Hiking and Biking Trails Tips

The historic character of Olde Kings Highway, also known as Mass. Rt. 6A, makes it a unique experience for bicyclists and walkers. Once a Native American trail, the road between Plymouth and Provincetown is America's largest designated historic district. It is suited to experienced bicyclists because it is heavily traveled by cars. If you like shopping and fine dining as well as biking you'll want to travel this route, which is brimming with art galleries, dining establishments, antiques and gift shops, and boutiques.

You've come to the right place if you want to walk. Cape Cod Pathways is our expanding network of trails that link open space with all 15 towns from Falmouth to Provincetown. Pick up the pamphlet, A Directory of Cape Cod Walking Trails, from the Cape Cod Chamber (508) 862-0700 or most town chambers. You may also call Cape Cod Pathways at (508) 362-3828.

For a ride past beautiful century-old homes and striking harbor vistas, begin at Oyster Pond Road where it intersects Surf Drive and the Shining Sea Bikepath in Falmouth, head east on Oyster Pond Road, then west on Sippewissett Road . The 14-mile roadway trail will traverse Quissett, Sippewissett, West Falmouth, Old Silver Beach, and North Falmouth. The easterly route follows the water's edge from Falmouth Heights to Menauhunt Beach and Central Avenue. Holiday Cycles (508) 540-3549 can offer you additional information regarding the route.

Bring the whole family and enjoy a free nature discovery hike along the scenic Mashpee River. These naturalist-guided tours last an average of an hour to an hour and a half and are scheduled throughout the summer months. Or you might enjoy a short nature walk and creative program, like the "Creature Feature," which allows both children and adults to search for plants and animals at different conservation areas. For more information regarding the tours call the Mashpee Conservation Commission at (508) 539-1400, ext. 540, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 AM and 4 PM.

South Beach and the Monomoy Islands are the best places on Cape Cod to see seals. In the past few years, increasing numbers of both harbor and grey seals have been staying year-round in this area. Seal Cruises leave from Ryder's Cove, North Chatham during the winter months and out of Stage Harbor, Chatham from June through October.

Teasel, a plant with a large thistle-like flower head, was used by early Cape settlers to card wool and to remove pilling from their woolen clothing. It is said that the idea for Velcro came from teasel, as well as the practice of "teasing" hair.

Walking across the Brewster Flats at low tide uncovers a fascinating, constantly changing world. Tidal pools become home to a variety of marine life. The wide beach attracts shore birds, scallopers, and clammers. Children love exploring the flats and discovering sea creatures ranging from the tiniest snail to the largest horseshoe crab.

In southeastern Massachusetts, some 11,000 acres of cranberry bogs thrive in the area due primarily to the sandy, acidic soil and a good supply of clean water. The bogs lie amidst extensive forestland. Besides being home to cranberries these lands shelter wildlife. They also lie near reservoirs filled with many different varieties of fish.

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