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Head of the Meadow Beach – Cronin Beach loop from Pilgrim Beach

Head of the Meadow Beach – Cronin Beach loop from Pilgrim Beach

Moderate

5.0

(6236)

17,738

riders

Head of the Meadow Beach – Cronin Beach loop from Pilgrim Beach

01:02

21.0km

80m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Last updated: May 19, 2026

Tips

The surface along some of this route may not be suitable

Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.

After 2.77 km for 142 m

After 8.53 km for 528 m

After 12.7 km for 759 m

Waypoints

Start point

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2.84 km

Dune Shacks of Peaked Hill Bars Historic District

Highlight • Historical Site

The shoreline is expansive and there are plenty of gorgeous trails, beaches, and rolling dunes to explore. The national park service charges $25 for entry. Since the area is so huge, you can always find a secluded spot off the beaten path to enjoy the water and white sands.

Tip by

3.92 km

Foss Woods

Highlight • Forest

Foss Woods, owned by the Town of Provincetown since 1996, is a small, 14.87 acre conservation area. The area includes a one-acre red maple/tupelo swamp along its eastern edge, formed in an old dune blowout depression with saturated soil. The landscape primarily consists of the back slope of a 60-ft high dune along its southern edge, featuring 50-year-old pines. An old cart path traverses from behind the Harbor Hotel to the old railroad bed and extends to Snail Road.

Tip by

9.13 km

The Head of the Meadow Bike Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The Head of the Meadow Bike Trail is a popular, paved, multi-use path. This relatively flat trail connects the Pilgrim Heights area to the Head of the Meadow beach. Enjoy berry bushes the shade of tall pine and oak trees along this trail.

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12.4 km

Head of the Meadow Beach

Highlight • Beach

Head of the Meadow Beach is a popular beach in North Truro along the Cape Cod National Seashore. Parking can be a challenge in the summer but fortunately (especially if you're looking for a little extra exercise), you can get to this beach via the Head of the Meadow bike trail. Sometimes at the Head of the Meadow Beach you can actually see the remains of the wreck of the "Frances," which sank in a December storm in 1872. The United States Life Saving Service managed to save everyone onboard by dragging a whaleboat, which was docked on the bayside, across the land to this beach. Between Truro and Wellfleet, there have been more than 1,000 wrecks over the centuries due to the many - and often changing - hidden sand bars off the coast. Regardless of whether or not nautical history is of interest, the Head of the Meadow Beach is a pleasant, scenic beach where you can enjoy sunbathing in the sand, walking along its shores, and keeping an eye out for seals, who love to play in the surf. Be aware, however, that sharks have been known to frequent the waters here, most likely due to the seals!

Tip by

18.5 km

Cronin Beach

Highlight • Beach

Cronin Beach is a small beach in Truro, Cape Cod. This small, but scenic, beach is right off the road and a great place to slow down as you ride and look out at the ocean, which is just mere yards away!

Tip by

18.6 km

High Head

Highlight • Natural

High Head is a small nature reserve across the road from Cronin Beach in Truro, Cape Cod. This is a great place to look out for sea birds and other wildlife as you ride past along the very tip of the state.

Tip by

18.6 km

Shore Road – Monopoly Homes Section

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

This road runs along the tip of Cape Cod, providing continuous views of the water. This point is sometimes known as the "monopoly homes" section due to a row of small matching vacation homes along the way.

Tip by

21.0 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

8.85 km

5.57 km

4.21 km

2.22 km

191 m

Surfaces

14.8 km

4.69 km

978 m

592 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Friday 17 July

26°C

19°C

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Description

If you're considering the Head of the Meadow Beach – Cronin Beach loop from Pilgrim Beach for your next road cycling adventure, it's important to understand the route's true nature. While the name suggests a cohesive loop, the primary experience is centered around the Head of the Meadow Bike Trail. This 13.1 miles (21.0 km) route, with its 253 feet (77 metres) of elevation gain and estimated 1 hour and 1 minute duration, is rated moderate, largely due to its overall length rather than technical difficulty. It's an ideal choice for cyclists seeking a relaxed ride through natural beauty, rather than a challenging, distinct loop connecting multiple beaches as the name might imply.

What to expect on Head of the Meadow Beach – Cronin Beach loop from Pilgrim Beach

The heart of this route is the Head of the Meadow Bike Trail, a paved, multi-use path that offers a calm ride through woodlands and marshlands. You'll cycle past berry bushes and trees, with glimpses of sand dunes in the distance, though high brush can sometimes obscure the wider views. A notable historical landmark along the trail is the granite memorial marking the site of Pilgrim Spring, where the Mayflower Pilgrims discovered a freshwater spring in 1620. While the bike trail itself is relatively flat with near-zero grade, some sections may have bumps and cracks in the pavement, so stay alert. This gentle terrain makes it suitable for a relaxed pace, perfect for enjoying the Cape Cod National Seashore's natural and historical elements.

Planning your visit

Access to the Head of the Meadow Bike Trail is convenient, with two main points: Head of the Meadow Beach and High Head Road in Truro. Be aware that seasonal fees may apply for parking at Head of the Meadow Beach. If you're driving to an access point, note that High Head Road has been observed to have potholes, which could make for a rough ride if you're transporting bikes. Traffic on Route 6, which leads to these access points, can be heavy during the summer months, so plan your travel accordingly. The trail is particularly rich in birds and other wildlife, especially if you visit early or late in the day.

Trail details

Distance: 13.1 miles (21.0 km)
Elevation gain: 253 feet (77 metres)
Difficulty: moderate
Estimated time: 1 hours and 1 minutes

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Head of the Meadow Beach – Cronin Beach loop from Pilgrim Beach

Dune Shacks of Peaked Hill Bars Historic District

Foss Woods

The Head of the Meadow Bike Trail

Head of the Meadow Beach

Cronin Beach

High Head

Shore Road – Monopoly Homes Section

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