Shining Sea Bike and Walking Path

What a beautiful way to see Cape Cod and get some exercise! We rented bikes from Corner Cycle in Falmouth and proceeded to the Shining sea Bike Path. The trail is flat for most of the way with very few bumps. The easy bike ride is perfect for viewing the lush trees, beautiful waters, and the occasional wildlife. We stopped several times to take photos or walk down to the beaches. Even a beginner bike rider like me found the trail easy and enjoyable. We took the path all the way to Woodshole where we ended up grabbing lunch before heading back to Falmouth.
If you want to see the Nobska lighthouse, you can take a small detour to head further south. We missed the exit to the lighthouse from Falmouth to Woodshole, but stopped by on our way back to Falmouth. We had to bike up Church street (a little steep) to get to the lighthouse.
This has been my favorite activity so far in Cape Cod! One of the most relaxing afternoons I’ve had in a very long time.

When I close my eyes and think of summer, I think of myself riding bikes down the Shining Sea Bike Path. One of my family’s favorite activities in the summer is riding our bikes from our (now sold) house in North Falmouth to the Shining Sea Bike Path and then biking to Woods Hole. Once we arrive in WH we order lunch or a cold ice cream and then bike back.
While the path can get a little manic on the weekends, I would highly recommend it during the weekday or before noon on the weekends. In addition, if you start the trail at the beginning in North Falmouth, there is a bike shop across the street where you can rent bikes and helmets for the day for $ 20 or so.
Overall, this bike path is one of my happiest places on Earth and I look forward to visiting it for many years to come.

This bike trail was pretty awesome!
We rented bikes and started from Falmouth center and rode the 3.5 miles to Woods Hole. The path was nicely paved and the views were absolutely gorgeous. Lots of benches and distance markers along the way.
There were a couple of places where you had to cross streets with cars, but it wasn’t anything unmanageable. We felt safe riding the whole way.
Definitely will return, this was a great way to see the cape cod coast!

Following the original route of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad that used to run from Buzzards Bay — one of my highlights of our mini-​vacation in Cape Cod was when we biked the Shining Sea Bike Path.
11 miles of converted rail trail traveling along woodlands, cranberry bogs, marshes, salt ponds and seascape, I learned that the Shining Sea Bikeway is the only bikeway on Cape Cod to skirt the shore!
With a network of footpaths along the bikeway, you can spot many species of shorebirds as well as other local wildlife. Soon after you pass the Salt Pond Bird Sanctuary, the trail leaves the woods to reveal an expansive ocean view. This is truly the scenic highlight of the bikeway.
Between the trail and the ocean lies Trunk River Beach, a barrier strand consisting of pebbles, cobbles and seashells galore. Definitely pause here to breathe in the sea air or watch birds glide over Vineyard Sound.
Continuing along the shore, the bikeway crosses the Steamship Authority parking lot. where it ends in Woods Hole, affording you plenty of places to eat, shop and hang out.

We were staying in Falmouth for a wedding and wanted to try something a little active (it was May and a bit too cold for beach adventures!). We rented bikes from Corner Cycle in downtown Falmouth and hopped on the trail for the 3.5 mile each way (7 mile round trip) ride to Woods Hole. The bike path is exceptionally well maintained and varies between being protected by woods/​trees/​bushes versus being exposed to the open ocean water and beaches with breathtaking views! It’s a great way to get a feel for the varied beauty of Cape Cod.
There are a few well marked places that you’ll need to cross streets at, but other than that it’s smooth sailing along the paved path. People are mostly bike riding in our experience but you will see runners and walkers too. Most everyone we encountered was polite and friendly which made it an even more enjoyable experience. I’d imagine it could get busy during weekend summer mornings but we had plenty of room to enjoy our ride.
Once in Woods Hole, we locked our bikes and did some exploring before enjoying lunch at the historic Landfall restaurant! The bike path back to Falmouth seems a bit easier, maybe it is downhill as someone else mentioned?
We hope to come back next summer and attempt the full 10 mile trail (each way!) to see more of what the area offers!

Took the path from surf beach to woods hole! Fun ride! It’s an easy 3.5 miles. Wish I had time to do the other part of the path and stop at some of those N Flmouth beaches! Whether you want a workout or a leisurely trip the path is accommodating to both!

GREAT bikepath! I’m a wimp, so there’s no way I could have done the whole thing, I think it’s like 20 miles. So after doing a bit of research we parked at the access point on Depot St. in Falmouth and rode the last leg down to Woods Hole (about 3m one way if I recall). Greatest idea ever! Once we got down there we parked our bikes and had the energy to walk around the whole town and take in the sights. Got some really awesome ice cream and grabbed a map of the town at Jimmy’s, went to the Wood’s Hole aquarium (it’s cute and it’s free, but give them a donation!), and hiked past all the pretty little beach houses up to Stoney Beach and played in the water a little. The ride back to Falmouth is on an ever-​so-​slight downhill grade I think, because it was so easy! And the views just can’t be beat. We passed through peaceful wooded areas, lake views with swans, and beautiful ocean views. What more could you ask for? I believe riding this trail was my favorite part of our trip to beautiful Cape Cod.

Beautiful, well maintained path. We only did the bit from Corner Cycle down to Wood’s Hole, but enjoyed it very much. Lots of places to stop and enjoy the scenery, or hang out on the beach. Our son zonked out in the bike trailer — there was only one bumpy part that woke him up.

OMG! JUST DO IT! Guaranteed put a smile on your face! =D
I biked from the trailhead — (exit Route 28 at Route 151, take a left, straight through light, over railroad tracks, and an immediate right into parking area), to the quaint little downtown area of Woods Hole, with a stop to lay on the south coast of Falmouth to soak up some sun, sand, and surf.
At the trailhead, keep to the right as soon as you make the right turn into the parking area, (to the right of the island of trees). If you have a convertible or a sunroof, close it up, as the parking area is not paved and ex-​treme-​ly dusty. I arrived at 12:45pm on a Saturday to find the parking area completely full. Wait a bit, and a spot WILL free up for you, or you might be able to finagle your car into an odd spot.
The SS Bikeway is like the best of all my worlds: a decent length bike trail (10.6 miles end to end), with the beach, lots of gorgeous Cape Cod scenery, and the locals were SO friendly on the trail. You could easily spot them, as they were the ones who said hello and chatted with you a bit, as you stopped to admire the scenic beauty.
Minimal road crossings, and even so, the majority are quiet roads with few cars. Once you see the «Shining Sea Bikeway» rock heading towards Woods Hole, be prepared… the best is yet to come!
LOVED EVERY MILE!
AWESOME!
FIVE STARS!

What a great way to check out the cape.
For my inaugural ride, I only did a short stretch of the path — from Falmouth center to Woods Hole and back. Even with just a few miles, it was easy to see the draw of this path. It is well paved, well signed (it almost feels like this path is for first time bikers as it explains how to signal and ride more than any other path I’ve been on). It is also really busy.
While I went on a weekday morning, there was no shortage of families riding, which makes for slow going and inconsistent stopping and starting.
I would love to see how it is in the off season.
I also wish the parking lot in Falmouth was better mantained and there was an easier way to get to some of the streets I had to push my bike up a steep makeshift hill to get to one of the streets I wanted to ride.

My family and I are big rail trail fans. We have been on most in Mass. and Rhode Island. While many are very good, e.g., the East Bay Bike Path from Bristol to Providence, I came to the conclusion yesterday that Shining Sea is tops for the following reasons: 1. Length — 21.4 r/​t with the opportunity to add many more miles with side trips on trail spurs and surface roads; 2. The excellent condition of the path surface; 3. Only one major road crossing providing the chance to build momentum while being safe; 4. Beautiful views and a diverse landscape; 5. Proximate amenities such as food and water.
The Shining Sea Bike Path will not disappoint.
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We rode the whole bike path, the full 21.4 miles. It was a beautiful ride and very level. We had our 8 year old with us and he enjoyed every minute of it. There are places to stop along the way to get a drink, sit and watch nature at work. We would definitely recommend this path.

The Shining Sea bike path is a great way to spend an afternoon. There are a few free parking lots for the path at difft locales — so park & start biking! One of the shortest bike paths in the area, it covers 10 miles passing by the beach, marsh lands, and wooded areas. The beginning of the trail covers the beach so if you want to spend some time there, plan accordingly. The beach seemed a bit rocky and full of seaweed so you may want to bring a chair or grab a book & sit on the benches.
The latter part of the trails covers more of the marshlands and such. The whole path is very peaceful and relaxing. It’s also fairly level so you don’t combat any cruel uphills. Some people do walk the path but the majority are bikers. Bring water!

Awesome is the only way to describe this fantastic biking and walking path!

Another one of the many easy, fabulous bike paths on cape cod. We rode from Falmouth to Woods Hole. About 7 level miles round trip with great views on the water. You will end up right at the ferry/​downtown area in Woods Hole where you can stop for lunch, or ice cream, or to shop.

Great for an easy family ride!

The path has been extended a total of 12 miles now from West Falmouth to Woods Hole including some awesome vistas not accessible by car.
a good way to avoid traffic, get exercise or position yourself for that late afternoon photo.