Summer Fun on the Cape Cod Canal Bike Path
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Yesterday morning, Mike and I took a 14 mile long bike ride along the Cape Cod Canal Bike Trail in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. Since relocating, we have been exploring a lot of the gorgeous bike paths in Southeast Mass and have not been disappointed (the paths are so nice out here!). This scenic path runs along the canal through the towns of Bourne and Sagamore.
The beautiful mid-80s temperature made for a great late summer ride. This trail is a fantastic choice for a free, fun, and scenic day out on your trip to Cape Cod. It’s not as nice as the CCRT (a 22 mile rail trail also in the area) in my opinion, although it is much shorter, and thus, a better choice for anyone limited on time
Last time we rode this path (about 9 months ago), we weren’t that impressed. However, this could have been due to the cold weather, barren trees, and inactivity on the path (it was late fall). A summer ride on the path was much more lively and scenic. The trees were green, lots of people were exercising, and the weather was just perfect. I really enjoyed the scenery and the fun summer vibe. I also love that there is a beautiful beach at the end of the trail where you can relax, enjoy the views, and collect seaglass after your ride.
Sagamore Bridge
There are great views the entire length of the path, especially of the Sagamore Bridge. Sagamore Bridge carries US Route 6 across the canal, connecting Cape Cod with the mainland.
Along the way we also saw a few tugboats, which was pretty neat. Tugboats help large ships navigate through narrow passages. There are plenty of great spots for taking photographs. In addition, you will find plenty of benches for taking a break and/or taking in this scenic water views.
A smooth & scenic ride
The path is paved, well maintained, and pretty quiet (we couldn’t hear any traffic noise). The bike traffic along the path was pretty spaced out, making for a smooth ride. We saw a decent amount of people (enough for it to be an entertaining ride with a lot of people watching), but not too many that the path felt overcrowded.
Completing the first 10 miles was relatively easy – flat, with not much wind resistance. The last 4 miles were incredibly windy. We really got in our leg workout for the day! Let’s just say that we did not work out at all the next day. This is probably one of the windiest stretches I’ve ever biked on next to the Huntington Beach bike bath in Orange County.
The path is 7 miles each way. To me, 14 miles is the perfect distance – it’s long enough for a decent workout, but not exhausting like some of the other 30-50 mile paths we have completed. The views at the end of the path are quite scenic. In the picture below you can see the tugboat arriving.
For those who prefer to relax
For those who prefer to skip the bike ride and just enjoy nature, there are plenty of picnic tables and shady spots to take in the beautiful scenery. Many people were just sitting out relaxing with their beach chairs, coolers, and reading material. You can either sit down by the bike path in the grassy area between the path and water, or on top by the picnic tables.
Lots of wildlife inhabit the canal including seals which occasionally make an appearance. We didn’t see any during this trip, but it would be pretty exciting (maybe next time!). Also, this area is a great bird watching destination with ospreys sighted frequently during the summer months.
I would definitely recommend this bike path as one of my top Cape Cod vacation activities. Whether you feel like taking a bike ride, jog, walk, or just relaxing, you are bound to have a great afternoon and get in a wonderful workout.
Scusset Beach
This beautiful beach is located at the end of the trail. Highlights include 1.5 mile long of shoreline (great for a walk) and plenty of seaglass. Relaxing at this beautiful beach was such a reward for us after a great lower body workout! Best of all, this beach is a hotspot for seaglass.
Seaglass is basically trash that has turned into smooth pieces of glass via years of tumbling around in the water and in the sand. Beaches and other bodies of water were often used for public dumping back in the day. I’ve been a big collector since living on a secluded island off the coast of Maine called Islesboro. I now seek out specific beaches around the country.
A friend who has lived in the area for a while recommended this beach and I was impressed by my find. I found a lot of really gorgeous tumbled pieces here and even an old Coke piece as you can see in the photo.
Biking path/Beach Parking Info
There is a large, free lot located at Scenic Highway in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. This is at the 3.5 mile marker along the trail. We started at this marker and biked 3.5 miles to one end, 6.5 miles to the other end, and then turned around and completed the last windy 3.5 miles back to our car.
You will have to carry you bike down a small flight of stairs. There are other parking lots, however, this lot is the largest with the closest access to the path.
