The Shining Sea Bikeway hugs the coast from Falmouth to Woods Hole and then beyond to North Falmouth, winding along the Vineyard Sound shoreline. Ideal for casual and beginner cyclists, it was built on a former railroad right-of-way. The paved path is level for nearly its entire 10.7-mile distance with only a slight grade in certain spots. Lined with familiar Cape Cod flower and tree species, it makes for a wonderful ride from Falmouth to scenic Woods Hole. Following the Old Colony rail line, the newer extension passes through Sippewissett Marsh, by cranberry bogs and overlooks Chapaquoit Beach. The entire route avoids much of Falmouth’s notorious summer traffic by winding along the coastline and crisscrossing the Salt Pond Bird Sanctuary.
