The Cape Cod Rail Trail is something that you’ll surely want to check out during your vacation, but it makes sense to go over the logistics of the outing before you arrive. Are you driving to the Cape? If so, you can always throw a bike rack on your vehicle while you make the journey. But what if you’re flying into the area or you’re unsure if you want to haul your bikes all the way to Cape Cod?

The good news is that not having a bike with you doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the scenery and history of the Cape Cod Rail Trail. All you have to do is locate one of the bicycle rental shops near the trail, and you’re all set.

It’s also smart to learn where the largest parking areas along the trail are positioned. That way, you won’t spend your morning looking for a space when you could be pedaling through the woods or trying one of the great breakfast places near the path.

Here are some of the bike rental shops near the Cape Cod Rail Trail’s various access points.

Barb’s Bike Shop

Right at the South Dennis Trailhead is Barb’s Bike Shop, a full-service store offering bike rentals, repairs, and sales. Every bike rental at this shop comes with a free helmet, and they also have a bike delivery service to locations in Harwich, Yarmouth, and Dennis. The service means you can request a delivery to your vacation rental, so you don’t have to worry about transporting it yourself.

Dennis Cycle Center

A short distance down the trail in Dennis is the Dennis Cycle Center. This store also offers deliveries, which are free if you rent the bike for more than a day. Repairs and sales are available at the shop, and they even have adult tricycles, tandem bikes, and electric bicycles from which to choose.

Old Colony Bikes

There is an area in Harwich where the Cape Cod Rail Trail comes to a fork. If you head north, you’ll continue on the Rail Trail, while heading east takes you on the Old Colony Trail. The first section of this secondary trail is also where you’ll find Old Colony Bikes, a shop specializing in bike rentals. You can rent for anywhere from half a day to an entire week, depending on how much riding you want to do.

Bike Rentals in Brewster

As you come into Brewster, you’ll reach Rail Trail Bike & Kayak Shop and Brewster Bike, which are steps from each other. At Rail Trail Bike & Kayak Shop, you can not only rent a bicycle but a kayak or paddleboard, as well. The great thing about this location is that you can leave your vehicle in the parking lot when you head out on the trail before returning at the end of the day. Brewster Bike offers a wide selection of bikes and has a delivery service, as well.

Idle Times Bike Shop

If you’re planning to enter the trail from Eastham, Orleans, or Wellfleet, Idle Times Bike Shop has you covered. These shops offer rentals, in addition to deliveries throughout the Outer Cape. The Orleans location is right downtown, while the two spots in Eastham are near the Rail Trail and less than a block from each other. The Wellfleet store is north of the Wellfleet Trailhead.

Orleans Cycle

Heading to downtown Orleans, you’ll come across Orleans Cycle. This shop is convenient because it sits right where the Rail Trail and Main Street cross, making it easy to access. It’s also across the street from Idle Times, so you’ll have plenty of options. Keep in mind that for single-day rentals, you must drop the bike off at least an hour before closing time.

Mike’s Bike Trail Rentals

A unique place to rent a bicycle is Mike’s Bike Trail Rentals, which runs out of a small trailer at Cape Cod Adventure Golf. This store is just off the Rail Trail and has a large parking area, so you can leave your vehicle while you head out and enjoy the sights. This location doesn’t have the same inventory as the others, but if you’re looking for a basic bike for a short ride with the family, they’ve got you covered.

Wellfleet Bike Rentals

It’s very simple to explore the trail from Wellfleet Bike Rentals because the bikeway run right behind the shop. The store is in a secluded area on Route 6 that also provides access to the Cape Cod National Seashore, should you want to try something different. Ebikes and electric bikes are offered, too.

Little Capistrano Bike Shop

Another shop with multiple locations is Little Capistrano Bike Shop, as it has stores in Wellfleet and Eastham. The Wellfleet shop is right at the trailhead, making it convenient if you’re starting from there. The Eastham store is about a four-minute ride from the trail at the Cape Cod National Seashore Salt Pond Visitor Center, so it’s also a handy spot to head out on the Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Where to Park

If you do bring your own vehicle or have a rental car that you wish to leave near the trail, you’ll have a few free options, depending on where you start and end your ride.

The South Dennis Trailhead has a sizable parking area right where the trail begins. There are also a few dining options nearby. Other official Cape Cod Rail Trail parking locations can be found in South Yarmouth, Harwich, Brewster, and Orleans. There is a brand new lot in South Yarmouth right near Stop & Shop. The lot in Harwich is near Hinckleys Pond, the Brewster spaces are across the street from Ferretti’s Market, and the Orleans parking area is in the heart of downtown.

If you start in the north, the Wellfleet Trailhead also has a large parking lot. You can also park at the Cape Cod National Seashore at the Salt Pond Visitors Center or in the Marconi Beach area for free.

As was mentioned, some bike shops will let you leave your vehicle there while you head on the trail. Inquire prior to arrival if parking is an important feature for you.

Getting Out on the Trail

You’ll have so many options when choosing where to start your Cape Cod Rail Trail journey that it can be overwhelming. Your best bet is to figure out how far you want to ride and go from there. If you’re only looking to head out for a few hours, you can start from anywhere, but if you want to complete the entire trail, you’ll have to be a little more strategic.

The great thing about having a Cape Cod vacation rental to call your own is that you can split the journey up into multiple days and take advantage of the various parking spots up and down the trail. As you experience more of the sights and sounds of the path, you’ll clearly see why it is a favorite place to spend a day on the Cape.