Shining Sea Bikeway, Cape Cod MA

• 5-star trail
• 11 miles each way
• Easy | Low gradient
• Falmouth, MA | Cape Cod Region
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The image shows an view of a coastal landscape, featuring a curved shoreline with a road running parallel to it. There is a prominent red-roofed lighthouse near the coast, surrounded by greenery and several parked cars. The coastline is dotted with large rocks and boulders, extending into clear blue waters.

During a ten-mile rail trail journey, the Shining Sea Bikeway offers explorers a diverse range of views and picturesque coastal surroundings, showcasing many of the elements that make Cape Cod a great destination for visitors.

When travelling south through Falmouth and towards Woods Hole as a destination, anticipate long avenues of asphalt trail lined with trees offering plenty of shade, occasionally interrupted by cranberry bogs, ponds, coastal inlets and exposed marshland. Along the way there are several parking areas that allowing you to shorten your total mileage if desired.

Asphalt,

Road,

Live Rail, ⬤ Parking Expand ↓ Map

5★ Shining Sea Bikeway 10.6 mi ea way, easy, gain 170 ft (200 ft S-N)
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

The lush and verdant trail continues through downtown Falmouth, passing a former railroad passenger depot that's been converted into a restaurant. It then proceeds to Oyster Pond, then a long stretch of trail that runs parallel to Vineyard Sound and white pebble beaches.

The last segment of the rail trail leading to Woods Hole and the ferry terminal involves passing through a lengthy parking lot and a moderately quiet section of road covering a distance of approximately half a mile. Lock up your bikes and investigate the town on foot, or continue on your wheeled journey to widen your explorations of the town further afield.

The image shows two cyclists riding on a paved path beside a beach. The water is calm, and there are green shrubs and pink flowers along the side of the path. It’s a clear day with few clouds in the sky, indicating good weather for outdoor activities like cycling.

Biking the Shining Sea trail parallel to Falmouth's pebbly beaches.

The destinations of Falmouth and Woods hole, combined with the numerous and diverse sights along the way make this possibly our favorite Massachusetts rail trail to date. Don't let the length of the route dissuade you from visiting, as you can simply shorten your route by beginning your journey at a starting point further to the south.

Although the trail is designated as a bikeway, it is also eminently suitable for pedestrians. We recommend that folk on foot might particularly enjoy the section between downtown Falmouth and Woods Hole, especially along the pebbly Falmouth beaches, since segments of the trail north of here can be a little long and straight.

Trail Conditions: Smooth asphalt except for a half-mile quiet road biking closest to Woods Hole. No significant gradient on rail trail, some near lighthouse. Very busy on weekends and holidays.

Nobska Lighthouse Side Trip
This 1.7 mile road biking excursion forms a rewarding detour, bypassing a mostly uneventful section of trail while adding only 1.1 miles to your total distance. Notable highlights along this route include the Nobska Point lighthouse and the pristine white sandy shore of Nobska Beach, offering captivating views of Martha's Vineyard in the distance. To start this detour when you're heading south, watch out for a trail on your right immediately after crossing the trail bridge over Nobska Road. Alternatively, if you approaching from Woods Hole, proceed up Woods Hole Road and hang a right at Church Street.

During this brief detour close to Woods Hole, you may also find interest in an architectural curiosity, one of Buckminster Fuller's earliest geodesic domes. Initially a restaurant, the building is now deserted and dilapidated, awaiting a promised imminent refurbishment as a historical landmark.

The image shows a red vintage train car that has been repurposed and placed on a paved area next to a building with shingle siding. The train car features black wheels and undercarriage, multiple windows, and what appears to be an air conditioning unit on top. A traffic signal post with a green light illuminated is also visible in the foreground to the left of the train car.

Rail history at the Silver Lounge, a North Falmouth restaurant.

The image shows a charming outdoor setting at a train station, featuring a small brick building that appears to be a cafe. There are red umbrellas providing shade for outdoor seating, including picnic tables and chairs. A person is seated at one of the tables, and another person is standing nearby with a bicycle. In the background, a bus with the sign “Falmouth” is parked, indicating this may be a transportation hub or stop for both trains and buses.

Former Falmouth station, now an inviting eatery en-route.

The image shows a peaceful waterfront scene with a clear blue sky and calm water. In the foreground, there are vibrant pink flowers, and the middle ground features a rocky shoreline. The background includes boats moored in the water, buildings along the shore, and trees scattered throughout the landscape.

Views of Woods Hole's Little Harbor from the rail trail.

Tangents:
• Public Maps at AllTrails: Shining Sea Bikeway
• TrailLink: Shining Sea Bikeway
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article

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