Shining Sea Bikeway Reviews

This is a flat trail that goes a long distance from North Falmouth to Woods Hole. Expect fairly heavy traffic from joggers, cyclists, walkers, and even roller-bladers! It is hardtop the whole way with several road crossings (the locals are respectful of folks crossing at the trail). The harbor in N Falmouth is very pretty, and we found a comfortable bench to eat at. In Woods Hole there is a grocery store with a grill in the back that makes sandwiches - you can eat right at the waters edge, just exit the back door and there are tables both up and down. The path and the places are very nice.

Easy trail for my wife and I to navigate. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed the scenery along the way.

5 star bike path with enchanting variety of Cape Cod environments: beautiful woods (often providing welcome shade), ponds, marshes, bogs, seaside. Never overly crowded.

We parked behind the library in Falmouth to get to the trail because the parking lot at the trailhead was packed with families on Labor Day weekend. So, we cycled a bit on the road and it was fine. Once on the trail, it was shady and pleasant through neighborhoods, and was a flat, easy ride. We did enjoy the marsh view, seeing the Swans swimming, and enjoyed the landscape. Once we hit the beach side, the sun was shining, the piles of rocks were interesting, and the biking was great. We biked to Woods Hole, saw the ferry, and enjoyed a sandwich before returning to Falmouth. It was a great day biking the Shining Sea bikeway. We found most drivers to be very helpful to cyclists along the trail at crossroads.

I LOVE the Shining Sea bikeway. Plenty of parking at lots near the start of the trail. Surface is FLAT for ALL levels of bikers. Can get "busy" with children & strollers during peak hours. Beautiful scenery takes one to lovely & vivacious Wood Hole!

I love flat bike trails. We parked at the trail heads and biked the length of the trail stopping along the way to shop and eat.

We packed a lunch and picked up the Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth. What a lovely, well kept route for walking or riding....thanks to those who take care and maintain this route. We had a great, leisurely ride, mid-week, so there wasn't any traffic on the route ( weekends can be very busy). It was an overcast day, so it wasn't too hot and we stopped along the route to rest, because I was promised ice cream if I made it to the end at Woods Hole....so if course, I made every effort to make it and I did! If you are seeking adventure and a nice ride, take a stop here and enjoy your day. There is a beach about a mile in and you can stop there or at any of the many benches provided along the way to rest. The route is an easy 4 miles from Falmouth RR crossing to Woods Hole at the ferry and there are many venues to eat or grab ice cream (we stopped at Jimny's Ice Cream, yum!) Happy travels!

Biked this trail from Falmouth to Woods Hole. Paved with benches to rest and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and Marthas Vineyard. One of the best of the numerous Cape Cod bike trails. You won't be sorry if you give it a try!

The path is busy, and has some benches and businesses along the way. Most of it is a pleasant, wooded trail. There is one spectacular stretch along the shore with a great view and a beach.

If they would install real lavatories instead of porta potties that would be so much nicer. Very lovely views, plenty of photo opportunities

This trail is perfect for the whole family. It is approximately eleven miles one way, but can be done in sections if you prefer. There are lots of places to stop off for a sandwich, ice cream or a cool drink. It is fairly flat and there are gorgeous views of the beach, marshes and the island. I travel this path frequently year round.

The trail is paved and fairly flat. It is more crowded earlier in the day. Woods Hole is a nice stop to wander around. Beautiful views, stops along the way, and a great ride. Wide range of bikes from training wheels to fancy fast bikes. Some dog walkers pose a problem. A number of roads to cross but cars stop for bikes

The Shining Sea bike path, runs 10.5 miles to Woods Hole. Easy & enjoyable; shaded areas with vegetation as well as picturesque sunny marsh areas. Delightful 😊

We thoroughly enjoyed our ride on the shining sea bike path. There were beautiful sites along the way, including some magnificent views of the beach and ocean.
A local recommended the lighthouse in Woods Hole at the end of the trail, but we had some difficulty getting there due to lack of sidewalks and a windy road.
The highlight of the bike ride was walking down to the beach between mile 1 and 2. It doesn't appear to be anything special from the bike path, but when you walk near the shore you can hear all of the smooth stones rattling as the waves came in and out. It was really an awesome experience!

It's an 11 mile trail but we started in about the middle and biked for 5 miles to Woods Hole. It was a nice fairly flat ride through forests and along the ocean. At the end there are multiple places to get food and beverages. We stopped at a beautiful beach right next to the path on our return!

Amazing, the views were beautiful. The bike path was easy to ride. We rode the full length from Woodshole to North Falmouth and back.

Excellent smooth paved bike path, very busy with cyclists, joggers and walkers.
This path runs from the Falmouth area along the ocean / marshes and beaches. There are a number of places to stop at bench and sit to enjoy the scenery.

Nice and variety view there are some bar restaurants and ice cream on the side . The only thing is too many stop sign and some are cross some busy street and the car may not stop for you. Unless you are local driver or you may not know this is a bike trail you are crossing. Have to be careful. Over a nice bike trail. Love it.

This bike path is wonderful, scenic, flat, woodsy as well as passing by the ocean in several places. It is crowded during the summer months - though still not crazy. Off season is is a great place to walk, bike roller blade. It is just wonderful.

This is arguably the most scenic bike trail in Cape Cod. It has almost everything Cape Cod bike trails have to offer: the marsh, the cranberry bog, picturesque cape towns, and of course the shining sea.
A few tips: Near the Woods Hole terminus of the trail, there is a very good bakery called Pie in the Sky, which is a good stop to refuel. Also from there, the Nobska lighthouse is close by (~1 mile away), which also worth a side trip.

This was our third time staying in Falmouth, and this bike path is one of the main reasons we continue to return!

Rent bikes from the Corner Cycle and take the ride to Woods Hole. Drive to the lighthouse for a lovely view.

Beautiful scenery along the path. It’s more crowded, of course, on Sat and Sun than during the week.

Beautiful scenery, excellent beaches enroute and a safe flat walk or cycle. Started in North Falmouth and rented bikes at Art's Bike Shop. Excellent fast professional service and a map with places to stop included. Easy access onto the Shining Sea Bikeway. Many lovely places to stop and learn about the local geography along the way. Well serviced with places to stop for food and drink along the bikeway and in Falmouth and Woods Hole there are great restaurants for Lunch. Access to 2 different Sandy beaches along the way mean that a swimsuit would be helpful. The perfect activity for all ages.

Scenic & well kept. A lovely walk. We even walked back! The cyclists were very polite. The lakes were beautiful.

The bike path, from North Falmouth, to Woods Hole, is 10.7 miles each way. The path is leisurely, flat, shaded and sunny. There are a variety of sights to keep you engaged along the way, including marshes, a cranberry bog, lovely gardens, grape vines, beaches, and a bird sanctuary. The destination, Woods Hole, is my all-time favorite town in MA, a quintessential Cape Cod location without all the commercialism. Have a sandwich at Woods Hole Market and Provisions, while sitting on the water, listening to the work aboard WHOI Research vessels, and watching the Steamship Authority boats head off for the Vineyard.

The Shining Sea Bikeway is just lovely! It passes by Vineyard Sound, through wooded areas, and along tidal rivers. (Birders will love it!) Many spots along the way to stop for a swim. Best on weekdays or off-season - can get crowded on beautiful holiday weekends!

This is an excellent way to see the sites of Falmouth and get some exercise. The trail was smooth and wide enough for 2. Other users were courteous and road crossings were easy to navigate.

One of the highlights of Falmouth. Path goes through many pretty spots. Be sure to pick up a map brochure at the bike shop...which shows parkig, bathrooms, etc. We rented from Corner Bikes...bikes i. Good condition and right near bike path entrance in the Falmouth village. There are other bike shops further north near the bike path

We rented bicycles at Art's Bike Shop just a couple of blocks from the north entrance of the bike trail. Then enjoyed a leisurely ride with various stops checking out the scenery with a short stop at a snack shop. By the time we reached the beach its was raining, which gave us an excuse to relax and enjoy a couple of coffee shops and the free admission aquarium at Woods Hole. So even when it's overcast and sometimes raining, there's enough side stops on this bike trail to take cover, relax and enjoy the views.

Just did the Sea to Shining Sea trail with our skiclub: wonderful! The miles closest to the end in Woodshole are spectacular. A stop on the town for refreshments is a must do. Lots of places to park but caution: our gps didn't find the parking place so we ended up in town and paying to park on the street. If a buck an hour wouldn't break you, do it as there are lots of restaurants and shops to check out. Aldo note the meters have a 3 hour max. We opted to take an alternative route home, closer to the Sea, do that if you are ok navigating the town streets for a splendid alternative.

Was a lovely easy cycle from Falmouth to Woods Hole. We then cycled back from Woods Hole to West Falmouth which again was an easy scenic ride. A great way to spend half a day in the area.

Gorgeous. Recommend going around dinner time on weekends. Can get crowded. But nice and flat and people pay attention to the rules.

Coming from upstate NY, I had never seen a cranberry bog. I ran the Zooma Cape Cod 10k and half marathon race on Sept 30th. About half of the race was on the Shining Sea Bikeway. On the bikeway we had plenty of shade, views of the water, ran through a cranberry bog and had plenty of other landscaping to look at. The path is wide, divided, paved, and has benches along the way. There are markers frequently, probably every 0.1 miles, but I only saw some of them. I was too busy watching the scenery to be looking down at the pavement, which is where the markers are located. The bike path was advertised to be 10 miles long.

The paths and lines were clearly marked. Speed limits posted. View OUTSTANDING. Various parking locations for starts and finish.

can do some or all. Explore marshes, swim in the ocean, watch the sea birds. Careful...need sunscreen and some parts are hot on warm days.

The bikeway is long and smooth. It is relatively flat and offers good scenery. It's great for walking too. Long stretches toward the north are shaded

We did this bike ride after hiring our bicycles from Corner Cycles - which were very reasonable and accommodating!

The route itself is really easy to navigate & you see some lovely views of Cape Cod but we felt that there should have been some places to stop for a drink or snack along the way as we practically did 20 miles without anywhere to stop.

Would recommend!

We spent July 4th biking from North Falmouth to Woods Hole and back. It's 10+ miles each way but it's relatively flat, has porta potties along the way and lots of benches to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery. We liked this route much better than the cape cod trail. There are beaches along the way but no changing facilities. Woods Hole has several restaurants and it's also the ferry port.

The bikeway is beautiful and easy path for a casual outing. We brought our own bikes and there was plenty of parking in designated areas to leave the car. Recommend you look at a map to determine what part of the bike path you want to see so you can park closest to that area.

My family has biked this bikeway many times and we thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s about 20 miles round trip, but it’s a very enjoyable ride through marshes, bogs, and along the shore. It’s an easy ride, since it’s paved and flat. Every biker would enjoy it.
Don’t forget to stop in Woods Hole for a bite to eat before heading back to Falmouth.

Did 15 km bike ride with two young kids. The trail is beautiful and was highlight of our trip to Cape Cod. Kids loved the trail. There is a bike shop at the beginning of the trail so that you can rent bikes. There is parking as well (to leave your car and ride ) - parking is generally a challenge for visitors to Cape Cod.

Wonderful ride from Falmouth in a very nice path, paved, full of amazing views, ocean, marshes. Is also protected by trees, easy to ride, paved and well marked and with very quaint artwork along the way

Just a beautiful 11 mile stretch along the shore! Plenty of places to step off the path and onto the beach. Beautiful vistas, plants, flowers, sea birds and the like. Yes, it's crowded on the weekends in the summer....but it's there all year long! Go and enjoy a stroll.

not hilly, paved. great way to see the town, the beaches and some people things to do and places to stop en route

Lovely bike path along Buzzards Bay. A couple of places to stop to get a frozen popsicle or ice cream

A delightful trail wonderfully marked, paved, winding through wooded areas, beach, small villages. A lovely way to spend the day!

This bike path goes 10 miles from Woods Hole, it can be ridden both ways or one way with road cycling back to the hotel.

Very nice easy ride with nice views. Parking was a bit of a hassle, but understand that it's the Cape on a perfect day for a bike ride. I'll definitely go again.

Great thing to do while visiting Falmouth and fun pitstops along the way, stop by the Gift Shack Gallery at the half way point, the 4.5 marker!! Great frozen SMOOTHIES!!!!! Absolutely loved the day!

It is a great bike path although sometimes pedestrians are don't follow the guidelines and walk slowly in a group, in certain areas, especially near the beach, and block the path.

Just recently my husband I decided to add biking into our dates and recreation.

Today I decided to bring him to the Shining Sea Bikeway as part of his birthday date.

We parked at the free lot at 81 depot street in Falmouth. We then walked .2 miles to Corner Cycle to rent 2 bikes. They are open 9am till 6pm this time of year and it is $19 to rent bikes for the day, called a half day. They include a bike lock, bikes have bags on the back for a few items and a helmet if you are so inclined. I found their website to answer every question I had and more!

Once the bikes were rented we headed back to depot street where we could jump on the bike path. We wanted the 3.5 mile trip into woods hole.

First stop was the Peter Pan bus station on depot street for the restroom where I was very pleasantly surprised by to find the Station Grille inside. I picked up drinks for the ride but noted lemonade, snacks, a large ice cream display and a very nice sandwich menu. I was told pulled pork, egg and cheese is their breakfast specialty. Sounds incredible, for $5!!!

We hit the trail and even against the wind, the flat terrain made it an easy ride.

You end at the steamship authority (public restroom available if you need it) and headed over to the Landfall Restaurant for waterfront lunch. They have a bike rack out front.

We then went the. 8 miles over to Nobska lighthouse. When we left the lighthouse we were happy to see that we did not have to go UP the big hills we zoomed down to get there, you go left out of the lighthouse lot and turn right on Fay Rd. That dirt road connects directly back to the bike trail (left towards steamship authority again or right towards falmouth).

Wind at our backs, it was an easy beautiful ride back. We will definitely do this ride again as well as some other stretches of it further down the Cape.

Can’t beat this bike trail for a terrific bike outing. Basically flat with lots of beautiful views of the water, marshes, bogs, wooded areas and farmland. Several areas along the way to hop off for snacks or a break. If you start in North Falmouth there is a good parking lot (get there early though) and grab a sandwich or drinks at Deans around the corner. Enjoy!!

I had to stop a lot to enjoy the beautiful views from train tracks, cranberry bogs, marshes, villages, beaches. Easy biking path. I took LOTS of pics but sorry to say I can’t get them onto this site- guess you will have to grab your bike or just your sneakers and check it out yourself!!!

My small family of 3 loves the time we spend together here in the spring and fall. Perfect breeze on the hottest of days. Very safe and well marked

This trail is great for families! It's flat and paved and goes through all types of scenery from forest to beaches. I especially liked riding along the beach and stopping in Woods Hole.

Views are nice, bring a bathing suit as you go pass beaches. Woodhole is a nice place for lunch. Bathrooms and air pumps with tools on trail.

We did this on our last day in Cape Cod. We had walked the shops of beautiful downtown Falmouth then rode from there to Woods Hole -- which we loved as well. I thought the ride was more enjoyable than the Rail Trail. Easy ride, with a stretch along a causeway with water on both sides that would be difficult to beat. Several informational signs along the way to describe how the land was shaped and conservation efforts.

This long trail has many parking options and trail lengths. In the summer be prepared for loads of traffic. it is beautiful and we locals prefer the off season to enjoy it.

Can't wait until they extend the bikeway to Cape Cod Canal. It would require cooperation among Falmouth, Pocasset and Bourne. Should be do-able!

One of the nicest rails-to-trails we have ridden on. Takes you through trees, beaches, and pretty neighborhoods. Food options along he way. BIke rentals right nearby in Falmouth.

We will ride from Falmouth to Woods Hole , enjoying the diverse scenery as we go. In Woods Hole we will get the ferry to the Vineyard and ride along Shore dr to Edgartown have lunch and return. This bikeway also goes north for quite a distance offering a different type of scenery from the beaches on the southern portion.

Flat, pretty bike path. We rode from Falmouth to Woods Hole. It was approximately 6.5 miles round trip.

We rented bikes from Corner Cycle and parked our cars on depot ave. It was a great location to start. We hadn't been on bikes in a long time but really enjoyed this bike path. It was mostly level and paved and easy enough for a beginner but was enjoyed by more experienced riders as well. We had a 10 year old, a teen, two middle agers, and two seniors. It was enjoyed by all. We rode towards Woods Hole and the scenery was beautiful. There are shops and restaurants in Woods Hole so it was a good point for a break. We took a short detour after and went to visit Nobska lighthouse. This was off the trail so we did have to bike on the road for a short amount of time. We then returned to the parking are on Depot St and returned our bikes. My son begged to go back every day after that. We finally went back a few days later and he rode an additional 12 miles. 6 miles on the trail to the end and then back to the parking area. Be advised that the trail is not a circle...so if you go 5 miles, you will need to go the same amount back. Also there are not as many interesting views on the North side of the trail. There were a lot of marshy areas. It is still a pleasant ride, however.

From Woods Hole by Falmouth's Upper Common and all the way to North Falmouth, the Shining Sea Bikeway is a beautiful way to explore the town and its beaches. Parts go next to Surf Drive Beach and Trunk River Beach on the way to the Woods Hole end. Another section passes through salt marshes with lots of bird life. And the longest section travels along West Falmouth's Sippewissett Marsh, from which Chapoquoit Beach is readily accessible. The bikeway is 10 miles long, and is pretty flat, making it perfect for families.

I and a friend biked this route on a gorgeous early summer day yesterday, and although I'm an avid bicyclist and long time Martha's Vineyard resident, this was my first ride on the Shining Sea path. It's just about 10 very flat easy miles each direction, and winds through an ever changing scene of woodland, sea, salt marsh, and cranberry bogs. This is a well developed and thoughtfully planned trail, with interesting stops for views, water, food, toilets, and even bicycle repair (air and tools!) which I will return to again soon. I'm looking forward to an eventual connecting trail to the Cape Cod Canal trail to make a longer ride possible.

My husband and I rode this trail while on our honeymoon, and we both loved it! The ride was almost completely flat which made the 22 mile round-trip painless. The scenery you bike by is so beautiful, including a beach, boat dock, and several marshes and ponds. We stopped at the Coconut Hut for an ice cream, which is a family owned snack stop about halfway through the trail. Highly recommended! At the end of the trail in Woods hole we stopped and ate at Pie in the Sky Bakery before riding back to Falmouth where we started.

We hired bikes from Holiday Cycles near our hotel so added a few extra, easy, miles. The bikes were incredibly comfortable and the owner gave good tips to get to the path and a side trip to the Nobska Lighthouse. The path itself is easy with interesting things to read along the way. It wasn’t too busy despite being late August just before Labor Day weekend. There are good cafés in Woods Hole and a Café or two en route too but make sure you carry water. A great trip!

Great views of the ocean and ponds.
Very safe and scenic. You can walk / bike up to 10 miles I believe .

Wanted to enjoy a beautiful day outside, and found this gem. It’s an old railroad line that’s been paved over. Using Google, we found access to the path with parking right there. Well maintained, and well used by walkers, runners and bicyclists.

My husband and I enjoyed this bike path so much. We rode it to Woods Hole several times and loved the coastal view. We rode it north and enjoyed the rustic views. It is flat, a few bumps here and there but overall well maintained. At the northern end, there is a 'bike repair' station... hooks to hang your bike and any tool you may need attached to a cable. How thoughtful!

Beautiful view of the ocean near Woods Hole. We did the whole trail and it was a bit long (over 20 miles). Probably will do less next time.

One of my favorite bike paths! I love Falmouth and especially the ride to Woods Hole. , Shining Sea is definitely a fave. Love biking along the water.

Our second trip to Falmouth - first time me and the Mrs and this time with our two teenage boys. If you want to some fantastic scenery - especially the ride parallel to the beach- we stopped off for a little sip then this is great. Woods Hole is really quaint with a nice harbour and marina. Our eldest who is usually really hard to prize off his electronic devices loved it.
It is almost 11 miles long and runs from Woods Hole up 11 miles north.
We started about 3.7 miles from Woods Hole - rented bikes from corner cycles - $65 for 4 of us - included helmets,locks and a bag which is attached /detached from the bike to store your possession. My wife who does not like biking on the road loves this as the paths are for pedestrians/bikers only.
At certain points the path goes across roads but all cars will stop to let you get a cross safely.
We had 5 1/2hours(you can have the bikes from 9am up closing 6pm for the 1/2 day rental we paid).
In that time we cycles the full route top to bottom- at the top end if you turn right- about 400 yards there is an ice cream shop , toilets in the hardware store and a bike shop.
Down at Woods Hole lots of places to eat/drink -
The path that runs along the thin beach you can stop and enjoy- amazing views looking at Martha's Vineyard- so good our dog is named after it!
Loved it.

I am not in the best of shape but love this bike trail. Not too many hills and great paved access. We have biked this trail 3x, two of those starting in Orleans and one from Dennis. We prefer the portion of the trail from Orleans (nice shopping, restaurants nearby bike shop) to Wellfleet.

Wonderful way to spend the afternoon in good weather. Rent bikes from Art’s bike shop, take an easy ride more than 10 miles down to Falmouth or Woods Hole. Worth the trip.

This bike path is well maintained and very scenic. Parts of it run right along the ocean so you may want to ride with your bathing suit on so you can jump off your bike and take a dip. It has a mix of bikers and walkers but never felt too crowded so it is easy to pass by walkers. We biked from our rental property to the trail starting in West Falmouth all the way to Woods Hole. Once you are at Woods Hole, there are bike racks in various places so you can safely lock your bike and walk around. Its such a great way to get exercise while away on vacation.

Great path with friendly people using it and lots of great views. The path is smooth and pretty flat so everyone can comfortably bike here. It does cross the road a few times. The traffic will stop for you, but just be aware.

Great scenic bike , running path to woods hole . Take it in Falmouth and rude to woodshole for breakfast or lunch!

This is one of my favorite places in North America to ride a bike, and a must for any vacation on the Cape. I prefer riding in the early mornings and late evenings when it's not crowded. However, most of the bike rental shops are closed during these times, so I always purchase a bike on my first day in Falmouth in order to take full advantage of this awesome bike path. The views are incredible and the entire path is very flat.

Shining sea bike path is a gem. It goes through multiple different ecosystems. It starts (or ends) in Woods Hole, goes through forest, then along the ocean with beautiful views of Mattha's Vineyard before heading inland. It goes past ponds, marshes, cranberry bogs and conservation land. It is used for biking, walking and roller blading, so one needs to take care and notify people when they are passing (a bell or a call "on your left").

Great leisurely ride through woods, marsh, and by the sea. You do have to stop at a few intersections however area drivers are very courteous. A nice surprise was a section with stacked stones. Would be a good way to catch the ferry as the path leads right to it.

Excellent paved bike path that is well marked. Basically flat with a minimal grade which makes this a very easy ride.

We jogged about 3 miles of the trail from Woods Hole, MA and loved the water views and going by some of the ponds in the area. Unfortunately, the trail doesn't go to the lighthouse so we had to take a detour and walk by the road to get there.

Beautiful bike ride! 10.7 miles and goes by beaches, fields, marsh areas. Mostly flat. We rented bikes at Corner Cycle (open later than Falmouth) it was easy. Unfortunately all the ice cream shakes are closed this time of year. We really felt like we got to see Cape Cod!

We biked this trail on a rainy September day. It was scenic and well maintained. It is mostly flat. We found the cranberry bog an interesting sight.

We rented bikes at Corner bike shop in Falmouth and rode this trail with friends. One of the best and most scenic bike trails we have had the pleasure to ride. We rode from Falmouth center to Woods hole, mostly level and great scenery!

Great views from salt mashes, cranberry bogs, to ocean views. There are some places to stop along the path for food or ice cream but you can also just go directly into Woods Hole.

this is an amazing bike path, the views are fantastic, to be able to ride right along the water is wonderful. We rode this from end to end a little more than 20 plus miles and right at the end I got a flat tire. There is a converted railroad station with super clean bathrooms and also serves ice cream, the people there were so helpful and friendly.

Bikeway through a canopy of woods. It's relaxing and easy to ride. It's perfect to get around town easily and see all of the sites Falmouth has to offer. Great pit stops along the way including the Gift Shack Gallery.

We loved this trail, one of the best we have gone in. We rented the bicycles close to the hotel where we stayed, Mariner's Point, and stopped in Woods Hole to have lunch. The scenery changes:ocean view, savannah, etc. While in town, we also visited the
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. What else can you ask for in a bicycle ride?

Great bike path offering safe riding for a nice 10.7 mile ride each direction. Good way to get to Ferry station.

We rented bicycles in Falmouth,then biked to Woods Hole. That stretch of the path is possible the most enjoyable because it runs along the water. We stopped once for the view. Then we parked and enjoyed a couple hours walking around town. On a beautiful weekday in October, the path was not very busy. It was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
We rented at Corner Cycle in Falmouth. The bike shop is close to an entry point of the path.

Every year we visit the Cape for a week in Falmouth. And of course it wouldn't be complete if we hadn't taken our couple 4-5 mile bike ride from Falmouth to Woods Hole and back. The bike trail takes you thru woods and down near the beach. The trails are nice and wide , paved with plenty of room to maneuver around other folks on trail. The views are simply amazing with many turn offs to take a break and spend some quality time taking in the views or just taking a drink and catching your breathe. Great experience for all ages, don't miss it!

Spent the afternoon riding throughout Falmouth and on the Shining Sea Bikeway with our family. A nice, easy, flat and safe ride for all ages. Lots of signs directing you to/from Woods Hole and markers every half mile.

This bikeway takes riders by conservation lands owned and operated by various private and public groups in Falmouth. It may one day connect all the way to the Cape Cod Canal if Pocasset, Bourne and Falmouth towns can agree on planning and cost sharing etc. Hope so! It would be great to ride all the

It runs along one of the few beaches with unrestricted access to a good length of the beach. (I believe this is the only state which permits property ownership right to the waters edge, so it is not uncommon to find fencing restricting access along most beaches) It is heavily used by cyclists who share its narrow width with pedestrians.

Took our family of 6 for a bike ride from Falmouth to Woods Hole on a Friday morning. Gorgeous views from bike path of local beaches. Well shaded for the most part, smooth ride, plenty of room for bikers, runners, and walkers. Enjoyed a nice afternoon in Woods Hole before heading back. A true gem, wish we had something like this in Virginia Beach!

For a leisurely bike ride along the sea this is the place! With many different access locations you can adjust your ride to fit your needs. And Woods Hole is the place to stop and rehydrate, plenty of pubs and eating options.

This is a beautiful ride with cranberry bogs, marshland and ocean views. The trail is completely paved and smooth, which makes for easy riding. We started on North Falmouth and made our way to Woods Hole. With such great scenery and easy riding expect a busy trail. We got an early start so the ride down was not bad. The ride back really got busy, more so towards the Woods Hole end of the trail.

About as simple as entertainment gets. Takes in some nice beaches in Cape Cod. My only criticism would be it takes you inland rather than staying on the coast and you have to cross a few roads.

This is a lovely bike path to see winding marshland, egrets, ducks, and swans. We walked part of the path with dogs and also rode the path on bikes into Woods Hole. You won't get a great workout -- it's a bike path with walkers, joggers, rollerbladers and children so your speed is limited. However, if you're looking to get some fresh air and a destination for coffee or lunch -- head to Woods Hole on this path and just relax and enjoy.

This is a pleasant ride but it is not a workout. It is gentle and almost with out physical effort. The section by the beach is nice but it is a very short ride. The end at Woods Hole is a very long parking lot and industrial feeling. You can watch the passengers get off the boat from MV.

We bike here at least twice a week, weather permitting. Off road is the only safe place to be in a very touristy area, especially in summer. If you do the whole ride from Rte 151 to Woods Hole and back it is about 15 miles. There are several parking areas with access to the trail so you can make a ride as long as you want. There are plenty of places to leave the trail and stop for food..In summer try Eulinda's ice cream and The Cafe, there is a dirt path straight to their door.

Beautiful scenery and safe biking. A nice deli to have lunch is the West Falmouth Market. Stop along the beaches and harbors for some glorious views. Takes you to favorite Chapaquoit Beach for sunsets on the water

Rode this with my teenage sun. We started from the north end and enjoyed "reaching the sea" at the end. I think going from Woods Hole to the north would be anti-climatic. It's an easy paved trail with a few easy rode crossings. Highly recommended!

We rented bikes at Bike Zone of Cape Cod at the very top of the bike path. Our family is not full of super-experienced cyclists, and this path was perfect. Almost entirely flat and completely paved. In addition to great scenery along the way, there are fun things tucked along the path like sculptures of reindeer made of logs, information about bogs and marshes, pink flamingos, and more. Very enjoyable!

The Shining Sea bike path is 10+ miles long flat and easy riding (so 20 out and back). We rode north from the Falmouth coast and the views of the salt marshes and Buzzard Bay coast are great. There are many side routes and low traffic side roads to add distance on. Really easy riding and not crowded in the morning.

We have now been to Woods Hole twice. Each time we rode this bike path and it gets better every time. You won’t regret taking this path along the beach and through the trees with amazing views the whole way. Can’t wait to come back.

We ride this all the way from North Falmouth to Woods Hole. It is flat easy riding with lots to see along the way.

Easy bike way through trees and past lovely scenery. We hadn’t been on bikes for about 40 years when we borrowed them from our hotel -good fun. We cycled down to Woods Hole and caught the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard where we biked from Vineyard Haven to Oaks Bluff and back. The day after we rode the other way along the bike path-again lovely. Would definitely recommend this for beginners and older cyclists wanting a gentle bike ride

Very nice bikeway. We rode it south from Falmouth, all the way to Woods Hole; we did not ride north of Falmouth, which is longer. Great views of ponds and the seashore. One caution: we rode on a Saturday in September, starting mid morning. As the day went on, the number of walkers and bikers increased, and it became more challenging to navigate the increased numbers. Try to do this ride when the crowds will be less.

If you get a chance to ride the Shining Sea bikeway, then please do so on your visit to Cape Cod. Absolutely fantastic day out along the coastline, through the woods, across bogs - all of which are on a safe cycle path from Woods Hole to North Falmouth - 10.7 miles in length. Stunning views throughout the trip and always something to see.
We hired our bikes from Corner Cycle in Falmouth, about 4/10 down the cycle path. So friendly in there, cost us $34 for two bikes, two helmets and a lock.
The other thing to look out for is the Coconut Hut, very friendly family business and a much needed drink and ice cream to cool you down in the summer months.
We saw all ages on the trip, from grandparents right the way through to young kids - a great family day out, where you can stop whenever and wherever you want, including the lovely beaches.

We had a few amazing cycles along this bike way. We hired a tandem, my husband and son cycled it! We made it to woods hold and took the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard! Love love love it!

This bike trail is absolutely gorgeous. Very safe, paved, and the views are unbelievable. I would definitely do this again!

Great biking experience, even though there are so many areas that need repairs from roots growing up through the path. The best area for me was from #7 stop on the map going from center of town down to Woods Hole , so beautiful riding alone the ocean, a flat and easy ride with bathroom facilities.

During the pandemic, we've been spending a lot of time walking outdoors; however, the neighborhood walk gets a bit "old". On the recommendation of friends, we decided to take a day trip to Falmouth and walk on the Shining Sea Bikeway. We were quite glad that we did. Although it is primarily a bike path , there are several walkers enjoying the paved path and lovely woods/Cape scenes. There is not a lot of signage on the path, so you're not always aware of how far you've walked or how much longer it is to the next area of interest. That having been said, each section is very nice and it's a very easy path. You could almost forget that it runs parallel to a busy roadway.

A friend and I enjoyed a leisurely ride today on the Shining Sea Bikeway, but by far, the biggest treat was our stop at the Coconut Hut along the way. An oasis during a hot ride! 11 year old Marcus and his mom welcomed us over - what a great little spot, offering healthy drinks and snacks! The best part though had to be Marcus - super friendly and helpful - and then coaching us as we tried out the outdoor coin toss. (He was definitely better than us ;-). He made our day today!

We were looking for a half day way to see cape cod. Not a very warm day to lay on a beach and rain was supposed to start by 1 pm. The ride from the Corner Cycle Shop to the ferry terminal along the coast was easy, beautiful and enjoyable. we stopped at the lighthouse - that added a hill and a challenge :) also stopped halfway by the ferry terminal and had a bagel - cute coffee shop! after it started raining, we returned the bikes and drove to the cranberry bog. It sounded interesting, but in June there wasnt much to see :) looks like they ripen and redden in the fall.

Took a run along here from the Woods Hole side, and the first mile or more is somewhat boring, very straight with trees on both sides and no breeze. Only after that does it get to the sea and the wetlands where it gets interesting.

Three of us drove down from Boston to ride this beautiful bikeway, described by others. It took about 1 hr 20 mins to get to the northern end where there is a bike rental shop and a medium-sized parking lot (avoid Cape Cod traffic if you can!!!). We biked down to Woods Hole and stopped for lunch. Plenty of good places; I suggest (#1) one of the restaurants or market where you can sit outside along Eel Pond. The ride back isn't bad because the entire bikeway is flat! Suggestion #2 is pick a day not too hot or chilly. Suggestion #3 is stop for ice cream at the Coconut Hut and say hi to Marcus, the friendliest server ever!!! Figure 1 -1/1/2 hours each way (depending on any stops) plus an hour for lunch = 3-4 hours total.

This beautiful paved bike path goes through meadows, marshes, woodlands and along the ocean and beach! Well kept up, and lots of places to explore off the path! Will definitely come back and ride again!

I started at the Depot Ave parking lot in Falmouth (which is not the same as the North Falmouth parking lot), which is about 4 miles from Woods Hole. I proceeded north to about the 10 mile mark, turned around, went to the end at Woods Hole and then returned to the parking lot. The path is very well done, wide, well maintained. Nice scenery through woods with lots of shade going north. The southern part along the beach provides a great, if short, view of the ocean. It can be windy and is more exposed to the sun. It was nice to see so many homes along the path have a gate or path from their yard to the path so it's popular with the locals.

We took the trail from Falmouth to Woods Hole and back. It’s about 3.5 miles each way. It’s flat, on a well-paved trail and easy for all ages to navigate. It’s super safe and part of the community. They have a bike shop at the beginning of the trail with plenty of bikes available for really cheap. You rent for half or whole day. Bikes have baskets for your stuff and a lock. You can’t reserve in advance, but don’t need to because they have plenty. Great exercise and scenery. Woods Hole is a fun little town to check out before your return trip. Wish every town in America had a bike trail like this!

I rode this twice during my stay. Smooth path and easy riding. Not quite as much ocean view as I was expecting but still delightful. I am also amazed at how considerate New England drivers are of pedestrians and bicyclists. I am used to Texans treating us as nuisances at best if not objects of blood sport.

We had so much fun. The trail began near the Ferry to Nantucket, in Woods Hole. It goes across a parking lot, then along the ocean, in forested areas, by an old railway station, it is just wonderful. Quite flat so not too difficult. It was a bit busy in some spots, but people were careful and courteous. It crosses some raods, but again cars were polite and let us by. We made it to the marsh, and then decided to turn around, I think we were about 5km from the end. Would definitely do it again, if we lived closer!

Great trail, good amenities, paved but bumpy in spots. Parking areas could be better marked and starting point in Woods Hole is a nightmare. Many other spots to start are better. Online map is great.

My husband and I rode our bicycles for the full 21 miles along this bikeway. It is very well marked, very well pave and there are lots and lots of scenic vistas along the way. You can do 2 miles or 22 miles the choice is yours. Our bed and breakfast had bicycles but there are plenty of great bicycle rental shops in Falmouth.

Fabulous day! We were five aged 7-50. One of us may not have been on a bike for 10 years… it is completely flat, gorgeous scenery and easily navigated. A couple of quiet road crossings. We hired bikes from Corner cycles which was very easy having parked at the trail car park. Had a gorgeous walk round Wood’s Hole and the WHOI museum, lunch and ice-creams. We didn’t do the whole track, just Yarmouth to Wood’s Hole and back. This could not have been easier and was enjoyed by everyone (even teenagers…)

Lovely bike path for a family cycle through the marshlands and countryside of Falmouth and Woods Hole. The path doesn’t go to the beach directly but has regular stops where you can go by a short road cycle to various beaches (Chapoquoit Beach being the best).

Make sure you take lots of water and snacks as there aren’t too many places to buy them from but there are lots of shady benches available for stops). Hire bikes from Corner Cycle, Falmouth.

The bike trail is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. It’s a shaded trail that is well maintained and takes you directly into Martha’s Vineyard. The last few miles are the best along the water and beach

If you don’t want to ride, it’s also very nice for walking or running.

This was one of our best days. We hired bikes from the cycle shop in Falmouth (19 dollars per bike for the whole day including cycle helmet) and we cycled all the way to the North end down to the South. The track was well maintained, lots of people cycling and running and any dog walkers have to keep their dogs on leads so you don’t have to dodge anyone. At the weekend there are pit stop areas for ice creams and drinks. Closer to the South end you cycle past beautiful beaches which you can stop and have a paddle in the sea. There are some points were you have to cross over some roads but cyclists have priority at the crossings so is very safe. I couldn’t recommend this route enough

We rented bikes in Falmouth and rode to Woods Hole and were not disappointed with this amazing bike trail along the sound. You can exit the bike trail near Woods Hole and visit Nobska lighthouse, but note that it is not marked how to get to the lighthouse. The trail is lovely and the scenery was a delight. We are not avid bikers but the trail is flat and very friendly.

This is the most wonderful cycle path with exceptional scenery has to be one of the most picturesque in the world..

We did several mini-trips on the bike trail. One time we went from Depot St near Falmouth Ctr down to Woods Hole where we locked our bikes and walked around and had lunch. Another time we went north from the center, and yet another time we started at the north end.

The views are wonderful, we stopped to take pictures.

It was not crowded, we found it easy to pass the pedestrians. The "serious" bikers seem to use the main roads so this was pleasant for us casual bikers. The path is gently uphill or downhill the entire way.

My husband and I enjoyed walking the Falmouth to West Falmouth stretch yesterday. It is nicely laid out with scenic views. We ate lunch on a bunch while overlooking a marsh... very picturesque.We wished there was a bike rental place close to the path as we would have enjoyed biking it.

We rented two bikes and took off toward Woods Hole. The ride is easy and scenic. We enjoyed this experience and would definitely do this again!

Great way to spend a few hours! Rent a bike from Corner Cycle and enjoy yourself! My husband and I rented a tandem bike for $17 for half a day (1-9 hours). We rode the entire length of the trail. It's 11 miles so to do it all and back is 22, but it goes fast and is very pretty. The reason I gave this trail only 4 stars is because you only get to see the ocean twice and the trail is crowded. I did love how the trail ended near the ferry. The town there was cute and a great place for lunch. If in Cape Cod, definitely do this trail!

Really fun bike path. 10.6 miles each way, but pretty flat and scenic. Wood's Hole is fun to ride around in and check out shops and waterfront. Highly recommend!

Great scenery right on the coast, and with points of interest along the way. The bikeway is nicely maintained and mostly flat with very subtle inclines. The sea air on a windy day in Spring is invigorating!

beautiful views, flat path pavement redone to remove root bumps
ends in woods hole so great destination

From Falmouth to woods hole and back...very cool and recommended...family bike trail, very busy on weekend

Fantastic bike trail goes all the way to the parking lot of the Woods Hole ferry. Nice and convenient.

My wife and I rented bicycles in North Falmouth where the Shining Sea Bikeway begins. The path is 10.7 miles and with very few exceptions is a level grade. Parts of the path take you through bird sanctuary, a cranberry bog, marshes, and for a short distance along the beach with beautiful water views. Having not ridden a bike in 25 years, the pace was slow enough that that I didn't feel worn out until the very end (we rode the entire trail both ways - 21.4 miles). Bring some water and a camera and you'll have a wonderful time.

A very nice ride right by the beaches,a good place to collect shells, look for lady slippers underneath the pine along the route, or do some clamming on the weekends!

This is very picturesque and the bikeway ride is very very good, passing by beach and woods! The bikeway is well maintained almost "manicured", smooth! Towards WoodsHole, it is a very nice ride and there is good food and coffee at the end of this ride at "Pie-in -the-Sky" cafe! It is a slight downhill ride on the way back towards Falmouth town!

I am living on the Cape for the summer and I'm so glad I found out about this bike trail. It's super close to where I'm living. It's 10 miles one way and goes to Woods Hole and 10 miles back to North Falmouth. My favorite part of it is passing Surf Drive Beach. The view is incredible. There's also a great little ice cream right along the way!

Such beautiful variety! Shaded sections in woods, beautiful marshes, sea side beaches, and at the southern end, delicious snacks, sandwiches, coffee and pastries at Wood’s Hole

During a brief stay in Woods Hole found this a great trail both for my morning run and for a long leisurely walk. At the moment the Woods Hole trailhead is kind of hidden behind the Pie in the Sky bagel shop due to construction at the Steamship Authority.

The Shining Sea Bikeway is one of the best biking / walking paths that I have enjoyed. It is a rail - trail that runs along the site of a former train route; so, the path is relatively flat with few hills to climb. The path stretches for 10.7 miles from the harbor in Woods Hole to North Falmouth and along the way you'll see cranberry bogs, salt water marshes, and many quintessential New England homes. The path is very well maintained and marked. I can think of no better way to spend some time on land in Cape Cod and get some great exercise.

The trail was narrower than we expected, which made things interesting when people decided to stop and block the bikes trying to get through. We enjoyed great ocean views and also watched ospreys have lunch.

Excellent 20 plus mile ride. Very few major road crossing and some great scenery. Paved path all the way. Loved the part right next to the beach.

This is the perfect bike path for families. It is flat and smooth and has rest stops, bathrooms and snack opportunities along the way. You can also stop at the beach, peddle to lunch or simply ride. Much of the trail is shaded or has sea breezes so even on a hot day it is completely enjoyable.

Really love coming here. Got some great trails. It can get real busy in the summer so be wary when you visit. You can also walk as well as cycle.

Start in North Falmouth and enjoy a leisurely ride through many eco systems to end in Woods Hole. It is 11 miles each direction with NO HILLS!!!

We hired bikes from Art's Bike Shop in North Falmouth, very close to the northern starting part of the trail. We were given a map with points of interest to where to stop off. We stopped at Chapaquoit Beach and had a swim in the water, which was warm and had lovely views of the western shore. The water was so good we had a further swim near Surf Drive enroute back from Falmouth. Really recommend for a day activity.

Very level and beautiful bikeway, an easy ride from North Falmouth to Woods Hole. Recommend for beginner riders as well as more experienced cyclists.

This bike path is a must do. You can start in North Falmouth and head through cranberry bogs, next you pass beautiful views of West Falmouth. You then make your way through surf drive and views of Martha Vineyard on your way to Woods Hole. Stop at Pie In the Sky if
You go into Woods Hole for something to drink and eat.

This isn't a challenging bike ride, that's not the point. But you can hardly beat the views and easy access. We've ridden it a number of times between Falmouth and Woods Hole, with our kids ages 5 -15, with other friends and family, and as a fun way to go find some lunch or other stuff to do in Woods Hole. Also fun to ride on roads past Nobska Light one way of the trip, which is easy to do if you have a phone map. Just beautiful every time, even if the weather doesn't feel "picture perfect" it is worth the ride. The path is essentially flat,so really every rider can enjoy the trip! After riding next to the beach, the path goes into the woods, much of which offers shaded riding. There are no roads to cross, but the trail ends in the ferry parking lot in Woods Hole so use caution at that end. Enjoy! Fantastic family activity!

Nice easy flat rail trail ride with nice scenery. Towards Woods Hole you will see some ocean views, and the opposite way is more marshes and residential towards the end. Very nice rail trail worth checking out. There are places to stop along the way for pictures, a food place on the trail called the Station Grill for breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches and ice cream. There is another ice cream place that was closed, but probably open during the summer, and at Woods Hole at the entrance there is a cafe that serves hot drinks, lunch, ice cream, and pretty good pie!

We enjoyed our day. Great sights and sites . Salt marsh, Vineyard Sound, Woods Hoke This has it all .. nice people. Caution. Stop at all roads. Most drivers are courteous but some NOT .

Went here near Falmouth Hospital for a run. Soooo gorgeous and clean. However, the pathis10 miles from North Falmouth to Woods Hole so plan accordingly. The sectioning traversed was pretty decently shady but bear in mind after Surf drive, its all coastal with no shade..anyway, biking, riding, walking, it's amazing. Easy for bikes and walkers and runners.

We (wife and I) and our 11 year old boys did the path last week. Simply amazing, except for the complaints of my 11 year olds (they never did such a long ride before). We biked it one way, wife and kids had lunch in Woods Hole while I went back, got the van and picked them up at the other end. You can do one way in less than an hour ( took me 40 min going back, but I was moving). Amazing views, flat all the way and the scenery changes every few miles. Very much recommended. If you have younger kids, you may want to tandem or pull them along or try the one way as we did.

First time here. We parked at Depot street, and headed toward Woods Hole.

Along the coastline, near Oyster Pond, you’ll need to avoid casual (and oblivious) strollers,
but the bike ride was great. The turn at Woods Hole gives you the opportunity to grab a bite/drink. We made the turn, and went to mile 5, and back to Depot St.. Total 10 miles.

Next time we park at Depot again, and try to do the whole round trip.

Great day, easy enjoyable ride with sight-seeing benefits.

Based on the reviews and fact that we were on Cape Cod for a week I decided to bike this trail. Have not ridden a bike in years but saw a video of the trail and it looked really nice. Was very glad that I took the opportunity as it was well worth the effort. From forest to marsh to sea on a paved trail with minimal auto interaction. What more could you ask. Photo opportunities galore. I did the entire trail. Don't really know how I could have deleted a section without losing a nice area although it can obviously be done. Had to rent a bike and for the day that was around $26. Probably the cheapest thing I did on the Cape and it was good for me. Admittedly took me much longer than I expected with the stops for photo opportunities and just taking it easy. I took 4.5 hours to finish.

Wonderful bike trail. The trail begins in north Falmouth and is on a paved over railway so it is very flat. The vies once you get to Falmouth are wonderful. Martha’s Vineyard is a stone’s throw away. You will end in Woods hole where there are plenty of places to eat too.

I Ride MANY rail trails on the east coast & this is nothing special. Drove from Long Island to see this trail because of all of the positive reviews. Nothing special to see here. Everyone posts the same photos of the section of the trail that has water views. The rest of the trail is kinda wooded. certainly not worth my drive. I would have posted some trail photos, but nothing was worth taking a photo of.

Lovely bike ride with great views, places to stop and easy flat cycling without traffic. Loved it. We did the full 21 miles round trip with teenagers. Saw lots of wildlife too.

Nice bike path with view of the ocean. We rented our bikes at Corner Cycle. Easy to do with kids. There are nice restaurants near the port at the end of the path.

Nice scenic ride you’ll be glad you did! Typical ride on Cape Cod, a gentle ride. Start in Woods Hole with restaurants and coffee shops, the most scenic part is right there. Close to the ferry.

Fine for any level of experience, including kids. You pass cranberry bogs and gorgeous vistas and can pull off for beaches or to grab a bite. Goes all the way south to Woods Hole.

This bike path begins by the ferry dock in Woods Hole and stretches for more than 10 miles. Completely separate from cars (except at a few street crossings where cars are very polite), easy grades, great views of harbors, ponds, wetlands, a cranberry bog .. and easy access to coffee shops and snack bars. And if you do not have your own bike you can rent one at Corner Cycle in Falmouth, locks and all.

Rented bikes from Corner Cycle that is a short walk from the trail. We found parking on the street but there is also a parking lot by the trail. We biked from one end to the other and back. It was wonderful. Almost all flat with very little elevation. There are places to stop and rest with benches if you need to rest or just relax and enjoy the different views. There are also people using this path to walk and jog - so if you don’t bike you can still enjoy this paved trail. If you enjoy biking - this is the place to go!

What a great day....we had so much fun...,easy ride, great scenery, great, beautiful beaches on the way, man you cannot go wrong! Bring the family, make it a day! Great, free fun! Pack a lunch bring a towel or blanket, make a day of it. We got on right after downtown Falmouth, which is about half way. I used 1 Locust Street on our GPS as domrone suggested, however we went a little bit more, and actually the parking is at 157 Locust Street. While riding you will cross over Surf Dr and Elm Rd. We went to Pie in the Sky in Falmouth and picked up a turkey BLT..and then came back to the path and ate on the way...yum, picnic on the go..... You will love this ride, easy peasey. ENJOY!

Beautiful scenery especially approaching Woods Hole. Flat all the way making the ride enjoyable for all ages and fitness levels. Popped into Falmouth village which is a lovely spot for refreshments and a bit of retail therapy!

We greatly enjoyed our ride on the SSB- it was a highlight of our trip! We found all views (water and woods) to be wonderful and worth seeing. So beautiful. Not to be missed.

We biked from Falmouth to Woods Hole (about 3mi on the bike trail), and let me say this was an incredible route. The path itself is wide, flat, well marked, and perfect. You pass perfectly manicured lawns, a huge body of water (OysterPond), and of course the grand ocean and rock-ridden beach itself. It's so beautiful (via foot, or bike) there is no way anyone should be allowed to leave Falmouth without doing this trail!

Only a mile or so of this trail is directly on the Ocean. However the rest is also great with nice marsh and “cape” views .
Plenty of parking along the trail in various parking lots. But, I’m sure on a summer weekend they might fill up. Only complaint is the trail is a bit bumpy for us bikers. Trees near the edges push up roots that cause the asphalt to heave.

A great day for a family if you want to do something different.
We rented a bike with a child seat so our three year old also could enjoy this fantastic bike ride
This is a easy bike ride on a flat and nice bikeway. Stopp in Woods Hole for lunch. The whole trip took about 4 hours including lunch.

We stopped at the Coconut Hut for refreshments on our bike ride and were so charmed by Marcus!! Not to mention, the snow cones were the best I have ever had!!!! This place has personality. Delicious refreshments, friendly & polite service, cool environment, family run…you really can't ask for more.

Outstanding views of the cranberry bogs, marshes, and Vineyard Sound. Rented from Cycle Center which is just blocks from the trail.

Great experience for anybody visiting Falmouth / Wood’s Hole area. This bike trail has beautiful views and is fun for all the family. There are places where it crosses marsh, pond, and beach, and other wooded segments with lots of bunnies and birds to guide your way. We had a lovely leisurely ride.

The nicest bike trail we experienced on the Cape. Scenic ocean, marsh and forest views on a well maintained trail. Plan a day for a RT on the whole trail and stop for a walk in Falmouth, a few hours at the beach, and a meal. in Woods Hole.

Love this bike path. Very scenic from Falmouth to Woods Hole. One of our favorite ways to spend a day on the Cape.

The upshot : if you just need to cycle casually from one spot to another on the Buzzards Bay side of the Cape (Woods Hole <> North Falmouth), the Bikeway is safer and more pleasant than taking the regular streets through the area.

If you've never been on this trail, the high points are around the Sippewisset marshes (near the 5 mile marker which is roughly mid-point on the trail). LIkewise, there are currently two small places to stop where you could pick up some snacks / ice cream. I would recommend skipping the first two miles near the Woods Hole end since you will just be cycling past parking lots and the backs of industrial buildings. The bulk of the trail is through forested areas, with the usual breaks at road crossings (with one or two intersections particularly busy).

Note . . . if you are a sporting cyclist looking to get some real exercise for the day, you will be disappointed. The trail is only about 20 miles out and back total, and is a multi-use facility which means you have walkers (oblivious to surroundings because of their headphones), and families out for a spin and so weaving erratically around the trail. All this means you cannot keep a reasonable pace. I would recommend exiting the trail midpoint and go on the regular road (with light to moderate traffic esp in the summer months) that takes you past Silver Beach and on to North Falmouth and Pocasset. There are some gently rolling hills which helps invigorate the ride. These roads are in good shape, though there isn't much in the way of a shoulder.

Such a beautiful bike path. Works well for walkers as well. Lovely views and great way to escape cape traffic between Falmouth center and woods hole.

10 mile path. Old railway right of way. Numerous places to get on and off the pathway. Great views. Gret wy to get some eecise and to enjoy nature.

A beautiful bike path with a little of everything. Very scenic with some parts in the sun, some sections in the shade, some along the beach and oceanfront, some in woods and tidal marshes. You will love it.

My sister and I rode the bike way for the second time. Biked into woods hole and back to north Falmouth. This is an easy flat trail that passes marshes, and the sea. Recommended for families too! The streets that intersect are clearly marked. It is recommended that you stop and walk your bike across. A good thing if you are with children. We found drivers to be courteous to bikers.

Beautiful flat bike path. I would recommend starting at the north Falmouth end, stopping at the end in woods hole and spending some time there. There is a free parking lot at north Falmouth. I got there at 9 on a weekday and there were plenty of spots. When I got back at 1 there were still some spots. Along the trail there are several smaller parking areas. There is a big lot at the end in woods hole but it is gated so you probably have to pay. Plenty of places to stop along the way to rest, take in the views or jump in the water. I took a detour off the path to a very pretty beach. A really nice ride with beautiful scenery. It also wasn’t too crowded.

What a great addition to the Falmouth, Woods Hole area. Rails to Trails continues to convert old railroad spurs across the country to bikeways-walkways that are revitalizing the areas around them. This one is a real treasure with marshlands, beaches, woods, restaurants and ice cream stops. The trail is 10.7 miles end to end and a great round trip.

Scenic, flat, enjoy an easy 20 miles down and back or get off whenever you like. Beaches and dogs abound.

My wife and I only did a couple of miles of the trail close to the Sound. It was without doubt the most scenic rail tail I have ever been on. Bring your camera. It is absolutely beautiful.

Loved bike path. We did the portion from Falmouth to Woods Hole and then part of the way to the north end. The path was well maintained and folks on the path were cordial and courteous. We found a place to park at the Depot with easy access to the path. The trail goes through the woods quitea bit and then along the ocean and beach. It was fun and beautiful.

The best scenery in Falmouth. Able to walk or bike. Such a beautiful walk on a sunny, Fall day. Benches at intervals, and able to access the beach.

What a great bikeway...From North Falmouth to Woods Hole, its beautiful and easy ride...about 14 miles but flat and there are places to stop.

We walked two miles from the Falmouth Center side on Labor Day. Granted it was a perfect day to bike or walk since the temperature was cool. The path is fairly narrow and was very busy. We kept having to look back for bicycles coming by. We walked to Woods Hole.

Nice beach for the scenery and bike path, but as a beach it was not too swimmable and rocky. Parking was not too bad

Beautiful pathway for walking and biking. We chose to bike and stopped numerous times to take in the view as we meandered along the ocean. Such a pleasurable ride. There are benches along the way to sit and rest or take in the view, and there are occasional spots to grab a snack or beversge.

Beautiful views along this magnificent bike path. Well kept and Clean . Easy ride.great for fam ily walks etc.

Well designed bike trail and the views are great - includes coastal views, marshlands and lakes. Rode from Falmouth to Woods Hole, walked around a bit in town, then rode to the end of this particular trail in West Falmouth then back to downtown Falmouth. A bit more hilly than I thought it would be but such fun! You can rent bikes in many places - we rented by the trail in downtown Falmouth and we enjoyed their services and bikes.

If you like the outdoors and biking, this is a "must do" in Falmouth. we rented bikes, very comfortable and easy to navigate, went north first through beautiful marshes, a cranberry bog, a beach and many beautiful houses typical of this area. this could be a day trip as you can then go south to Woods Hole and have lunch in the many restaurants to choose from, but for dessert stop at "Pie in the Sky" and you must have at least one piece pie. Spend the afternoon visiting small shops and all this town has to offer, then go back to
Falmouth to return your bikes at sundown. The trail is protected, and designed for bikes and walkers, no cars and beautiful scenery. You won't be sorry you did this.

All I can say is ; hop on your bike and “do it”. I ride the entire loop. Sometimes I stop and take pictures because it’s hard not to! So many beautiful vistas. It’s also fun to leave the bikeway and ride to the water or some of the little areas off to the side. Plenty of parking at various points on the bikeway and great places to get a bite to eat, a snack or just stretch your legs.
Well maintained with great signage and even “safe” water bottle service stops.
Woods Hole is magical and not to be missed. Walking paths are clearly marked and accessible.
Great for families, friends or solo.

Quando li no Tripadvisor a lista de coisas para fazer em Falmouth e vi que o 1o lugar era a Bike Path eu achei over. Mas depois do passeio eu entendi porque e o 1o lugar é merecido! Um passeio alto astral, paisagens belíssimas, uma delícia de fazer! Imperdível mesmo!

When I read on TripAdvisor the list of things to do in Falmouth and saw that the 1st place was the Bike Path I thought that it could be too much. But after I went I understood why and the 1st place is deserved! A positive energy ride, beautiful landscape, a delight to do! Definitely "a must see" in Falmouth.

If you are looking for the perfect place on cape cod to be active, this is your dream destination.
The views either close up or far away are wonderful
It is different everytime you come
You can walk, run, roller blade or just sit in one of the commemorative benches
Parking is limited but there are several free lots
Such an ocean oasis

Delightful ride on a paved path through scenic parts of Cape Cod. Woods Hole at one end had lots of restaurants and shops.

We rented bikes in Falmouth and biked to Woods Hole. A very enjoyable mother's day. The bikeway is beautiful, and it takes you through some wooded areas and beaches. Lots of birds around also.

Shining see bikeway is a very easy but very enjoyable 10 mile one-way bike trail. This is all very nicely paved with quite a few road crossings. Everything was well marked and you could get on the trail at many different locations. The only part that you are writing along the shoreline is between the ferry landing and just before you enter the downtown area. The rest of the ride do you see some very nice marshes with different water fowl and birds of all kinds. The day that we went there was a surprising amount of people going in both directions but everybody was very respectful.

Had the best day on this path! Highly recommended. Perfect for families or couples.
So neat to sea the ocean while riding a bike. Something we dont see here in Dallas !

This appears to be an old rail trail that runs almost 11 miles. The changes in grade are very small. The entire trail is paved with asphalt with much of it in good condition. We traveled the trail from start to finish with our start in North Falmouth. There is a bike shop at the trail head that has nice/new bikes for about $20 per day. There is a great little restaurant along the trail in Falmouth.

We rode the bike path during the solar eclipse. So many folks sharing glasses and home made cartons rigged to see the eclipse. It was a memory we will not forget. Bike path was easy ride and was the rental of bikes. We are in our 60's and it was fun!

It is a very pretty & peaceful bike trail. You can see & hear birds singing, squirrels& rabbits running across the trail. We biked from North Falmouth to Wood Holes, Distance about 10 miles one way. It is a good day trip if you stop at the beach( mile 7), having lunch &visiting museums in Wood Holes. The beach that parallel bike trail is so beautiful, white fine sand and warm water. This is a must do bike trail in Cape Cod!

This well maintained path offers stunning sea. Jews, marsh lane, and birds..and if you end up in Woods Hole, there are Lenny of places to eat before coming back. It is just a feel good experience to be out in nature’s beauty.

Beautiful flat ride. Stunning views of ocean, homes and bogs. Ride a lot or a little. We rode 22 miles to Woods Hole - 2 hour round trip. Bike Zone for rentals was very accomodating!

Great ride through all kinds of scenery.
There are numerous photo opportunities throughout the ride
Bring a bike lock and walking shoes, as there is opportunity to walk around woods hole and grab a coffee and pastry. Woods hole can be tough to visit due to limited parking but is a really cool place to see.

We walked the trail in Dec. and were lucky enough to get a day in the 40's. A good part of the path is right along the ocean and totally flat so an easy walk.

We rented bikes in the Falmouth Village. This bike ride is 4 miles to beautiful Woods Hole and is beautiful and scenic. The ride is flat and easy! A fun activity to do! Have lunch on the water in Woods Hole!

This pathway leads down to Wood's hole and north quite a few miles also. I ran this pathway in the early am and didn't have any problems with either people or pedestrian traffic.

This beautiful bike path is marred by cracks in the pavement every 10 feet. Your bike will go ca-clunk over and over you will not be happy.

What a great bike path that goes by the ocean. All the way from the bridge to Woods Hole. You can bike ride, walk or rollerblade. Anyway you do it enjoy you day and get out and travel!

We rented a bike at a shop in Falmouth around mile 3.5 and rode to Woods Hole and back. The trail was flat, and although it crosses the road in several spots, the drivers stop to let the cyclists have the right of way to cross. In Woods Hole there are several lovely restaurants to have a bite to eat. The views from the trail are lovely, and run through woods and alongside the sea. We're looking forward to riding the northern section of the trail on our next visit.

We went from Falmouth to Woods Hole for lunch on a sunny day via the lighthouse, and it was a lovely ride with a variety of scenery to enjoy: seaside, woodland etc. We hired our bikes from Holiday Cycles on Grand Avenue, good bikes at a decent price and really helpful people.

If you like interesting bike paths, this one can't be beat. You see farms, cranberry bogs, open ocean, ponds, etc. My favorite is to bike to Woods Hole for lunch with my bathing suit under my clothes. After lunch, jump off at ocean edge and have a nice cool swim! Bring a towel and enjoy this remarkable access. Path can be busy so use caution.

a beautiful trail to bike, hike or jog with kids, quick access, good parking and multiple entry points.

The path can be a bit crowded, but everyone was pretty courteous. The ride has beautiful views and Wood's Hole is always a treat to visit.

Rode this trail on July 3rd -- probably one of the busiest tomes of the year -- and it was great. Well maintained, some parking available -- little elevation. Put in at North Falmouth -- rode to Woods Hole for a nice lunch -- then an easy ride back.

This bike way goes through woods and around the beaches and ends in Woods Hole where you can Walk around

This is a wonderful bike path from Woods Hole to the top of Falmouth. Built on the path of an old railroad, it has an even grade throughout, making it a great path for family biking. We loved biking through the woods and then coming out right by the ocean. It was so nice to not have to worry about car traffic, etc.

This bike way is great! It is popular, but not insanely crowded and we were there on a holiday week. Bikes, joggers, walkers, parents with strollers, all are welcome. From the Falmouth beaches to Woods Hole, great way to get exercise and de-stress! Do it!

Awesome shared (pedestrian and bike) walking path that allowed me to safely travel on foot from Woods Hole to Falmouth, MA. Part of the path is along the ocean and offers amazing views.

We have traveled this bike way before and really enjoyed it. You need to be vigilant at the road crossings that appear every so often. Other than those it is a great place to visit. I am not sure where to park as we were at a home near by.

This path runs from the Falmouth area through Woods Hole, along the ocean and beaches. There are a number of places to stop at bench and sit to enjoy the scenery, as well as several ice cream and snack places. You can also take a swim in a number of places along the way. It's well maintained and very popular. Take a ride or a jog, or a leisurely walk, and enjoy the views and the beauty of the ocean on your journey!

I remember when trains used to run on these tracks in the 1970s. Now it's a walk and bike path perfect for people who want to get outdoors and cycle and walk but don't want to deal with traffic. You can walk or ride your bike from North Falmouth all the way to Woods Hole. In the North there are wonderful cranberry bogs and in the South there are splendid views of the sea on both sides and gorgeous wetland marshes full of birds including egrets, blue herons and osprey. Highly recommended.

What better way to experience the great outdoors than a leisurely bike ride to or from Woods Hole. You can stop along the way and jump in the water if you get to hot. There are no hills to contend with just a nice straight ride that everyone can enjoy.

It was a cool and sunny day, so the path was packed as we all tried to enjoy the last day of summer. I recommend this path to everyone--walkers, bikers, those who still "blade". It is gorgeous with many views. 'Fairly flat --so inviting to all.

Our very favorite bike path on Cape Cod. It is just over 10 miles long from the Rte 151 Ferry parking area to Woods Hole. Part of the trail goes along the shoreline.

Spent the afternoon walking with the Dog for miles up and down the Cape. Beautiful wildlife but close to everything.

After spending the morning at the beach, I decided I wanted to venture over to Woods Hole on a walk. I enjoyed the views of the beaches and the shoreline. Family friendly, large enough to fit groups going in both directions walking, biking, etc.

The bikeway starts in Woods Hole and now has been extended for about 10.5 miles. Along the way you bike by water with beaches, ponds, greenery with well marked exits to places around the surrounding area. Some of the path is rather bumpy with some patches, but always fun. This path is shared with pedestrians so weekends can be a little more challenging, but worth it.

We read about this bike trail online and it is fabulous. Pack up the bikes and head out. Some things we learned:

1. We parked on Depot Street lot 3.5 miles north of woods hole and found plenty of parking and a nice quiet lot.
2. We grabbed lunch at Smitty's which is right on the bike trail and features great seafood. They have a bike rack at the trail. Pack a lock and you are all set. Clean bathrooms there as well.
3. There is an ice cream shop on the trail As well, although we didn't stop there
4. Bottle refill station is also on the trail.

Great stop on the Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth at the 4.5 mile mark (number 8 on the Bikeway map on line).

Great ride for regular riders but also a place where my grandchildren developed their riding skills. When they were younger the ride could easily be limited to a few miles but now they do the full 21 miles round trip. Plenty of places to stop along the way for lunch or a snack.

Beautiful trail that is very well maintained- there are so many lovely sights along the way. The trail was busy with bikes, walkers and roller bladers but there was still plenty of room for all to enjoy and explore. This is a must-do!

Great Trail- clean, a variety of ecosystems, well marked, lots of options to stop for lunch. Paved with a few roads to cross.

What a lovely bike ride! The path was straight and well paved. There are parking lots in a few spots. Everyone was friendly and nice about passing. Can't recommend more!

This ambitious project is finally completed from the Martha's Vineyard Ferry to Route 151 -- with plans to extend out to Provincetown and north to Boston. Great for bird watching in the morning, racing to get to breakfast in West Falmouth, and people watching all the time.
Restaurants and cafe's off trail but on the way; beaches, marshes, and finally Woods Hole

Perfect weather, well kept trail, safe and fun for the novice and expert. We even saw a couple coaching a blind lady how to safely ride to Woods Hole! Amazing!!

This is a paved Bike path that goes from Falmouth to Woods Hole. Easy flat terrain good for bicyclers of any age. Great views along the way

This trail is beautiful! Fully paved and flat the entire way There are people walking and running, but not so much that it crowds the trail for the bikers. It’s about 11 miles one way, but there’s plenty to do in the Wood’s Hole area if you need to stop midway through. Also, there is a beach along the way that is open to the bikers.

Our bike path is amazing! 11 miles from North falmouth to Woods Hole, passing bogs, beach, woods, stores, so much. Not a lot of elevation, it is pretty flat. There are a ton of people certain times of the year, best to avoid it if you want to go fast, as this is a family friendly path, not meant for the 20mph biker when it is crowded.

I visited Falmouth at the end of May. I live in another state and love how well kept this area is and how the state thinks of cyclists and their safety. This was my favorite thing to do on the trip and the scenery was great.

We loved walking a four-mile stretch of this during our recent visit to Falmouth, one that passed through wooded areas and along marshes, with Buzzards Bay frequently in sight. The occasional informational sighs were much appreciated (we learned to look for osprey nests atop telephone poles, as well as on the platform in one of the marshes built specifically to attract ospreys to nest). I'd love to walk more of it on our next visit. What a wonderful re-use of an old rail bed!

This was the most relaxing bike ride I've ever taken! What beautiful views and little unexpected surprises all along the way. The path is well kept and there are great vistas to stop and take in. Definitely a highlight.

Travelled this fabulous bike path every day for a week and never tired of its greenery, sunshine, ponds, creative food vendors, and friendly neighbors. Loads of nature, birds, rabbits, families enjoying outings, and very courteous bikes and walkers. Many friendly alert dinging to keep the flow moving. Nice community asset! 🚴🏾‍♂️

We drove down to the beach, parked near Trunk River in a small area on the side of the road and walked on part of the trail towards Falmouth. Views of Nantucket Sound, but also some shady sections (which would be nice in hotter weather). This would be a good place to start a bike ride, since the parking is free.

Very picturesque ride where you will see the shore. Ride is nice and flat. I saw bikers, runners, and walkers. Enjoy!!

This is a paved, well kept walking/running/biking/skating trail along the water from Falmouth to Woods hole. Good for walkers and wheelchairs too ! Beautiful views across the water to Martha's Vineyard. When we visit the area, we go there almost every day ! Highly recommended. You can rent bikes at the start of the trail in Falmouth. This is one of our favorite places on the Cape !

While visiting the Cape, took the opportunity to ride the 10.5 mile path that ends in WoodsHole, MA. Paved all the way, with a few road crossings and nearly a couple miles along the ocean or bay or cranberry bogs. Riding on a cloudy morning meant lower temps and being more comfortable. An enterprising family has a snack bar sign along the way and serves out of their garage - water, ice cream, snacks. The ride ends at the WoodsHole town port, passing the harbor in the left just before the ride ends - excellent photo opp. No bike? Walk, run or skate - and enjoy yourself.

Started my back in the 1990s I have loved this bike path. I have pushed my babies in strollers on this bike path into Woods Hole and now that they are almost as tall as I am they walk alongside me, or ride their bikes. Beautiful Vineyard Sound views and shady spots. Great strip of beach where dogs are welcome. The trick is finding the "secret parking lot."😊

We are so lucky to have such a dreamy biking experience here on the Cape. You can easily tailor your trip to suit your family's needs. We have ridden portions of the bike path that we know our twins can handle. We also have family members who have ridden the path from start to finish & back again.

We started at the Falmouth end, and the bike rental place was very helpful and the people very kind and courteous, plus there's a parking lot right around the corner. But if you're not going to traverse the entire path, I'd start at Woods Hole. We did 6 miles and never reached an oceanside path. We did go through a cranberry bog, and there are periodic trail-side maps so you could easily see your position. The positive point about the Falmouth end of the map is that the trail is often shaded by lovely trees and shrubs, a bonus on a hot summer's day.

This is a lovely trail. There are 3 main parking access points. I started at Rt 151 (top of the trail) and rode south. Walkers, bikers and a few people on roller blades. Masks were recommended because the trail can get busy. Well paved with many places to stop along the way. Much more crowded down toward the beach area in Falmouth and Woods Hole.

This bike way runs from Woods Hole through Falmouth. Our hotel provided bikes for us and we set out not knowing what to expect. The trail travels through woods and then comes out by the water. It’s well maintained although it has sustained some storm damage. There is a “trail closed” sign which people seem to ignore and I’m glad we did too! There are several places where the pavement has heaved and it been eroded by the waves. The views are beautiful and there are several places to stop and sit or walk on the beach. There are even a few places to stop for a snack when you get to Falmouth.

It's an easy ride and takes you through so much of what is the cape! Definitely recommend it to anyone!

the Shining sea bike way is an amazing place to walk or ride. There are all sorts of small paths off the bikeway that will take you on little nature hikes. Plenty of small animal, plant and sea life too see.

Perfect way to see the Cape: marsh, beaches and woods!
Flat and well-maintained!
The only 'negative' is that it can be too crowded during some points in the summer.

Bike path was awesome. Didn't even feel like 20+ miles! Enjoyed some beautiful sights along the way and had a decent meal at the end of the trail. Would love to do this again and gave me the urge to go biking more often. Perfect day too as it was kinda cloudy so no sweating and very comfortable. You don't even need to own a bike to do this, as we rented from Art's which is very close to the start of the path. Highly recommend.

The bike path is mostly shaded and is a pleasant ride thru the country. You will pass a variety of landscapes. Stop by the beach to have a picnic. Many benches for stops. We saw a variety of animals: chipmunks, rabbits, weasel/ferret?!

So lovely to be riding near the ocean on a path that offers varying vegetation and seaside vistas. Very well maintained with the brush (and periodic poison ivy) kept trimmed and away from the path. (One bumpy section from tree roots under the asphalt just after crossing over the main road heading south to Woods Hole, around mile marker 3.5) Pretty level terrain, with slight inclines up and down across its length. If you enjoy bike paths, this is not-to-be missed!

This is an update to a previous review I wrote in 2016. Many improvements have been recently made to the Bike Path: new smooth surface eliminated many bumps caused by tree roots, improved parking area in North Falmouth including dedicated access to the path and a tool station for fixing bikes. Also much enlarged bike rack at the Woods Hole end of the Path by the Ferry. All changes highly welcomed by biking community! Thank you! We love our biking experience!

We rode the length of the trail and it was an enjoyable way to spend time in Falmouth. A great way to get to Woods Hole and we rode it to North Falmouth, where we got off it to go along the shore.

This is a great bike trail for anyone, but especially for people with children because it is nice and flat and easy to navigate, with wonderful views!

Drove from New York straight to Arts Bike Shop to rent bikes for this experience. Arts was perfect as it was two blocks from the start of the path. Much of the ride is through woods and backyard. We had a very windy day so it wasn’t as easy as it sounds. We took the right turn to see the Ocean which was great and then saw marshland and some water. We just missed seeing cranberry bogs by a week. We made it 6 miles into the ride which is 10.6 so we didn’t end up in town. A tree was down and we took this as a sign to turn around. Good decision as it’s a lot of bike riding if you aren’t used to it. Don’t forget water!!

We unwisely expected to ride the 21.4 mile round trip in just an afternoon. In order to return our bikes before the stop closed at 5 we had very little to to really savor the scenery. We did a quick stop for lunch along the way and enjoyed the views of cranberry bogs, salt water marches, osprey nests, pinewoods and ocean views. Unfortunately by the time we reached Woodshole (a charming town!) we only had about 30 minutes to explore. We literally ran through the aquarium. With little time to take breaks on the way back, I was so tired by the time we got back. Take the whole day to really enjoy..

It's easy to find, always cleaned up after winter before other bike paths are. I biked and rollerbladed there. Pavement is perfect even for rollerblading except in a couple spots. In summer it gets too crowded with little kids and families, but it has such e breeze it is difficult to find another place like that!

This was recommended to us from the staff at the Sun RV and Campsite Resort where we stayed. The Bikeway is an awesome, well maintained, paved, and scenic 10 mile route. Arrive early to get parking, or risk having to look for a paid location.

This is a great path for ped or bike. The scenery includes town and country and ponds and ocean. It was fall and the colors were amazing. Well worth it.

My friend and I absolutely adored Marcus at the Coconut Hut. He is one of the most personable 11 year olds I have ever met. If you are biking along the Shiny Sea Bikeway you have to stop by the Coconut Hut and buy a drink and/or drink from Marcus. You can also partake in some fun games like the tiki ring toss and Corn Hole Toss game. Marcus will certainly bring a smile upon your face and joy in your day.

This was our second visit to this bike path. We started in Falmouth and went down to woods hole where we had lunch. Bike path is nicely maintained.

The Shining Sea Bikeway is excellent for biking or walking. Often I walk this path just to observe the various birds and wildflowers. The ocean air is all around and it is a therapeutic walk that makes one feel good.

We enjoyed this bike trail from the woods hole end. It was a little tricky to find at first, but it's located behind the ticket booth/trailer for the ferry. This seemed to be the main entrance. The first little part of the trail had car access up to the parking lot, but past that it was only bikes and pedestrians. About maybe 1.5 miles in there is access to a little beach and past that is a member only beach.

There were lots of people on bikes... we ran with our jogging stroller and had a great time. The trail at this end at least is flat and smooth.

Next time we'd love to explore further up!

What a great ride even for those that have not been on a bike in quite some time. Beautiful views! A one way trip is about 10 miles. We did a full loop and enjoyed lunch in Woods Hole when we had completed about 16 miles of the roughly 21 we enjoyed! Corner cycle is where we rented our bikes and an entrance to the path was close by. Highly recommend.

We're always wanted to travel on the Bikeway and this summer we finally committed to making the ride. We rented bikes from Holiday Cycles located on Grand Ave in Falmouth Heights. The well marked & paved trail was really a great way to see the natural beauty of the Vineyard Sound and the surrounding area. We stopped at Woods Hole near the Ferry Depot where there are racks available to leave/lock your bikes. The Bikeway seems to be a family friendly environment used by walkers, runners & bicyclists.

On this trip we cycled 115km. Not bad for a "taking it easy" vacation. Our longer runs were the Shining Sea Bikeway, Cape Cod Rail Trail (Orleans to Welfleet portion), and Martha's Vineyard Oak Bluffs-Edgartown-South Beach. All were lovely rides, but Shining Sea was our favourite.

CCRail Trail can take you to many beautiful and interesting places. Cycling town to town on the Vineyard and enjoying the stops along the way is fun. The Shining Sea has the best variation of sites and scenario from the path itself. Forest, salt marshes and ponds, and ocean front beaches. Toss in Falmouth and Woods Hole.

All the rides were great but don't miss this one.

To get in my steps for the day, I opted to walk along the 4-mile stretch of the Shining Sea Bikeway that walkers and bikers may travel between the Steamship Authority Palmer Avenue Parking Lot and Woods Hole Terminal. The first half of the walk was spectacular on a warmish October day that followed a nor'easter.

But when I encountered a DETOUR about half way into my journey (likely due to damage caused by the major storm), I had to pay close attention as I was forced to hug the narrow, shoulderless roads that run parallel to the Bikeway. Warnings posted sooner would have been helpful and may have compelled me to accrue my daily steps elsewhere.

Except for the unexpected detour, I would have rated the Bikeway a 5. This well-maintained, paved trail is a treasure along a beautiful stretch of the Atlantic. Falmouth has created an incredible place to journey on foot and on wheels in any season.

Great and well worth it. I rented a bike from corner cycle in falmouth then biked 3 miles to woods hole and back. Highly highly recommend it!

We ride north to south first. We start near the intersection of 151 and 28a. Wind is usually from the south. On a good day we make it to woods hole.(11 miles) With the wind at your back, you get an easy return ride. The views are beautiful and include salt marsh, cranberry bogs, beaches and woods. The cape is always comfortably cool in the summer.

Path is better off season or at odd hours of the AM and PM.
Unfortunately the path needs repair and the overpasses need special care due to similar issues.
But this is NOT THE BIGGEST PROBLEM!
There are people that are not familiar with biking norms, that pay little or no attention to their surroundings, are not courteous and large groups that do not share the path or COME TO A DEAD STOP in the middle of the bike lane.
Share the path. (One across only!)
Do not stop unless you pull off the lane.
Help young and/or inexperienced riders to learn cycling etiquette and safety as you exercise these norms yourself.
Call out to the rider/s ahead of you if you need to pass them.... Loud and clear! "On your left! "
Check your clearance do you do not plow into another rider and cause them to fall and injure their shoulder, knee and elbow! ( Yes this happened to my friend just yesterday!)
I feel safer on city streets than on this stretch of the bike path in July and August.
WEAR your helmet and be sooooo cautious.

The Bike Path is very well kept and there are no major hills to bike up :) yay! Beautiful marsh views and a stop at the beach by surf drive is a must! I was worried about the distance but if you have a comfortable bike and go steady it's no problem at all. Take lots of water and sunscreen!

We were pleased with this easy, scenic path which was a fill-in for the trip to Martha's Vineyard. Lots of different sections with pleasant stops along the way. Recommend highly! (Just be real about Ms. Bates connection to the town!)

This is a beautiful easy rail trail. You pass cranberry bogs, farms, swamp land and marsh areas. It is well traveled so be sure to ride your bike safely when passing. The ride starts in Falmouth and ends at the ferry terminal in Woods Hole. There is plenty of parking at several places. You can download a map to find them ahead of time.

Very well maintained and flat, paved bikeway that parallels the shore for part of the journey. Great opportunity to see the coast and inland marshes up close while enjoying the outdoors. Easy ride for the kids too.

Shining Sea is a beautiful ride through, first, the Sippewisset marshes (where Rachel Carson researched Silent Spring), and then along the beach on Vineyard Sound. It's well paved with several parking areas depending on how far you want to ride and it ends in Woods Hole.

We rented bikes at Art's Bike Shop. They were very good bikes with large baskets for putting a back pack in. The bike route has a very easy grade the entire 10 .6 miles. The scenery is varied from woods to marshes to beaches. We had a good lunch in Woods's Hole and rode back to Falmouth. We visited the Aquarium at Wood's Hole and visited a few shops. The whole time took us around 5 hours.

This is a very nice and large bike path with ample room for bikers and walkers. We walked, and found the entire experience to be nice, though the walk along the Falmouth marshes is more scenic than the walk towards Woods Hole.

11 miles of woods and a nice stretch of beach. Mostly flat, but a few noticeable inclines. There 7 - 8 road crossings, some very quiet, but a few busy dangerous and very busy. If you walk, ride, ride with headphones, PELASE stop, look, listen and be prepared to dismount!

Lots of benches to rest on and many views of salt marshes, beaches, heron, wildlife, etc. There are a few places with roots causing the asphalt to lift up, but not too many. Pass by great ice cream places and a couple of fix-it stops (with air for tires, etc). Relatively flat. Would definitely recommend this biking trail!! (A great place to rent bikes is Bike Zone in North Falmouth. I believe they deliver)

Beautiful vistas and respectful walkers bikers and dog walkers.

Park at Silver Lounge on 28 A and have lunch after a morning ride.

Shining Sea Bikeway was a great way to see the sites of Cape Cod from North Falmouth to Woods Hole. Beautiful scenery and beaches along the way. 10 mile path, flat the entire way.

Very well manicured bike path that goes from North Falmouth to Woods Hole. Worth renting bikes to make this trip. From Falmouth to Woods hole it is only 3.5 miles.