2020 is currently perhaps the craziest time any of us will see in our lifetimes. Quarantine is the norm and social distancing highly recommended. However it is also recommended that people get outside somehow and get a daily dose of Vitamin D. Those of us lucky enough to live on Cape Cod are close to endless possibilities to see beautiful sites in the sun.
This article will help you
stay active and see the sites of one of the most unique
places on earth while also keeping with the current new normal of the world during the pandemic. You can choose to run, walk, bicycle, there is no
right or wrong as long as you are moving. These are in no particular
order but they all give you a glimpse into the heart and soul of Cape
Cod.
Cape Cod Canal: This is an easy, paved bike trail which
runs along the Canal and underneath two of the three bridges.
Parking is free at the Railroad Bridge. The entirety of the bike
path is between seven and eight miles. It is roughly five miles to
make it from the railroad bridge to the Sagamore Bridge, ten miles
round trip.
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| Looking toward the railroad bridge along the Cape Cod Canal. |
Chatham Shore: For the active Cape Codder the shore route
is a way to see many highlights of the quaint fishing village of
Chatham. Parking is free on Cow Yard Lane which faces the North Beach
Island cottages. The route takes you along Shore Rd. and past the
legendary Chatham Bars Inn and Hydrangea House. Along the way you pass Chatham
Lighthouse and head out to Morris Island. The route is between six
and seven miles round trip.
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| Chatham Lighthouse |
Province Lands Bike Trail: Nestled in the
dunes of Provincetown this is an authentic look at untouched Cape Cod
beauty. The bike trail follows the dunes rather than cutting through
them. The loop from Herring Cove Beach, past Race Point Beach and
back is filled with an almost infinite number of breathtaking sites.
The route is anywhere from 5 ½ to 7 miles depending on how far you
want to go.
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| A view of the ocean from the Province Lands Bike Trail |
Osterville: Keeping with coastal scenery this route
brings you from one of the most popular Cape beaches, Craigville,
into rural Osterville. It begins at Craigville Beach and carries you away from the ocean to South Main Street. Near Bumps River,
you turn onto Starboard Lane with its numerous beautiful homes and
secluded feel and follow to where it meets Old Mill Rd. This route is 6 miles round trip.
Yarmouth Beaches: Beautiful homes along the water?
Check. Historic sites? Check. Several scenic beaches? Check. All
that’s left is to take to the road to enjoy them all. Pleasant
Street is where the route begins; you pass by beautiful homes along a
shady portion of River Street before passing by the historic Judah
Baker Windmill. After this you are just seconds from the ocean
meaning anytime along the route you can cool off in the saltwater.
Once you see Red Jacket Resort it’s time to turn and go
back. This route is 6 miles.
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| The jetty at Smuggler's Beach |
Cape Cod Rail Trail: Stretching from Dennis all the
way into Wellfleet, with an offshoot into Chatham, the Rail Trail is
nearly 30 miles of paved, scenic majesty. It is a bit much to do all
of those miles but there is a great section that gives one a good
idea of what the trail is all about. Starting at Headwaters Drive
off of Rt. 124 in Harwich you head east across a cranberry bog, past
several ponds and to the entrance of Nickerson State Park. This
route is 12 miles round trip.
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| Sunset at Seymour Pond in Harwich |
Nickerson State Park: Loaded with kettle ponds and
campsites Nickerson is a virtual haven for active Cape Codders. The
bike trail weaves along the main park roads but also has many
offshoot trails that lead you into some of the park’s nooks and
crannies. The main attractions of Nickerson are never more than a
quick ride or run from the trail. The bike trail is 8 miles total.
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| Big Cliff Pond at Nickerson |
Falmouth & Woods Hole: One of the science
community's most well known spots coupled with sweeping panoramic
views of Martha’s Vineyard make this a worthwhile jaunt. The
Shining Sea Bikeway intersects at a few places but the route leads
from Surf Drive Beach along the shore past Nobska Lighthouse and down
to Water Street in Woods Hole. This route is 9 miles round trip.
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| Nobska Lighthouse |
Coast To Coast: Going from coast to coast on the Cape
can be long, like from Sandwich south to Mashpee, or short like near
Pilgrim Lake in Truro. Going from Cape Cod Bay to the Atlantic Ocean
in Wellfleet is close but just far enough to make it worthwhile.
Parking at Mayo Beach is best. The route takes you on Long Pond Road
over Rt. 6 and down to The Beachcomber on Cahoon Hollow Beach,
then head back. This route is 7 miles round trip.
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| Mayo Beach |
The Least Known Island: In Mashpee there is Monomoscoy
Island tucked away from the ocean along Waquoit Bay. South Cape
Beach State Park is a perfect starting point for this trip. Head
away from the water and down Red Brook Road and down across a
causeway. The island is a mix of old cottages and newer lush homes.
This finger of land has tremendous water views on either side as you
get toward the tip. It is a hidden gem that is better appreciated
outside of a car. This route is 11 miles round trip.
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| The entrance to Monomoscoy |
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My 5th book, Cape Cod Nights, is on sale at Amazon.com and through Arcadia PublishingView my previous blog posts: In Their Footsteps: Cape Cod History - Deacon John Doane
Be sure to check out my website: Christopher Setterlund.com
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