Overview
This scenic hilly loop starts from the Province Lands Visitor Center in Provincetown. The route itself is 5.25 miles long. But with trail extensions to Herring Cove, Race Point and Bennett Pond, two more miles can be added to your distance. Riding the trail is a great way to tour the large dune system in the Province Lands area. This conservation tract also features a Beech Forest, which provides striking contrast to the open dune terrain surrounding it.
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Area Details
The Visitor Center is an excellent source for detailed information on the history and ecosystem of the surrounding area. It offers informative films, exhibits, a bookstore and observation tower. Ranger-guided interpretive tours starting from the center also explore the dunes and hollows which comprise this stark, beautiful landscape
Province Lands is a consummate favorite for cyclists, even though the loop can be challenging because of its undulating hilly terrain. The paved network traverses much of the area’s 4000 wild acres, winding through peaceful sand dunes and their unique coastal environment.
Along the path you’ll explore cranberry bogs, salt marshes and pass by several saltwater kettle ponds too. From breathtaking wetlands to exposed dunes and spectacular shore views, these trails offer great scenery for visitors to observe. An additional benefit is direct access to both Race Point and Herring Cove beaches.
During 2008-2009, a 3.2-mile section of these trails was renovated for safety and general improvements. A notoriously hazardous steeply graded stretch was removed and rerouted. Race Point Light also received a new overlook pullout. Additionally, two timber retaining walls were rebuilt and new ones added. Finally, both tunnels were retrofitted with warning beacons and signage to alert cyclists of hazards.
During winter 2014-2015, both bicycle bridges between Race Point Rd. and the entrance to Herring Cove Beach were renovated with concrete box culverts to increase overhead clearance for bicyclists passing under Province Lands Rd. This construction was part of a larger project which repaved 2.4 miles of Province Lands Rd. and relocated the Herring Cove Beach parking lot entrance.
Parking & Directions
Ample visitor parking is available at the Province Lands Visitor Center. The front lot accommodates around 100 cars facing the landscape observation deck and main building. Cyclists are encouraged to park here since the path actually starts on a hilltop at the far end of the observatory. Detailed paved path route maps are available at the trailhead entrance for easy reference.