Cape Cod's Shining Sea Bikeway

The Shining Sea Bikeway runs from North Falmouth to the center of Woods Hole. It is 10.7 miles in length and travels along the shoreline of Vineyard Sound for a considerable stretch, making it one of the more scenic trails on Cape Cod. The bike trail is mainly flat and completely paved and, therefore, perfect for beginners or a family ride. There is also parking at both ends, along with a bike fix-it station.

The original trail opened in 1975 and was only 3.3 miles in length, running from central Falmouth to Woods Hole. In 2009, a new 7.4-mile long section was added extending the trail at both ends. Part of the path follows the route of the Old Colony Railway, which linked New York to Boston and made stops on Cape Cod. You’ll see signs of this railroad, such as rail ties, as you travel along the trail, despite it being out of commission for decades.

If the name of the bike path sounds familiar, it's because it was titled after a line in the song 'America the Beautiful', which was written by Falmouth's own Katharine Lee Bates. There is a monument dedicated to Bates on the southern part of the trail overlooking Vineyard Sound, near the 8.7-mile marker.

When looking to buy property on Cape Cod, it's essential that you know about the types of activities available to you throughout the year. If you're an avid cyclist or just like getting out a few times per year to enjoy the sights, it's nice to know that a great trail like the Shining Sea Bikeway is here for you to explore.

The Route

There are trailheads in North Falmouth and Woods Hole, but we'll start in North Falmouth because it has a more manageable parking situation. The North Falmouth to Woods Hold route also involves a spectacular payoff at the end, after you have put in the hard work.

Your journey will start along a stretch of trail where Old Colony Rail once ran, and there are still railroad ties along much of this section. There are also cranberry bogs and a farm. You'll then venture into a wooded area that goes through an underpass that is decorated with bike-related paintings. If you're looking for somewhere to catch your breath, stop to have a look at the artwork.

Four miles into the ride, you'll travel right through Great Sippewissett Marsh. The saltwater marsh is a significant part of the local ecosystem, as it is home to countless species of fauna and flora. Just over a mile past the first marsh is Little Sippewisset Marsh. There is a campground here, so if you're spending a couple of days navigating the trail, this would be a convenient place to sleep.

After you've gone through the marshland, you'll reach another wooded area before entering a section of civilization in the heart of Falmouth. Here, you'll see a few businesses along the trail, which we'll touch upon later, in addition to a bus station and the Steamship Authority parking lots. Since there are parking lots, it's a safe location to start if you want to jump in part way down the trail.

Once you get 8.5 miles into the ride, the outstanding scenery will start coming your way. As you look to your left, you'll see Surf Drive Beach, a beautiful part of the Atlantic Ocean. The bikeway continues along the ocean for a fair distance, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sights. After leaving the views, you'll re-enter the woods, although you'll be close to a suburban neighborhood and will likely hear and see traffic.

Finally, you'll be in Woods Hole, where you'll see Little Harbor and some businesses and restaurants. Now that you've completed this rail trail, you'll have to compare it to other great runs on the Cape to see which one you like best.

Restaurants and Shops

As was mentioned previously, there are many restaurants along the trail. At the northern trailhead, you'll find Bucatino Restaurant and Wine Bar, along with Route 151 Drive-In. There's also Dean's Market, where you can pick something up to bring on your journey, and Bike Zone, where you can rent a bicycle for the day.

Heading south a short distance, you'll reach Celestino's and the Silver Lounge. Both are seafood restaurants and make excellent places to stop for dinner if you're riding south to north or returning from your ride in the evening.

After the restaurants near the beginning of the trail, you won't see much until you reach central Falmouth. Once there, you'll find Seafood Sam's and Crabapple's, which are notable places to stop for lunch. There's also Cape Cod Bagel Cafe, where you can get a sandwich or other light meal to enjoy.

Falmouth's town center is the last place to stop for a meal until you reach Woods Hole. Once at the end of the bikeway in Woods Hole, however, you'll have Landfall restaurant, Captain Kidd Restaurant, and other dining options from which to choose. There's also a market and gift shop at this trailhead.

Beaches and Attractions

The main attraction along this ride is Surf Drive Beach, which the bikeway provides direct access to for a considerable stretch. One of the advantages of riding your bike through this area, as opposed to driving, is that you don’t have to enter the beach at a parking lot and can instead find a private space to go for a swim.

Riding along the beach will unquestionably help you to work up a sweat, so taking a quick dip in the ocean is an excellent way to cool off before continuing with the rest of your journey.

If you start in the south and ride north, the northern trailhead is a short distance from Megansett Beach, which provides gorgeous views of the harbor and is another prominent place to go for a swim. After completing the trail, all you have to do is head west on County Road until you reach Megansett Yacht Club, from where you'll have direct beach access.

Another option is to exit the trail in West Falmouth and head to Chapoquoit Beach, which is an attractive oceanfront area. It's a short ride along Chapoquoit Road to the beach, so you won't have to venture far if you want to go for a swim here.

Finally, you can get off the trail just before its end in Woods Hole and travel down Church Street, which will eventually take you to a small, uncrowded beach. There are numerous access points along the road, and you'll even be able to see Nobska Lighthouse, a structure from the 1800s with views out to Martha's Vineyard.

Getting Out There to Enjoy Cape Cod

The Shining Sea Bikeway is just one of the many ways that you can get out there and enjoy the Cape in any season, as there are numerous rail trails and other paths up and down Cape Cod for you to explore.

Remember to pack plenty of water and plan your meals, so you don't end up without the necessities you need, especially in the summer. As was mentioned, there are restaurants along the way, in addition to a couple of places to grab more water, if necessary.

Cape Cod is a beautiful place, and after you buy a home in Falmouth, Woods Hole, or anywhere else in this historic area, you'll surely want to do some adventuring. Read all about the various bike trails on Cape Cod and head out to experience them this summer.