“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.”
John F. Kennedy
Ready, set, go! Bicycling New England’s Rail Trails is the perfect family activity. These once bustling railways travel through beautiful natural areas that are aren’t accessible to motorists. Rail trails aren’t just for cycling. People use the trails for walking, jogging, and roller blading as well. Each trail offers well-paved surfaces that are easy for children and seniors to navigate. We’ll share some of our favorites in Massachusetts and Maine.
Cape Cod’s Shining Sea Bikeway, Massachusetts
The Shining Sea Bikeway is a popular rail trail. At just over 10 miles, it runs from the Steamship Authority ferry terminal in Woods Hole to North Falmouth. Passing through cranberry bogs, salt marshes, and a wild bird habitat, the trail rewards riders with views of Trunk River Beach, the perfect place to stop and breathe in the fresh ocean air.
Photo Michelle Hufford
We typically begin our family rides in North Falmouth, stopping for lunch once we hit Woods Hole, which is home to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, or NOAA. A visit to the Woods Hole Science Aquarium is a nice break before riding the 10 miles back to North Falmouth. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, hop on the ferry and grab lunch on one of the islands. Since both Marths’s Vineyard and Nantucket limit car traffic, bikes are the best way to make a day trip.
Cape Cod Rail Trail, Massachusetts
If you’re up for a longer ride, the Cape Cod Rail Trail runs for 22 miles through the towns of Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet. Each town offers restaurants, boutiques and historical sites guaranteed to make your ride interesting. Stopping for homemade ice cream in any of the quaint villages keeps the kids pedaling. Should you make it to the end of the trail in Wellfleet, the sand dunes and beach at LeCount Hollow Beach will welcome you!
Essex Coastal Scenic Byway & Salisbury Point Ghost Trail, Massachusetts
Ghosts? Well, not exactly. The trail got its name from trains transporting cars that were protected in white muslim sheeting. It offers views of the harbors and countryside near the mouth of the Merrimack River.
One of the highlights of this trail is Newburyport. This charming coastal village offers fun activities for the whole family, and is a perfect spot to spend the day.
Bicycling New England’s Rail Trails is made easy with markers along the routes. You can make an entire day of the adventure, or bike short sections of the trail.
There’s an abundance of natural sights to take in, many of which can only be enjoyed from the rail trails.
Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park, Maine
Eagle Lake, Maine
One of the most spectacular ways to take in the beauty of Acadia National Park is bicycling its carriage roads. Made of crushed-rock, they are closed to motor vehicles and wind through forests dotted with lakes and ponds. Spending the day biking the carriage roads is a fabulous way to escape the crowds during high season in this popular Maine village.
Duck Brook Carriage Road Bridge
The stone bridge above is one of Acadia’s most photographed features. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., financed it, along with miles of pathways, so the public could enjoy this beautiful area.
The trails offer plenty of intriguing places to stop and rest, picnic, or take pictures.
Getting up close to nature is a photographer’s dream!
The Eagle Lake trail takes you through a variety of terrains.
We highly recommend stopping for lunch at Jordan Pond House. The popovers are out of this world!
All this fun and adventure can be exhausting!
Comprehensive maps of New England’s Rail Trails are available with a little research.
Wherever you live, we hope you get out and enjoy a bicycle ride with your family!
2 Comments
This looks great! I’ve got some rail trails near me that I run and bike all the time and they’re great. These trails look okay scenic! I’d love to check out a trail that goes through a cranberry bog or that Cape Cod trail!
We hope you get a chance to. They’re one of our favorite family activities!