Cape Cod & Old Colony Rail Trails: Chatham Loop

The full Cape Cod & Old Colony Rail Trails: Chatham Loop is approximately 68 kilometers (42 miles) long. For a racebike, komoot estimates the cycling time to be around 2 hours and 44 minutes, but this can vary based on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

The Chatham Loop primarily follows former railroad lines, meaning it's mostly paved and generally flat. While largely flat, some sections, particularly towards the Chatham end, may have small hills. The trail is mostly a dedicated off-road bike path, but the easternmost 1.5 miles in Chatham, and a couple of other sections, incorporate quiet residential streets.

The route offers diverse scenery including cranberry bogs, ponds, and forests. Notable highlights include the Cape Cod Rail Trail (Bell's Neck Segment), views of small aircraft at Chatham Airport, and the charming Downtown Chatham. You can also visit Chatham Light Beach, though reaching the ocean from the trail may involve riding on regular roads.

Yes, the Old Colony Rail Trail, which forms a significant part of this loop, is widely considered easy and family-friendly, suitable for inexperienced cyclists due to its flat, paved surface and gentle grades. It has an 'Easy' physical rating.

While the tour starts from Barnstable, you can find amenities and potential parking near the police station close to Chatham Airport, which also offers restrooms and water bottle fill stations. Brooks Park in Harwich Center is another location with seasonal amenities.

Cycling the Chatham Loop is enjoyable throughout the warmer months. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, while summer provides vibrant scenery and full access to local amenities. The changing colors of cranberry bogs in autumn can be particularly scenic.

Yes, restrooms and water bottle fill stations are available at the police station near Chatham Airport. Additionally, Brooks Park in Harwich Center offers seasonal amenities, including restrooms.

Yes, the route incorporates significant sections of the Cape Cod Rail Trail and the Old Colony Rail Trail. It also passes through segments of the Claire Saltonstall Bikeway and the East Coast Greenway (MA complementary Cape Cod route).

Generally, rail trails in the area are dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on a leash. However, specific regulations can vary by town or trail segment. It's always a good idea to check local signage or town websites like chatham-ma.gov for the most current rules regarding pets.

Based on available information, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Cape Cod & Old Colony Rail Trails: Chatham Loop.

Yes, the trail provides opportunities to explore local Cape Cod shops and eateries in the towns it passes through, particularly in Downtown Chatham. There's also a restaurant near Chatham Airport.