This cycling adventure is designed as a weekend trip for a family with children age 10 and up. Two nights will be spent sleeping at a lodging in Wellfleet, leaving an entire day to the exploration of one of the most beautiful National Parks in the United States. The adventure begins at Nickerson State Park in Brewster, MA where there is parking. Bikes can be rented here as well, but of course it is less expensive to bring your own. Bikes will be used to travel from Nickerson State Park to the National Seashore Park in Wellfleet. The distance one way is 18 miles. The terrain is relatively flat and the trail is dedicated to bikes. Vehicles are not permitted.
The Cape Cod Rail Trail directly connects Nickerson State Park with the National Seashore Park, so it is very unlikely that you will get lost. It follows the path of a no longer existing railroad track from Dennis, MA to Wellfleet, MA for 22 miles. The trail is paved and all the automobile crossings are clearly marked. On the side of the trail there is an unpaved strip, convenient for walkers and horse back riders. It is very easy to leave the trail to visit nearby beaches. There are a sufficient number of places to eat. Restrooms are located along the way at all state and National Parks.
You should exit the trail when you approach the Salt Pond Visitors Center in Eastham located just 0.5 miles from the Locust Road intersection on the trail. This is the main National Seashore Park Visitors Center. Just outside the visitors center you can see magnificent views of Nauset Marsh and the ocean beyond. You are also very close to the Nauset Marsh Trail and the Nauset Bicycle Trail. One of the most scenic beaches in the the southern part of Wellfleet is the Marconi Beach. We once saw a fox here rushing through the tall grass. This is a very historic place. It’s named after Guglielmo Marconi, winner of the Nobel Prize for sending the first wireless transatlantic signal between the U.S. and U.K. This signal was sent from this very beach!
There are many lovely places to stay in Wellfleet, but beware! It is extremely popular. If you would like to take this trip, try to do it on a weekday or in the spring or fall. Many businesses including lodgings are closed during the winter and it is quite cold. Any other season is preferable.
Author: Sarah of Al Fresco Holidays. The luxury camping holiday specialists with family friendly parcs throughout Europe.
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