Some people are beach people, some are mountain people. I'm most at home in the mountains, but that doesn't mean that I can't enjoy some quality beach time too. Just put me in a place where there's large chunks of natural landscape and I'm happy. Luckily we've been able to find just that at the Cape Cod National Seashore, where we've spent a week of summer vacation 6 out the last 7 summers.
We've been staying in Truro, just south of Provincetown on the outer Cape. This year we lucked into a rental that's literally just steps from the Atlantic, tucked behind tall dunes. Most of our family time is spent on the beach, but each day I've been able to grab an hour or two on my mountain bike to explore miles of interconnected foot paths and fire roads of the National Seashore lands that are right out our back door, part of more than 40 thousand acres and 40 miles of coastline that have been protected.
For those willing to invest some time exploring, the Truro area is full of trails and paths that seem to be known only to locals. Many lead to remote beaches, high dune lookouts or freshwater kettle ponds. Surprisingly, the Park Service has done little to develop or promote this trail resource - there are no trail markers, signs or maps. Some limited information and sketch maps can be found at CCTrails.org.
A reconnaissance ride on our first day took me on a six or seven mile singletrack loop that led to a series of lookouts over the Atlantic.
In the woods it's easy to forget about the beach. Truro is surprisingly hilly, so there are some rolling ups and downs. The trails are sandy, but firm enough for good riding.
One of the lookouts appears to be the highest point for miles. The topo shows an elevation of 177' directly above the beach. The 180-degree sweep of ocean is breathtaking. I visited this spot every day for a week without seeing another person. The beach below was deserted for as far as I could see in both directions. It's almost unbelievable that a spot this spectacular and just a few miles from the road would see so few visitors. The view brings to mind the words of Henry David Thoreau: "A man may stand there and put all America behind him."
Beyond the Atlantic overlooks, the trail network continues south, eventually reaching the freshwater kettle ponds along the Truro / Wellfleet border. I started and ended one of my rides at Truro's Great Pond - while Beth and the kids swam in the clear water, I rolled through the woods. There's more here than I was able to ride in the time I had, so I guess that'll be a reason to return.
It always surprises me that more than 90% of the visitors to our National Parks never get more than 100 yards from their car. A beautiful, unspoiled landscape awaits those who do.
Nice report, Jeff. What a beautiful place. Those trails would be even more fun on a fatbike!
ReplyDeleteThanks SBR! Yeah, a fat bike would be fun (and I "need" one anyway), but for most part the trails are plenty firm enough for good riding. My hardtail 29er was just fine.
DeleteI finally found this after searching for CC National Seashore MTB trails. These single tracks are a hardtail paradise! One has to wonder why these are not publicized by the Park Service or the local townships/bike clubs. No rocks, no roots, no mud. Just smooth , firm, pine needle covered trails! Just AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteAgree, these trails are a hardtail paradise. Glad you discovered them!
DeleteThey likely are not promoted as unpaved paths in the national seashore do not allow bikes. There are no single-track trails open to bikes. The gated “fire roads” do allow bikes, though many are overgrown.
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