Twisting almost 11 miles past forests, saltwater marshes and glittering waves, the Shining Sea Bikeway is one of the most beautiful bike paths in New England. Read on to learn more about this secret slice of natural beauty. You can find the trail’s exact location here.
The Shining Sea Bikeway is one of Cape Cod’s best hidden gems.
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The path extends from County Route 151 in Falmouth all the way to the Woods Hole Steamship Authority.
Flickr/DTpancio
More than just a pretty face, this path actually follows ancient Wampanoag native trails.
Flickr/Mattia Panciroli
The trail’s name is a perfect fit for this coastal bike route, but it actually comes from the song “America the Beautiful” by Katherine Lee Bates. She was a Falmouth native!
Flickr/DTpancio
On your trip, you’ll meander through the Salt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuary. You’ll likely spot some river otters and maybe a muskrat or two.
Flickr/Michelle Pimental
Soon after the sanctuary, the trail will suddenly open up to reveal a brilliant ocean vista.
Flickr/DTpancio
Trunk River Beach has incredibly blue and clear water. You should definitely plan on stopping here for a quick break and swim.
Flickr/Elizabeth McClay
Colorfully decorated markers will guide your way.
Flickr/takomabibelot
If you only explore one bike trail this summer, be sure it’s the Shining Sea Bikeway.
TripAdvisor/Goldenlove7112
Plenty of parking is available at the southern end of the bikeway. Parking in Falmouth is available on Oyster Pond Road and Elm Road. In Woods Hole, parking can be found on Fay road in addition to street spaces. Again, the bikeway begins here.
TripAdvisor/abcady
Flickr/DTpancio
Flickr/Mattia Panciroli
Flickr/Michelle Pimental
Flickr/Elizabeth McClay
Flickr/takomabibelot
TripAdvisor/Goldenlove7112
For more amazing waterfront trails in Massachusetts, check out our list of the best coastal paths in the state.
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