Off-Road Trails in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Off-road trails throughout the Cape Cod area allow you to explore beaches on dune trails, breathtaking scenery, and villages proud of their seafaring heritage and ancestors that otherwise are hidden from view. Many towns across the United States have converted old railroad beds into walking or bike trails, and Cape Cod is no exception.

  1. Cape Cod Rail Trail

    • The Cape Cod Rail Trail is located in the mid-Cape area in southeastern Massachusetts, and spans over 25 miles crossing through Brewster's Nickerson State Park via off-road trail access into Orleans's Rock Harbor where you can sample the catch of the day for lunch or dinner. The fishing fleet sails in twice a day delivering fresh clams and lobster, bluefish, tuna, shark, flounder and of course, cod. Along the trail, there are small restaurants, water fountains where you can fill your water bottle and public restrooms accessible at Nickerson State Park, Salt Pond Visitors Center at Cape Cod National Seashore and the National Seashore Headquarters. Bike rentals are available at various stops along the way. Some rental bike concession areas offer hand-cycles for people with disabilities, although the availability of bikes are limited. The Cape Cod Rail Trail surface is paved with a few hills and trees creating shade along the way. The wide, unpaved shoulder running along the trail accommodates horseback riders.

    Nauset Trail

    • Access points to Nauset Trail begin at Salt Pond Visitor Center parking area and the Eastham Doane Rock picnic area near Coast Guard Beach. The trail is 1.6 miles long, with curves and small hills and three public restrooms available located at the two access points and at Coast Guard Beach. There are three areas along the bike path marked as areas of caution. Be sure to yield to pedestrians and horses, ride single file until you exit a caution area and stay to the right except when passing. All cyclists must walk their bikes through tunnels.

    Head of Meadow Trail

    • There are no restroom facilities or picnic areas available on Head of Meadow Trail. On a hot day be sure to fill water bottles before you begin the journey. There are two access points, the Head of the Meadow Beach at High Head Road and the beach parking area in the town of Truro. The trail is distance is 2 miles long with no marked caution areas.

    Province Land Trail

    • Province Land Trail is a 5.45-mile loop trail with junctions to main roads to view the cornucopia of local attractions. Beech Forest parking area, Province Lands Visitor Center, Race Point Beach parking area and Herring Cove Beach parking area are the access points to Province Land trail. Beach fees may apply at Herring Cove Beach and Race Point Beach. Three public restrooms are available along the trail with a picnic area located at Beech Forest. The trail contains an array of sharp curves, steep hills and low tunnels, and certain areas may have sand or sand mounds covering the trail created unexpectedly on windy days. Use caution and remain alert on this trail to avoid possible injury to yourself and others.