome, off-pavement mountain bike trails, many wandering through marshlands and forests.
• Bike Paths and Trails – In total, there are 114 miles of smooth, dedicated bike paths on Cape Cod for all cyclists to cruise on.
• Road Biking – For roadsters, there are quiet and scenic back roads and byways that wind through quaint Cape Cod villages and stunning coastal vistas.

Cape Cod Biking Events

Biking on Cape Cod is so big that there a several cycling clubs for all levels of bikers.

The Cape Cod Cycling Club consistently has a packed calendar of rides for members and individuals who are just visiting.

You should also check out Sea Sport Cyclery & Outdoor, as they have information on rides and events, including weekly group rides.

Cape Cod Bike Shops

Don’t worry about bringing your own bike. Along most trails, bikes can be rented from the numerous bike shops on Cape Cod. If you’re bringing your own, you can get your bike tuned up at the shops, too.

Here are a few shops we recommend checking out:

• Bike Shops in Falmouth
  Art’s Bike Shop
  Bike Zone
• Bike Shop in Buzzards Bay
  Canal Cruisers Bicycles
  Sailworld Cape Cod
• Bike Shops in Hyannis
  Sea Sports Cape Cod
  Bike Zone
• Bike Shops in Osterville
  Corner Cycle
• Bike Shops in Yarmouth
  Bike Zone

Suggested Packing List

Whether you plan to bike occasionally or everyday of your Cape Cod trip, don’t forget to pack these biking essentials:

• A helmet (while you can rent bikes once you get here, it’s best to bring your own helmet to ensure a great fit and your utmost comfort)
• A reusable water bottle (we suggest one that fits most bike bottle holders)
• Bike or close-toed shoes
• Socks
• Cycling layers (windbreaker, rain jacket, sleeves, leggings, etc. – weather dependent)
• Bike shorts
• Bike gloves
• Sweat bands/caps/bandana
• Easy to eat snacks while cycling
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Camera

Shining Sea Bikeway (10.7 miles)

Paved & Off-Road Trails

Arguably one of the most popular biking trails on Cape Cod is the Shining Sea Bikeway, a 10.7-mile paved pathway from the Steamship Authority ferry terminal in Woods Hole to North Falmouth.

• The majority of the bikeway hugs the shoreline, winding along the Vineyard Sound coast and providing views of Buzzards Bay.
• You and your family or group can also run, walk or skate on the path, too.
• This bikeway winds along the beach, past cranberry bogs and harbors, and through marshes and the Salt Pond Bird Sanctuary.

Province Lands Trail (7¼ miles)

Paved Loop

This challenging, hilly trail runs through the majestic dunes leading to Herring Cove and Race Point Beaches in Provincetown.

• There are several entry areas.
• There are trail extensions to Herring Cove Beach, Race Point Beach and Bennet Pond that allow two more miles to be added to the trail distance.
• The paved network traverses through the vast majority of the Province Lands’ 4,000 wild acres.
• You will ride over the Provincetown dunes, see cranberry bogs and marshes, pedal along the edges of saltwater kettle ponds, and marvel at expansive shore views.

Head of the Meadow Trail (2 miles)

Paved Loop

This relatively easy trail is ideal for any age. Head of the Meadow Bike Trail can be accessed through Head of the Meadow Beach parking area or High Head Road in Truro.

• Head of the Meadow Bike Trail is one of three bike trails included as part of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

Nauset Marsh Trail (1.6 miles)

Paved Loop

Recently paved, the Nauset Bike Trail begins in Eastham at the Salt Pond Visitors Center or Doane Rock Picnic area. The trail runs to Coast Guard Beach and intersects with the Cape Cod Rail Trail.

• There are several entry areas.
• This trail rides through groves of cedar, pine and oak trees and rolling countryside’s, and you can enjoy a panoramic vista of the Atlantic Ocean, too.
• You can visit the Doane Memorial from the trail.
• You will cross the marsh overlooking Salt Pond.

Nickerson State Park Trail (various)

Paved Trails

Nickerson State Park has several biking trails and a forest environment with a hilly terrain. Most trails are perfect for a leisurely bike ride through the woods.

• Nickerson State Park contains 8 miles of dedicated bike trails.
• The trail system is a hilly and scenic network that rides through incredible pine and fir tree forests around ponds, lakes and bogs.
• You can easily access picnic areas and campsites from the trails.

Cape Cod Rail Trail (25-miles)

Paved Trail

As an amazing bike path system, the Cape Cod Rail Trail follows the route of the old Cape Cod Railroad right of way through six mid- to lower-Cape towns.

• There are several entry areas, with the main trailhead in South Dennis, just minutes from Route 6 on Route 134.
• Cape Cod Rail Trail passes by many local points of interest and several lakes suitable for swimming and picnics, including Nickerson State Park in Brewster.
• Continuously monitored by local police bike patrols, the Cape Cod Rail Trail is a safe and enjoyable bike path.

Trail of Tears (21-miles)

Off-Road Bike Trail

Located within the West Barnstable Conservation area, the Trail of Tears’ trail system is a network of twisty, rolling, single-track (a type of mountain biking trail that is approximately the width of the bike) paths and big ring downhills and short, technical climbs.

• The Trail of Tears delivers twisting, difficult terrain to ride on.
• Cyclists enjoy single-track trails with pine needles and roots to hardpack rock gardens and deep soft sand.

Cape Cod Canal Bike Paths (14.2 miles)

Paved & Off-Road Trails

Running along both sides of the man-made Cape Cod Canal, the Cape Cod Canal Bike Path features a wide road with minimal grades and smooth concrete.

• Riding the Cape Cod Canal Bike Path delivers bikers beautiful sea breezes and views of never-ending ship and boat traffic through the canal.
• There are several spots to stop, rest, eat and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Take a Cool Down Lap Around the Ever-So Quaint and Well-Preserved Peninsula of Woods Hole

From easy access to jumping on the Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket ferry to devouring incredible Cape Cod food, dipping your toes (or entire body) in the waters beside the iconic lighthouse at Nobska Beach, learning at the world-famous Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, and so much more, Woods Hole is a sincere Cape Cod gem.

Best yet, Woods Hole is home to accommodations that are within walking distance to all Woods Hole attractions and works hard to cater to your family’s needs. Learn more:

In Between Rides, Rest at the Sands of Time Inn & Harbor House

At the Sands of Time Inn and Harbor House, you and your family or riding group can choose between two distinct styles of accommodations that overlook gardens or the blue waters of the harbor and Vineyard Sound.

Whatever your preferences and needs, let us know how we can make your stay comfortable and convenient. As our guests, we can’t wait to make your stay in Woods Hole, Cape Cod one to remember for a lifetime.

Book your stay along the Shining Sea Bikeway or contact us today to get your questions answered and receive further assistance in planning your biking Cape Cod trip.

If you’re ready to book your stay at the Sands of Time Inn and Harbor House, you can quickly and easily complete your reservation online today: