An 8-mile paved rail trail running from Depot Road in central Chatham west to the Cape Cod Rail Trail rotary in Harwich, flat and family-friendly the whole way, passing ponds, cranberry bogs, and the edge of Chatham Municipal Airport.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot Free · unconfirmed
Trails
Eight miles, flat and family-friendly. The first 1.5 miles from the Depot Road end are mostly on quiet streets; the remainder is a dedicated off-road path,…
Dogs
Dogs must be leashed in Chatham's parks and beach areas; pick up after your dog. Posted signs at the site take precedence.
Hours
Chatham parks close 10pm to 6am, and conservation lands are open a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. That's the town default unless posted otherwise.
Walking/Jogging
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Town of Chatham (Bikeways Committee)
508-945-5100 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Playground
Not on the trail itself. The Depot Road trailhead sits beside Veterans Field, with a large playground and restrooms a short walk down the hill at the Chatham Community Center.
Restroom
Chatham Community Center, a short walk from the Depot Road trailhead
Common questions
Is it paved the whole way?
Not quite. The town describes the first 1.5 miles from Depot Road as mostly quiet streets, with the remainder a dedicated off-road path.
Does it connect to the Cape Cod Rail Trail?
Yes. The western end reaches a roundabout in Harwich where it meets the Cape Cod Rail Trail from the north and west.
Where do I park at Old Colony Rail Trail?
Free lot (Free).
Is there an entry fee at Old Colony Rail Trail?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Old Colony Rail Trail?
Dogs must be leashed in Chatham's parks and beach areas; pick up after your dog. Posted signs at the site take precedence.
What rules should I know at Old Colony Rail Trail?
The first 1.5 miles from the Depot Road end share quiet streets with car traffic before the trail becomes a dedicated off-road path.