Explore the best rated trails in Nantucket, MA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway and Old Colony Rail Trail . With more than 12 trails covering 137 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Very picturesque trail. Flat easy to ride. We went on a nice late October day. I can see in summer this trail might be very busy. We had lunch at the Woods Hole end in the tavern. Nice spot, we locked our bikes to their orchard rails by the road. Fun day.
Although Martha's Vineyard is beautiful--I would highly suggest biking only from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown. All the bike trails are literally right along the highway, with cars, trucks, and tour buses zooming by at ridiculous speeds. We were surprised because there was so much advertising about biking on the island that we thought for sure it would be a fantastic experience. Leaving Edgartown we road the so-called trail along the Edgerton West Tilsbury highway it was seriously not something I would never do again --as an experienced biker and love most trails this was just too boring unless you like riding 3 feet from the highway. We ended up cutting the ride short and going north back to Vineyard Haven. We did get in 21 miles, but I would skip biking on Martha's Vineyard and head back to the Cape to check out the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which is beautiful, scenic and a gem to ride on.
Flat and well paved, easy access to small parks and benches. Sharing the trail with dog walkers is a part of fun.There is a breakfast place and an ice cream shop by the city parking lot at the west end!
I started my ride from Fairhaven the Phoenix trail and continued east. Many small side trips options .There are plenty of parking options on Mattapoisett end too.
Observations:
1. Plenty of bikers, walkers, strollers, dogs, etc. but not overwhelming
2. Yes, it is just under 7 miles each way
3. From maps you would think the two bridges over the canal would offer opportunities to bike to the other side. Having crossed on one of these by car there are 3 or 4 reasons why I feel neither would be a good/fun choice. Best to go & return on the same side.
4. It's along a canal. OK, no surprise and interesting history. However the scenery doesn't really vary and apart from a few cormorants here and there not much is going on wildlife wise.
5. We combined this ride with a walk thru the Heritage Museum & Gardens in Sandwich. A botanical delight that included a fascinating antique car exhibit.
The shining seas bake trail (from N Falmouth to Woods Hole ) is absolutely stunning ! Gorgeous! It is such a treat for the visual and a gift to your mind! It so peaceful and the best 25 miles ride i have done in a long time. You will bike through several different landscape types/ views, including woods, cranberry field, salt marsh and the ocean. Bring a sandwhich to picnic by the ocean, or stop at the rail way cafe ( along the path) or my fav the Pie in the Sky Bakery & Cafe in Woods hole for an amazing chicken or tuna salad! Enjoy!
…..Rail Trail on the NorthEast Coast in our opinion. We visited for the fourth time and stayed several days in Orleans, MA for the sole purpose of riding this Trail and did so several times. Easy access to the Trail from our hotel (The Cove Motel, highly recommend). Perfect pavement. Riding South and West the first day through varied scenery including Cranberry bogs and even a beautiful beach. From the roundabout you can access the Old Colony Trail. Don’t miss stopping for Ice Cream at Ferretti’s Market (I think). Home made ice cream for $5 a serving, not a scoop!!!! Best I’ve ever had. The extreme west end becomes a bit desolate as you pass the Blue Rock golf course. The following day we cycled North from our base in Orleans to the new end point 1 mile north of the original. Easy access from several places to the beaches and worthwhile for the view even if you don’t swim. SHARK WARNINGS POSTED.
First time on this trail, I did about 11 miles centered from Nickerson Park. I enjoyed the ride, but did notice it was bumpy. Overall, it was a good trail, but could use some updates to minimize the bumps in the pavement.
Straight ride through some beautiful scenery. Really short but a great ride none the less.
We entered this trail off the Cape Cod Rail Trail on our E-Bikes. Trail was in fine condition with interesting views along the way. The bonus was the Chatham road loop which takes you along the ocean and by the Chatham lighthouse. There's a map at the end of the Old Colony trail for this loop but we needed our trusty GPS to keep us on track.
We rode from Sweetwater Campground down to the roundabout. From there we took the Old Colony Rail Trail to Hangar B Eatery at the Chatham Airport. Great food! Great ride! Downside is the business and road crossings. But…it is a vacation spot. Spots along the way with walking paths and picnic tables.
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