Cape Cod has great biking trails

It’s no wonder bikers love the Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Course. You can rent a Freedom Flyer bike right on site and enjoy easy access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which meanders through 26 paved-trail miles of some of the prettiest places on the Cape. The trail runs from South Yarmouth out to Wellfleet, passing by kettle ponds, ocean beaches and through or by several of the Cape’s most charming towns. And when you’re done, it’s back to your luxury resort, perhaps for a dip in one of its five pools or a massage or facial at The Beach House spa. Maybe you’ll want dinner in the cozy Balzo’s Pub or a seasonal cocktail at the Beach Bar, the sunset signaling an end to your active day.

Biking trails are plentiful all over Martha’s Vineyard, as are bike rental and repair shops. Here’s a nice bonus: if you travel farther than your legs can carry you (back home) you can easily pop your bike on the buses of the Vineyard Transit Authority, which serves all of the island. To choose a bike route, see this downloadable Bike Trail Map.

This biking guided, including short descriptions of eight trails and a trail map, is provided by the Martha’s Vineyard commission.
West Chop: In Vineyard Haven, take Main Street past the West Chop Lighthouse and return on Main or Franklin streets. 4 miles.
East Chop: The water route between Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs has a lot of traffic. Take care around Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. 3 miles.
Oak Bluffs to Edgartown: This Beach Road route from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown is well-loved by bicyclists. You will have beautiful views of State Beach and Sengekontacket Pond. The path is narrow and sandy. 6 miles.
Edgartown to Vineyard Haven: Along Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road. 7 miles.
Edgartown to South Beach: Flat and pleasant ride. Take a side trip along paths (equipped with bike racks) on Katama and Herring Creek roads. 7 miles.
State Forest Rides: The bike path that parallels Edgartown-West Tisbury Road enters the State Forest, a 10-mile loop. A shorter loop (3 miles) is in the northeast part of the forest. Both of these loops are accessible from Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven.
Up-Island: The towns of West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah do not have shared use paths. Roads are winding and hilly. Best for the more-skilled bikers.
West Tisbury to Vineyard Haven: A handy detour is the rolling, twisty Lambert’s Cove Road, to West Spring Street.

The Cape Cod Rail Trail follows a former railroad bed for 22 miles through Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet. Its paved surface, few hills, and well-marked road crossings make it ideal for cyclists. The trail has a wide unpaved shoulder on one side to accommodate horseback riding, walkers, and runners.
There are many places to get off the trail and visit a beach. Food and water are available and restrooms can be found at Nickerson State Park, Salt Pond Visitors Center at Cape Cod National Seashore, and the National Seashore Headquarters. Bike rentals are available at many points . A limited number of hand-cycles are available for rent at some bike concessions. See trail website for list of free parking areas. Trail Map

Starting just outside Falmouth Center, the Falmouth Shining Sea Trail provides a fairly level ride on paved bike path between Falmouth and Woods Hole. The trail boasts some beautiful scenery, running through extensive salt marsh, cranberry bogs, and farmland, with beautiful ocean views. Access to the trail can be found on Locust Road in Falmouth. - Trail Map

The Cape Cod National Seashore maintains three bicycle trails ranging from 1.6 to 7.3 miles long. Use of motorized vehicles, including mopeds, on these paved trails is prohibited. Bicycles may be rented within the towns.

 Nauset Trail in Eastham connects Salt Pond with Coast Guard Beach. (1.6 miles).

Head of the Meadow Trail in Truro skirts a freshwater marsh and provides glimpses of the marsh and dunes. From High Head Road in Truro to Head of the Meadow Beach (2 miles).

Province Lands Trail in Provincetown winds among beech and oak forests, sand dunes and freshwater ponds. - Trail Map

The service roads which parallel both sides of the Cape Cod Canal, partially maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers, make for great scenic bicycling. Each service road is approximately 7 miles long, with parking areas, comfort stations and picnic areas provided at various access points along both sides of the Canal. The trail is relatively level, making it ideal for children and families. See map for access locations.