Monday, August 10, 2015

Cape Cod Rail Trail


The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs over an abandoned railbed for 25 miles from Dennis to Wellfleet.
Bicyclists and walkers swarm over the popular trail, including this group from a local summer camp.


While primarily traversing forests and marshes, the trail intersects with civilization
from time to time.  Shops to rent or repair bikes are found along the way.


The trail runs beside the Namskaket Marsh, a beautiful wetlands area leading to bayside beaches.


Any sensible cyclist must plan a stop for ice cream.


And, steps away from the ice cream store, Kathy Nora and Dan Joy just finished painting a mural of the former Orleans train depot on the back of a CVS store.  Nice tribute to the train heritage that
now gives us the bike trail.  (Linked to Monday Mural.)

19 comments:

  1. Such a smart idea for a bike trail, I wish we could do something similar.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jack, this is a fantastic post! Each photo and its caption--I love it! I also wanted to alert you to someone in your area--Neil Davis from Scotland. Look on Facebook at Not Broken - Just Damaged" Walk Across America 2015. He's a veteran walking across America to raise awareness of the impact of PTSD on American veterans and United Kingdom veterans. You can see from his post today that he's in your area. I wanted you to know in case you are out and about and came across him. I met his wife last October when I was in Pitlochry, Scotland, and have been following him since he began in walk on Saturday, August 1.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love the Rails to Trails system across America. Your photos are great!

    Janis
    GDP

    ReplyDelete
  4. If I were in the area I would want to check this rail trail out! I'd probably walk it rather than ride a bike though. I haven't mastered the combination of cycling and carrying a camera.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Agreed a wonderful idea for a bike trail. Any biker worth his or her salt would want to bike this run. Your crisp photos will entice them.

    ReplyDelete
  6. A perfect way to use the path left by old rail lines. And, the ice cream sounds good too.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That is a fine mural, Jack! The old rail lines make such good trails.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Such a lovely area to bike or walk and you've captured the fun and the beauty perfectly! Ah, and I do love the ice cream shop!! Just what one needs after a long ride or walk! Hope your new week is off to a great start!! Enjoy!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love these kinds of trails. My Aunt and Uncle also have one near their home in Michigan and we used it alot when we visited as kids. Nice that there are plenty of interesting things to stop and see too.

    ReplyDelete
  10. The idea of an ice cream is quite good...

    ReplyDelete
  11. These rail to trail projects have brought vitality back to many of the small communities along the way. This has happened all across Minnesota and Iowa. Glad to see it works here as well. Love riding these trails.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Old railbeds here have often been converted to biking or hiking trails. It is a good idea.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great mural and lovely views of cyclists on the trail!
    Have a Great Week!
    Peace :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Using the land running along these tracks is a marvelous way to help cyclists enjoy their rides both scenically and safely.

    ReplyDelete
  15. It's important to know the roots of contemporary life. This mural really does the trick in educating the public. Thanks for contributing to this week's Monday Mural.

    ReplyDelete
  16. We've a long and growing trail on a former rail line here, too. Rails seem to be a perfect start for a trail, though sadly ours doesn't guide users near an ice cream shop.

    ReplyDelete