The Trail of Tears is one of Cape Cod treasures and one of its prime riding areas. The Trail of Tears is a 1200 acre parcel of conservation land in the village of West Barnstable. The main recreation focus is multi-use and revolves around mt.biking, hiking, trail running and cross country skiing. Hunting is allowed in season.
The Trail of Tears is very atypical of Cape Cod vegetation. American beech, Red oak, Sassafras, White pine, and American holly make up most of the tree canopy. The understory consists of Sweetfern, Bayberry, Greenbriar, Spirea, and low bush blueberry, to name a few.
Management of the Trail of tears falls under the Barnstable Conservation Commission and the Barnstable Land Management Committee. However, most decisions are made by the Barnstable Land management Committee which is a non-regulatory board.
There is approximately 16 miles of singletrack that wind throughout the Trail of Tears area. The majority of singletrack is short and steep with some very twisted sections. Though the trails are not very technical, they’re full of short steep climbs which make for a great aerobic roller coaster ride.
Maps are available through the Conservation Department or from two local bike shops; Cove Cycle in Hyannis and True-Wheels in Pocassett. Both are NEMBA affiliated shops.. Cape Cod NEMBA has built a scenic overlook in this area as well as marking the trails with signs. Once the trails are marked they will then be added to the map.
:10%,
Moderate
:50%,
Difficult
:40%,
Caution
:5%
