A Day Along the Cape Cod Rail Trail
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is an adventurous way to experience the Cape while getting exercise and fresh air! The Trail provides an excellent opportunity to explore places on the Cape from a new perspective and could quite possibly become your new favorite weekend activity. Stretching from South Dennis to Wellfleet, the Cape Cod Rail Trail is perfect for those looking to walk, jog, or bike. You can also bring along your leashed pet as an adventure buddy. While soaking up the scenic sights and sounds of the trail's changing landscapes, break for a quick bite to eat at one of the many restaurants or cafes along the way!
To prepare for your journey along the Rail Trail, check out RideAway Adventures for bike rentals. RideAway Adventures has two rental locations; one in Mashpee and another in Sandwich. RideAway offers bikes for adults and kids, as well as car racks and trailers. You can rent a bike in person at either location or have your bikes delivered to you! Rentals are available by the hour, by the day, or even by the week, and offer flexible and affordable rates.
First Stop: Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters
Now that your bikes are ready to go, it’s time to hop on the trail. Starting from South Dennis and heading into Brewster, make your first stop at Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters. Snowy Owl is located on Main Street or Route 6A. To get there, along the path and past the post office you will come to Thad Ellis Road on your left. This connects you right to Main Street and Snowy Owl is located just to your left. You'll smell the coffee and know you're headed in the right direction. Be careful, Snowy Owl has many free range chickens and roosters roaming their lot. They're friendly!
This quaint coffee shop has a cozy atmosphere and the perfect menu of drinks and snacks for a fuel up, pit stop during your bike ride. This includes specialty coffees, freshly squeezed juices, pastries, granola bars, soups, salads, and more!
Second Stop: Nickerson State Park
Only a few minutes past Snowy Owl is Nickerson State Park. Nickerson State Park is a wonderful place to take a relaxing break from a long bike ride. With Cliff Pond in the heart of the park, you can take a scenic walk, a dip in the water, or just rest in the warm sand. Nickerson State Park would also be a fantastic place to take your RideAway rental kayaks and go for a ride in the pond! Camping and picnicking are popular here as well.
Third Stop: JoMama’s For Breakfast or Lunch
For your next stop, take a break in Orleans at JoMama’s New York Bagels and Coffee House. Offering breakfast and lunch, JoMama’s has a huge selection of bagels, cream cheeses, cold and hot sandwiches, salads, smoothies, coffees, and more. A perfect combination of healthy and delicious options to satisfy your stomach and fuel your body on a heavily active day.
Fourth Stop: Salt Pond Visitor Center:
Located in Eastham, the Salt Pond Visitor Center is the Cape Cod National Seashore’s main visitor facility. The Visitor Center includes a theater, a National Park gift store, and the Salt Pond Visitor Center Museum. The Museum focuses on topics such as Cape Cod's early settlement history, lighthouses, fishing, tourism, and more. This stop also provides beautiful views of Salt Pond, Nauset Marsh, and the Atlantic Ocean. An excellent place to hop off your bike, go for a light scenic walk, and read about some local history!