Whether you're a biking enthusiast, a faithful jogger or a leisurely walker, the Cape Cod Rail Trail is a must visit for you and your Massachusetts car rental friends. Stretching for more than 22 miles, this beautifully manicured trail features a paved surface, well-marked automobile crossings and numerous hills. There's even a wide unpaved shoulder that's perfect for horseback riders. Built along a former railroad right-of-way, the Cape Cod Rail Trail boasts unbelievable scenery and sensational views. A trip to the Cape isn't complete until you've had a chance to explore a mile or two of this magnificent trail, so what are you waiting for? Park your Massachusetts car rental, lace up your sneakers and enjoy an afternoon stroll down this Massachusetts landmark.

Cape Cod's forgotten railroad past

Before the automobile, airplane or Greyhound bus, Massachusetts travelers had to rely on trains to help get them from place to place. During the mid-1800's, Cape Cod's rail business was booming, providing visitors with easy access to a number of towns across the Cape. However, the railroad system became obsolete in the 1930's and 40's as bridges were opened and automobiles became an everyday necessity. Trains continued to haul freight in and out of the Cape until the mid-1960's, but even that wasn't enough to keep the tracks busy. They would eventually be torn out, the rail stations left looking forlorn and forgotten.

Something wonderful from something forgotten

When the State of Massachusetts purchased the forgotten right-of-way in 1976 they had only one though in mind - recreation. By 1978 the first patch of trail had been implemented and pedestrians were encouraged to come out and enjoy it. Slowly the trail began to grow. Today, the trail covers nearly 22 miles and passes through towns like Brewster, Orleans and Eastham. Massachusetts car rental customers will find the official trail head inside Nickerson State Park, but customers will also find a handful of other access points located along the trails duration.

It just keeps growing and growing...

The Cape Cod Rail Trail may seem like its complete, what with 22 miles of paved trail way, but in all honesty this trail is only just beginning! More pavement is set to be laid this spring, extending the trail even further. The first phase of the trail, which is located between Denis and Brewster was completed and opened to the public in 2006. The second phase will cover the area between Nickerson State Park in Brewster and LeCount Hollow Road in South Wellfleet. Improvements to this section of trail include new pavement, new trail heads and better parking facilities. This section is expected to re-open any day now, so be sure to contact the Department of Conservation and Recreation for more details at mass.parks@state.ma.us.

Park your Massachusetts car rental and get ready for fun

Customers of Verc Massachusetts Car Rental will find plenty of free Massachusetts car rental parking along the Cape Cod Rail Trail. These no-charge lots are located at:

• The trailhead at Route 134 in South Dennis
• Headwaters Drive in Harwich
• On Route 137 in Brewster
• Inside Nickerson State Park
• The Orleans Center
• The Cape Cid National Seashore at the Salt Pond Visitors Center
• The National Seashore at Marconi Area
• The trailhead at LeCount Hollow Road in South Wellfleet

Massachusetts car rental customers interested in learning more about the Cape Cod Rail Trail are encouraged to visit The Bike Depot and Trail Center website at www.cctrail.com for more information. This site features information on bicycle rentals, local attractions, trail amenities, area history and construction updates. Massachusetts car rental customers will also find a variety of maps on this website.