Cape Cod Canal Path
Overview
This bikeway follows the Cape Cod Canal through sections of Bourne and Sagamore, respectively. Maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it offers fantastic views of the canal’s various boat traffic, along with the area’s quaint shoreline scenery of unique homes and natural beauty.
The path is actually the Corp’s access road, a paved route designated for government vehicles, foot traffic and non-motorized vehicles only. It runs for approximately 7 – 8 miles between both Bourne and Sagamore Bridges. Featuring a generous width with minimal grades, it’s ideal for casual cyclists, especially families with younger children.
Photos
Area Details
Following the canal’s southern side for 7.5 miles between the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges, this is a popular destination for cyclists, pedestrians, inline skaters and runners. Even during the off-season, you’ll find a steady flow of people utilizing the flat recreational path. The bikeway itself is smooth concrete, with a bright yellow line painted down the center designating two-way traffic. It provides a fast, fun sprint for riders ready to compete against themselves or cycling partners in a casual time-trial.
Additionally, a self-guided educational tour of landmarks is available for use. While on the trail, watch for numbers posted on navigational lighting poles running the bikeway’s entire length spaced out every 500 feet. A PDF companion Cape Cod Canal bike-hike guide is available (produced by the Army Corps of Engineers).
Please note: this tour begins at the canal’s eastern end and ends at its western end
Park benches are scattered along the bikeway at regular intervals for rest and relaxation after a long walk or hard workout. The Bourne Recreation Area also features picnic facilities and an information booth (open in-season) on a nicely landscaped plot to the right of the parking lot.
Parking & Directions
From the Bourne Bridge
Head west off the South Bourne (Cape-side) Rotary at the bridge. Take the first right and continue along until you see a T intersection. Then, turn right. Parking lot is immediately on the left after you go back under the bridge.
Restrooms are open in-season. Click here for a map of the Bourne Bridge area.
Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center
Take Route 6 to exit 2. Turn left following Route 130 N into Sandwich Center. At Sandwich Center fork, bear left to continue on Route 130 N. Turn right on Tupper Road. (Sandwich Glass Museum on corner). At traffic lights, cross over
Route 6A, then take first right at Town Neck Road. Take second left on Coast Guard Road. Turn right at end on Ed Moffitt Drive to enter the Visitor Center parking lot. The building resides next to Joe’s Lobster Mart and across from
Seafood Sam’s.