Are dogs allowed on Cape Cod Rail Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Cape Cod Rail Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Cape Cod Rail Trail?

No, Cape Cod Rail Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Cape Cod Rail Trail?

Cape Cod Rail Trail is rated moderate. It is 23.0 miles long with 1,562 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Massachusetts trail conditions

ModeratePoint to Point

Massachusetts

Cape Cod Rail Trail

South Dennis, Massachusetts

23.0 mi

Distance

1,562 ft

Elev. Gain

7h 56m

Est. Time

Point to Point

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

The Cape Cod Rail Trail follows a former railroad right-of-way through towns such as Dennis, Harwich, and Brewster, then over a bridge over Station Avenue in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, to connect to an existing bike path. It is ideal for cyclists because of its paved surface, small hills and marked crosswalks. There is a wide unpaved shoulder on the one side of the trail. It is possible to get off the trail and visit a beach.

From Wikipedia

The Cape Cod Rail Trail (CCRT) is a 25.5-mile (41.0 km) paved rail trail located on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. The trail route passes through the towns of Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, and Wellfleet. It connects to the 6-plus mile (10 km) Old Colony Rail Trail leading to Chatham, the 2 mile Yarmouth multi-use trail, and 8 miles (13 km) of trails within Nickerson State Park. Short side trips on roads lead to national seashore beaches including Coast Guard Beach at the end of the Nauset Bike Trail in Cape Cod National Seashore. The trail is part of the Claire Saltonstall Bikeway.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:-1 ft

Max:40 ft

476 ft

473 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Point to Point
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.