Issue link: http://summerguide.uberflip.com/i/1535299
SHINING SEA BIKEWAY The Shining Sea Bikeway was named for the line in the song America The Beautiful, written by Fal- mouth native Katharine Lee Bates. It follows the original route of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad that used to run from Buzzards Bay, through North and West Falmouth, around Woods Hole and into Falmouth Station. In the early 1970's the Town of Falmouth purchased the right of way, tore up the tracks and officially opened the Bikeway in 1975. CAPE COD CANAL BIKEWAY This bikeway follows the Cape Cod Canal through sections of Bourne and Sagamore, respectively. Partially maintained by the Army Corps of En- gineers, it offers fantastic views of the canal's various boat traffic, along with the area's quaint shoreline scenery of unique homes and natural beauty. The path is actually the canal access road, a paved route designated for government vehi- cles, foot traffic and non-motorized vehicles only. It runs for approximately 7 - 8 miles between the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges. Featuring a wide road with minimal grades, it is ideal for beginner to casual cyclists, especially families with young- er children. WEST BARNSTABLE CONSERVATION The Trail of Tears is one of the most popular rid- ing spots on Cape Cod. Located within the West Barnstable Conservation area, it is a 15-mile net- work of twisty rolling singletrack, complete with big ring downhills and short, technical climbs. One of these trails' most amazing attributes is the variety of terrain one can encounter in any given ride. From loamy singletrack with pine needles and roots to hardpack rock gardens and deep soft sand, there's always something to surprise and challenge you around every turn... CAPE COD RAIL TRAIL The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a paved bikeway that runs 28 miles from South Dennis to Wellfleet. The terrain is relatively flat, with some minor grades at certain sections in the Lower and Outer Cape areas, specifically Orleans and Wellfleet. It offers the most variety in scenery and natural Cape landscapes available on all the regional bike routes. NATIONAL SEASHORE NAUSET MARSH Starting at the gateway to the National Seashore, the Nauset Marsh Trail runs 1.5 miles into Nation- al Seashore acreage once inhabited by the Nau- set Indian tribe and early Cape Cod settlers. End- ing at Coast Guard Beach, the trail here provides a panoramic vista of the Atlantic Ocean. NICKERSON STATE PARK NETWORK Located off the Cape Cod Rail Trail in Brewster, Nickerson State Park contains eight miles of dedi- cated bike trails. Offering easy access to picnic ar- eas and campsites, this hilly and scenic network provides an enjoyable ride through beautiful pine and fir tree forests around ponds, lakes and bogs. PROVINCE LANDS This hilly loop starts from the Province Lands Visitor Center in Provincetown. The route is 5 1/4 miles long. But with the trail extensions to Her- ring Cove Beach, Race Point Beach and Bennet Pond, two more miles can be added to your dis- tance. Riding the trail is a great way to tour the vast dune system in the Province Lands area, as well as its shady Beech Forest, one of the few places within the tract with extensive tree cover. FOR TRAIL DETAILS, OTHER TRAILS, MAPS AND MORE INFORMATION Visit: www.capecodbikeguide.com PAVED BIKE PATHS ON CAPE COD www.summerguidecapecod.com 78