Cape Cod Rail Trail Section

The Cape Cod Rail Trail section through and adjacent to Nickerson State Park follows the former Old Colony Railroad right-of-way, converted to a paved multi-use path that stretches 25 miles from Dennis to Wellfleet. The Nickerson segment passes directly through the park's pine barrens, providing a smooth, flat, and highly accessible route through the heart of Cape Cod's interior landscape. The paved surface is 10 feet wide and well-maintained, accommodating walkers, joggers, cyclists, and inline skaters. The surrounding pitch pine and scrub oak forest creates a tunnel-like canopy in summer, offering dappled shade on hot days while the sandy understory glows gold in afternoon light. Kettle pond viewpoints appear periodically along the route, with short side paths leading to swimming areas at Flax Pond and Cliff Pond. The trail passes the park's main entrance and campground area before continuing toward Harwich and Dennis to the west and Orleans and Eastham to the east. Wildlife crossings are marked at several points where deer, foxes, and wild turkeys regularly cross the path. The out-and-back distance of 6 miles can be shortened or extended according to preference, and the flat gradient makes this the most family-friendly hiking option within the Nickerson State Park trail system.