Shining Sea Bikeway Shinning Sea Bikeway extension. Outstanding! By GFS in 6/9/2009 11:00:00 AM | I just has the pleasure on Sunday of riding the entire Shinning Sea Bikeway. Its almost 11 miles in all each way (I belive it is 10.6 miles from County Rd to Wood's Hole. The old path from Locust St to Woods Hole was nice enough as it passes by the sea, but the new extension is the best rail trail I h ave had the pleasure to ride. The new pavement is outstanding, and it appears that the work done will allow for many years of good pedaling. I saw no signs of any potential roots, bumps etc that on other trails have had so much trouble. In fact, there is actual lnadscaping along much of the path. There are wonderful grassy areas, split rail fences and lookout points. There are many views of the ocean (Buzzard's bay), bogs and meadows. Road crossings are few, especially for this part of the State. Where there are crossings there are Pizza shops, gas stations (for air), small general stores etc. At the present new trail head at County Rd there is an excellent Pizza shop across Rt 28A (Caution...wlak you bike. This is a dangerous 4 way highway intersection). The path from Locust St to Wood's Hole was lined with Beach Roses in full bloom, the air perfumed with their wonderful fragrence (yes..stop to smell the roses as they say). On the way North through North Falmouth we saw several herons and egrets and numerous red wing blackbirds. Unlike the rail trail out at the mid cape (Dennis-Wellfleet), there are no bike shops on the Shinning Sea Bike way. I imagine its only a matter of time since this is a new trail. There are shops in downtown Falmouth so check anything you need fixed before parking your car and using the trail. The trail is very wide, and we had no issues with avoinding walkers, joggers or skate boarders of which there were many. I understand that the trail is going to continue all the way up to the Cape Cod canal at some point. When that happens, it will be one amazing ride. On the way back south, it was near sunset and we were trated to wonderful sunset views and colors that crossed over the bay and marshes. the temperature was around 67, and the sky was cobalt blue..just a perfect day. i highly recomen this trail, and I am sure you will agree it may be the best trail in New Emgland. GFS