The 25.5-mile paved rail trail crosses into Orleans over Namskaket Creek and threads downtown before its only on-road gap, a brief crossing of Route 6. Flat and easy the whole way through town, it feeds directly into Orleans Center's shops, bike rentals, and free parking.
What to expect
Trails
25.5 miles total (Dennis to Wellfleet); paved surface, flat with only minor grades in the Orleans/Wellfleet stretch; generally rated easy, averaging 8h33m for…
Dogs
Allowed caged, bridled, or on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, unless an area is posted otherwise; never unattended or at large, and waste must be carried out. Hunting, hunting-dog training, dog sledding, sled-dog training and…
Hours
Open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset as published by the National Weather Service, unless posted or permitted otherwise. Fishing, camping, snowmobiling and other authorized nighttime activities are not held…
Cycling
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
508-896-3491 · WebsiteCommon questions
Can I bring my dog to Cape Cod Rail Trail (Orleans section)?
Allowed caged, bridled, or on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, unless an area is posted otherwise; never unattended or at large, and waste must be carried out. Hunting, hunting-dog training, dog sledding, sled-dog training and search-dog training are excepted (302 CMR 12.13).
What rules should I know at Cape Cod Rail Trail (Orleans section)?
The Route 6 crossing near mile 12-13 is the trail's only on-road section; use marked crosswalks and watch for highway traffic.