Old Colony Rail Trail (Harwich - Chatham)

The Old Colony Rail Trail, named after the eponymous railroad line that operated in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, offers a serene journey through quiet Cape Cod beach towns. At 8 miles, the trail is suitable for a short ride out and back, or a longer journey that meets up with the Cape Cod Rail Trail as it extends west.

You’ll want to begin your journey at the intersection of Depot Road and Hitching Post Road in Chatham, as the western endpoint in Harwich merges seamlessly with the Cape Cod Rail Trail, making it inaccessible by car. The beginning of the trail features an on-road portion, but as it travels along quiet, residential streets, even inexperienced cyclists should feel safe. Follow Hitching Post Road 0.2 mile, then turn left onto Tip Cart Drive. Cross Crowell Road in another 0.2 mile and turn right to pick up the trail. Signage points the way at this junction.

You will pass through a short wooded area, emerging to cross Stepping Stones Road in 0.4 mile, where athletic facilities of Monomoy Regional Middle School are visible from the trail. In 0.3 mile, cross Old Queen Anne Road, and continue down Wilfred Road 0.6 mile via the on-street portion of the trail. Inexperienced cyclists should again face few difficulties, as this is a quiet neighborhood street with scarcely any vehicle traffic.

In 0.7 mile, the trail continues past the end of Wilfred Road, looping around Chatham Municipal Airport before pausing at George Ryder Road. Although the shoulder of this busy road functions as an on-road bicycle lane, inexperienced cyclists may wish to first dismount and then use the sidewalk as it appears. This section offers a unique view of personal, small aircraft parked at the airport, located on the right side of the sidewalk. At the next crosswalk (appearing after Northwood Road to the left), follow the signs and cross the street to pick up the trail again. Although it crosses several streets along the way, the remaining 5.4 miles of the trail remain off-road.

This section of the trail meanders through wooded backyard areas that dampen noise of the outside world. Save for the street crossings, it is easy to enjoy a quiet morning in nature, removed from the hustle and bustle of life. In 3 miles from George Ryder Road, you will pass a half-roundabout and continue along the path, passing Brooks Park and the Harwich Town Clerk on the next block, both located on the left. After crossing Pleasant Lake Avenue—1.2 miles from the half-roundabout—the trail passes Island Pond Cemetery on the right. Signage marks a cut-through to visit the Island Pond Conservation Lands, perfect for walking and hiking. The trail ends at the next roundabout and connects with the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which continues both west and north.

Parking and Trail Access

To reach the Chatham endpoint from MA 28 N, head east toward Chatham until MA 28 becomes Orleans Road. About 8 miles from Orleans, turn right onto Old Harbor Road. Go 0.8 mile to the roundabout at Main St. Take the first exit onto Main St. After the gas station on the corner, take the first right possible, leading into a parking lot connected to a park complex. The trailhead is located on the other side of the park, at Depot Road toward Hitching Post Road. To reach the Chatham endpoint from MA 28 S, head east toward Chatham until MA 28 becomes Main St. About 5 miles east of Harwich port, turn left onto Depot Road. Continue 0.2 mile to Hitching Post Road. A park is located on the right and the trail is on the left.

Here, parking is available along either side of Depot Road. An additional parking lot is located on the opposite side of the park. To reach it, continue on Depot Road 0.2 mile and turn right onto Old Harbor Road. Go 0.2 mile to the roundabout at Main St. Take the first exit onto Main St. After the gas station on the corner, take the first right possible, leading into a parking lot connected to a park complex. The trailhead is located on the other side of the park, at Depot Road toward Hitching Post Road.

The terminus in Harwich is not accessible by car, as the trail joins the Cape Cod Rail Trail. The closest access point by car is a parking lot located at the intersection of Pleasant Lake Ave./MA 124 and Old Colony Road in Harwich. To reach this parking lot from US 6, take Exit 10 for MA 124 toward Harwich/Brewster. Turn right (from the east) or left (from the west) onto MA 124 S/Pleasant Lake Ave. Go about 1.5 miles to Old Colony Road. A parking lot is located across from Old Colony Road, and the trail crosses over Pleasant Lake Ave. at this point. The trail continues 0.7 mile east to the Harwich endpoint/Cape Cod Rail Trailhead and 7.2 miles west to the Chatham endpoint.

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