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What began as dirt roads on either side of the canal, the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway now boasts paved service roads running for 13.9 miles through Barnstable County. Although there is no easy off-road route to cross the canal, each side of the bikeway offers a unique experience for trail users.
About the Route
Leaving from the visitor center in Buzzards Bay on the north side of the canal, the trail passes by recreational areas, including access to a short stone-surface trail in an open space nature preserve. In 0.6 miles this figure eight trail also features playground equipment, including a zip line and parcourse. Located just before and just after the Bourne Bridge, 1.3 miles into the trail, are RV camps with grills and recreational areas.
The trail offers scenic views of the canal and chances to watch native birds scouting for fish or spot rabbits hopping across the trail. After passing under the Sagamore Bridge, 4.7 miles into the trail, trail users will soon reach the northern trailhead at the Scusset Beach State Reservation (7.1 miles from the visitor center). Sand dunes and grasses waving in the breeze mark the way to the picnic area, swimming beach, and rocky peninsula for walking at the end of the trail. From the Tidal Flats Recreation Area in Bourne on the south side, trail users can head north through a parking lot and pass the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge on the left. Interpretive signage shares the story and purpose of the railroad bridge.
Canalside residential houses offer local charm on the right, while open views of the canal and Bourne Bridge (1.5 miles into the trail) dominate to the left. After the bridge, the trail leaves the residential neighborhoods behind and becomes abundant with trees and wildlife. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the path is its use as an access point for recreational fishing along the shore of the canal. Many bicyclists even have fishing pole carriers on their bicycles.
After passing under the Sagamore Bridge 4.7 miles into the trail, the trail parallels the Cape Cod Central Railroad; trail users can see the ties of the rail line to your right. Near the end of the trail (6.4 miles from the Tidal Flats Recreation Area in Bourne) is an industrial area with a power plant and pipelines on the right and industrial docks on the left. Not long after, trail users will reach Sandwich Marina Park, where the trail reaches its eastern end at 6.7 miles. Here, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center, where they can learn more about the history and natural area. The sprawling marina offers multiple dining options—perfect after a trail ride—and is a close bike ride into town if trail users want to explore Sandwich Marina Park further.
Trail History
Though the idea for a Cape Cod Canal goes back to the settlers of Plymouth Colony, the waterway didn’t begin construction until 1909. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers took over the operation and maintenance of the canal in 1928.
0.6 miles into the trail is trailside access to the Aptucxet Trading Post Museum. Settlers founded the trading post in 1627 to trade with American Indians and the Dutch for essential goods such as salt, sugar, and furs to pay off the debt incurred to reach Massachusetts.
The Cape Cod Canal Bikeway runs between the Buzzards Bay Recreation Center and Scusset Beach Rd. on the northern side. On the south side, the Bikeway runs between the Tidal Flats Recreation Center and the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center.
Parking is available on the northern side at:
Parking is available on the southern side at:
Please see TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
Beautiful trail if you're on the cape nice getaway following the canal wonderful restaurants at the end on the sandwich side
Observations:
1. Plenty of bikers, walkers, strollers, dogs, etc. but not overwhelming
2. Yes, it is just under 7 miles each way
3. From maps you would think the two bridges over the canal would offer opportunities to bike to the other side. Having crossed on one of these by car there are 3 or 4 reasons why I feel neither would be a good/fun choice. Best to go & return on the same side.
4. It's along a canal. OK, no surprise and interesting history. However the scenery doesn't really vary and apart from a few cormorants here and there not much is going on wildlife wise.
5. We combined this ride with a walk thru the Heritage Museum & Gardens in Sandwich. A botanical delight that included a fascinating antique car exhibit.
Can’t ask for a better trail to ride. I love the coastal views!
Check the weather for this one, it’s always beautiful and I come here often for inline skating. The wind can play a huge factor! If you’re looking for a good challenge skating this is a good spot. Often times it will balance out, Windy and tough one way but smooth and quick the other. Overall I enjoying coming here and start at the Sagamore bridge, go down to the train bridge, make a loop at buzzards bay park, then make my way back.
Perfect place for bike riding. I’m one who does not like to bike on streets and this is the perfect place. Two paths on both sides of canal. Biked both and they’re both great. Parking at either end on both sides. Will definitely be back.
Took me about 20-30 miniutes from train bridge to water with a short break for water and picture, but on the way back I found my self exerting more energy and moving foward less and less. The wind was blowing me back and took over an hour the same distance that took me around 30 miniutes the other way. Overall great ride just a heads up.
It was a beautiful, easy ride from the bay to the point, and a hardcore workout on the way back! You see, it was fine weather with the wind to our back from the bay, but as soon as we hit the point, it started raining and we were heading into the wind in the way back, so it was. It an easy ride, but sure was a great workout!! Definitely check the weather when you are headed there- it was sunny and warm at home, but 63 and foggy when we arrived...tho no prediction of rain . We’re definitely going back again.
Always a pleasant ride. Flat, paved, scenic a really pleasant ride. Plenty of places to stop and take in the sights.
This paved, scenic route is easy and breezy! Go on a hot day, and you will still feel refreshed! We have seen seals, mink, sunfish and even a baby humpback whale in the canal. This is a great trainer path for early spring or people who are starting out. Either side of the canal is a great ride. Just stay to the right, signal to pass, and enjoy the miles of view!
I enjoyed this bikeway very much. You end at a beach what can be better than that. Was the right amount of challenge but if you go at a slower pace can be peaceful with plenty to see
My friend and I began our bike ride at the Buzzards Bay Recreation Area. We biked the entire length of the canal, to Scusset Beach. (about 7 miles) We parked our bikes and walked to the beach, took a swim then headed back. On the way back we stopped at the Herring Run parking lot, crossed the street and had an amazing Lobster Roll at Barlow's Clam Shack! It was a perfect day! There is an amazing splash pad at the Buzzards Bay Recreation Area, perfect for families! And its free! I am going to bring my grandson next time for sure!
smooth enough for rollers, large enough also.
Markings on the ground every half mile with the distance from start (in both direction)
Parking on both side of the 6.5 Miles trail.
People fishing on th side, catching sea monsters ...
Flat and fast, very scenic.
Great trail. Mostly flat.
Trail goes over canal on one of the bridges. I didn't bother.
Lots of boats, Fisherman, just plain folks exercising.
Birds, Birds, and more Birds. Mostly off path.
Most bikes (modified to carry fishing gear) ridden by older gentlemen looking for a spot to cast their lines. Only saw one fish being pulled in.
The pace is SLOW...
In this case The Corps of Engineers are spending their money wisely.
I was disappointed in this ride because the distance given is 13 miles, but that is round trip. When I do training rides I usually like a distance on the order of 25 miles. I also drove almost two hours to get to the trailhead near the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
The trail is not a total bust. The northern trail is very suitable for a family outing. You can spend time at Scusset Beach for a picnic or snack before heading back to the trailhead. There are racks where you can lock your bikes while exploring the dunes and beach.
Be courteous and cautious because the trail has a lot of pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
There's a lot of history to be discovered along this trail. The trail is paved and in great condition. There are no vehicles allowed accept for park rangers and maintenance. Its a great place to see local wildlife. The scenic views are located along the canal with many opportunities for some great picture taking. Good place for everyone of all levels and physical condition. I really enjoyed riding the canal.
Love this Trail. Get for a family day, I bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the wonderful views.
After riding 4 rail trails on the Cape, this one is my least favorite. I say that because it's not particularly scenic. The highlight is the railroad bridge in Buzzards Bay. That being said, this trail is good for training, as there are no road crossings to contend with on the Cape side. There is plenty of parking near the railroad bridge on either side of the canal. The RTC site's directions are to the Bourne Bridge parking area. If you want to start at the railroad bridge, continue further down Shore Rd. until you cross the railroad tracks.
have been doing this one quite a long time...beautiful ride, along the canal, though always seem to have a head wind on way back to Buzzards Bay, I start at train bridge.. if its in the summer time you can spend some time at Scusset beach.. its very nice there... somewhat crowded on weekend but not too bad..worth a try...also has nice facilities etc.
It was a last minute decision to ride the Cape Cod Canal. Crossing both the Bourne and Sagamore bridges with a side trip to Mashnee Island made this a 25 mile easy ride on a beautiful day.
A short ride from the southern canal entrance brought me to the access for bikers and walkers to cross the Bourne Bridge to the cape side of the canal. From there it's necessary to back track a bit to get to Mashnee Island and the southern terminus, across the canal from Mass Maritime Academy. Here is where I came across a very old cemetery that has people who were born in the seventeen hundreds. One of the lesser known history items of this area is The King Phillip War in the 1690s. Many familiar names from that war are common around these parts. Narragansett, Pocaset, and Cataumet are but a few of the common names of that era.
Read more by copy and pasting the link below.
http://amidnightrider.blogspot.com/2013/09/cape-cod-canal-end-to-end-both-sides.html
Glorious ride year round.Just be prepared for the head winds.
If you have the time and end at Buzzards Bay end,be sure to take the extra time to tour the UMass Maritime Academy campus.Gorgeous and impressive!!
We did a day trip here last weekend. We started on the Bay of Cape Cod,riding against the wind. The views are breath taking. Not living near the ocean, it was a delight to take in all the sights that God created for us. We marveled at the fisherman, how their bikes were all rigged to hold their fishing poles and their catch of the day. Quite a sight. We met many friendly people along the way & runners. As we approached the end we had the pleasure to watch the draw bridge lower for the train, then raise again. One question... It has on the map this trail is 13 miles long, are you counting both sides of the trail?
Massachusetts has the best Trails! Beats Connecticut hands down.
This is a great getaway, long weekend trip so you can take in all that the Cape has to offer!
We will be back to ride the Cape side next time!!!
Mel & Sandy
Ashford CT
I highly recommend starting your ride on the East or Cape side of the canal, at the parking lot near Buzzard's Bay and the 1935 vertical-lift railroad bridge. The bridge is really a stunning piece of architecture up close. (Be careful, though. I was under the impression that the line was abandoned, but it was in fact an active railroad on 8/31/13, at least.) You can see the Main Cape branch line curving off north and the Falmouth branch curving away south just past the bridge. About a mile from the bridge is the Aptucxet Museum, which has a antique windmill, a former railway depot building, colonial artifacts, all kinds of interesting things. A mile or so further north, you'll come to the Bourne bridge, which has the Bourne Recreation Area under it on this side, with restrooms and picnic tables and tourist information. (By contrast, the Sagamore bridge on this side has a construction site and a porta-potty at present, so the Bourne is your picnic bridge.) As you ride along, you will see an occasional large stone abutment on either side of the canal. I have no idea if they are left behind from railroads or piers or something else, but they're interesting.) The Cape Cod Bay end of the canal trail on the east side takes you by some industrial facility with warnings about open flame, but past that there's recreational parking again and the end of the bike path. The day we made our ride, we found the return trip to be harder due to the wind coming up the canal from the south. We got back to the rail road bridge just in time to see it lowered! It's quite something to see and hear. Before the bridge came down, boat traffic on the canal stopped and then the bridge lowered and the Cape Flyer passenger train crossed over, bringing tourists back to Boston. (The train seems to have a special section just for bicycles, FYI.) Nice ride. I'd like to try the west side path, but the east side was so much fun, I'm not sure which I'll do next time I drive down.
Nice trail but it can get a little windy. Fun to watch the boats but not much else to see on the trail.
This is a great paved, fairly level trail running along the canal. There are just a few spots requiring some maintenance, otherwise I would've given it a full 5 stars. I rode it yesterday, 5 Nov 11, and though I had to battle the wind on the return trip, it was well worth it. Numerous opportunities for bird and wildlife viewing. Also proud to see our Coast Guard patrolling the canal. The Bourne and Sagamore Bridges offered some great photo ops. Definitely recommend the ride.
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