Biking and Hiking and Paddling

The cool, sunny days of spring on Cape Cod are the perfect time to go outside and get moving. With miles of trails for hiking and biking, and endless estuaries and kettle ponds for paddling, you could stay with us for weeks (yes, please!) and still not run out of outdoor adventures.

Biking: The northernmost point of the Cape Cod Rail Trail is within minutes of Endless Coast. It offers 26 miles of relatively flat and, with the exception of the occasional road crossing, traffic-free biking on a paved path. Easy-to-reach diversions include Marconi Beach and Marconi Site, the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail, and Nauset Light Beach. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Even better? We have Trek bikes that you can borrow. (Seriously; no charge.)

Hiking: We could ramble on for days about the joys of hiking on Cape Cod. But that would probably get boring, so we’ll stick to two stand-outs. For a relatively easy hike, the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail is the winner. A packed-sand path leads down a gentle grade to a boardwalk which winds through the eerily beautiful white cedar swamp. People tend to speak in hushed tones in the swamp, not because of the rules, but simply because it is so awe inspiring. For a beautiful beach hike, head to Great Island, but be prepared. This four-to-eight-mile trail quickly turns to soft sand, which makes for a challenging hike. And there is no shade on the beach, so sunscreen and/or a hat are a must. You know what is on the beach? The beach.

Paddling: On the bay side is Wellfleet Harbor, which feeds into Duck Creek and Blackfish Creek. Just a short drive away in Eastham, on the ocean side, is Salt Pond Bay, which feeds into miles and miles of coves and estuaries. Both offer protected waterways and epic views. When it comes to kayaking on Cape Cod, there really is no wrong choice. No equipment? No worries. There are several kayak rental places nearby. Right on Wellfleet Harbor is Wellfleet Marine Boat Rental. In Eastham is Paddle Cape Cod.