Not far from the hustle and bustle of charming Provincetown, MA, is a scenic trail that is often called a biker’s dream. Known as the Cape Cod Provincelands Trail, this 5.45-mile hilly loop, with options for extensions, takes you over challenging dunes, through a shady beach forest and offers several miles of paved stretches for easy cruising. It’s the perfect place to escape to nature to enjoy one of only three paths included in the Cape Cod National Seashore Bike Trail.
5 Reasons Why You Need to Experience Cape Cod Provincelands Trail
1. Province Lands Visitor’s Center
The Province Lands Visitor’s Center is a quick and easy 2.5-mile bike ride from Admiral’s Landing Bed and Breakfast. If you have other activities planned for the day, you may want to drive to the trailhead. There, you’ll find plenty of parking and a fabulous Visitor’s Center where you can watch a few informative movies, explore the exhibits and even talk to the rangers about the more than 4,000 wild acres of land that encompass the Cape Cod Provincelands Trail. You may even want to climb to the top of the observation tower to get a bird’s eye view of the dunes, the ocean, and lovely P’town. Don’t forget to pick up a trail map at the trailhead entrance. (Bathrooms and picnic areas are available at the Visitor Center.)
Other access points include the Beech Forest, Race Point Beach and the Herring Cove Beach parking areas. Beach fees may apply when you park in one of these lots.
2. The Trail Itself
The Cape Cod Provincelands Trail begins at the top of a hill on the far side of the observatory. The hilly loop spans 5.45 miles with trail extensions that take you to Herring Cove Beach (1.10-mile spur), Race Point Beach (.5-mile spur) and Bennett Pond (.25-mile spur). This is one of the only Cape Cod bike paths that allow you to experience the vast dune system in Provincetown, which is a challenge and a delight at the same time. This trail is considered “advanced-intermediate” with steep hills, sharp turns, and a few tunnels.
3. Natural Beauty
The trail is a popular and beloved spot for bikers, joggers and walkers to experience Cape Cod’s changing landscape. In one loop, you can experience cranberry bogs, saltwater kettle ponds, marsh areas, a shady beach forest and marshland. Pristine and serene, the landscape changes from mile to mile and offers tremendous views in every season.
4. A Great Workout vs. Leisurely Adventure
You can approach Cape Cod Provincelands Trail two different ways. If you’re looking for a great workout, you can advance through the trail and emerge from the challenging course with a sense of accomplishment. If you’re in the mood for a more leisurely adventure, you may want to pack a picnic and stop somewhere along the way to enjoy the view and a delicious bite to eat.
5. Provincetown Itself
Your interest in visiting Provincetown could be for many reasons: its abundant natural beauty, exciting entertainment options, delicious seafood and laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. You could spend a week in our Cape Cod escape and still not run out of things to do in Provincetown.
Let Admiral’s Landing serve as your home base during your stay. Our 1860s historic and friendly Provincetown bed and breakfast is just steps away from nearly any activity you desire or restaurant you’d like to try. We invite you to explore our inn, which includes an array of recently renovated guestrooms and the promise fresh-baked goodies for your breakfast before starting the next day’s adventure.