Pathways logo

Cape Cod Pathways - Questions & Answers

 

 

  • What is Cape Cod Pathways?
    Cape Cod Pathways is a network of walking trails linking the 15 towns on Cape Cod in order to protect open space and provide outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors. Cape Cod Pathways is a regional attraction, bringing visitors to Cape Cod during all seasons of the year to appreciate the natural, historical, and cultural attractions of Cape Cod.

  • How are trail routes determined?
    The Cape Cod Commission is working with towns and volunteers to identify existing trails and potential new trail connections. Wherever feasible, existing trails are being incorporated into the network. Decisions about the location of the trails are made by landowners and land managers in cooperation with town officials and the Cape Cod Commission.

  • Who owns the trails? What rules govern use of the trails?
    Trails cross lands in a variety of ownerships (federal, state, town, nonprofit) and each of these landowners has different regulations with regard to dogs, mountain bikes, and other uses. We are committed to respecting whatever rules each landowner has set, rather than developing a single set of rules for the trail network.

  • How are trails marked and maintained?
    Small aluminum trail signs have been designed with the Cape Cod Pathways logo (above). These are placed on wooden posts or other appropriate locations along designated trails. Trail maintenance is accomplished by organized volunteers in cooperation with landowners.

  • How will the trails cross private lands?
    Although existing protected lands are used wherever feasible, in some locations, trail connections will be needed across private land. No land takings are planned. We will work cooperatively with private landowners to establish the trail network through acquisitions, easements, leases, and related methods.

  • Are there maps and trail guides available?
    Trail guides are generally developed locally. The Pathways web site has links to some town web sites as some have recreated maps electronically. If you don't see maps online, visit the local Conservation Commission. Other resources are: cctrails.org, and the Appalachian Mountain Club amcsem.org. A growing number of books have been published that contain trail information and maps - check at any Cape Cod bookstore.

  • What about trails in sensitive locations?
    Every effort is being made to locate Pathways routes in areas that will not be degraded by foot traffic. In many cases, cart/sand roads or informal trails are already located in these areas, so clearing of new trails can be kept to a minimum. In sensitive locations, a combination of signage or boardwalks will be used to keep hikers on the trail and minimize impacts to resources.

  • How is the project funded?
    The Cape Cod Commission is providing staff coordination for the project. An Advisory Committee oversees the project. The National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program is providing technical assistance. In addition, grants have been obtained from the state Department of Environmental Management, Dupont Greenways Grant Program and the Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust. Substantial volunteer assistance has also been provided. Pathways is also eligible for state Open Space Bond funds.

  • When will the trail be completed?
    Completion of the entire network is an ongoing effort. We have nearly 30 miles of the trail dedicated and another 40 miles either studied or planned. Ongoing mapping, trail identification, and acquisition projects will continue to boost trail mileage in coming years.

  • Who supports the project?
    The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, Association for the Preservation of Cape Cod, and The Conservation Fund have joined with Barnstable County to form "Partners for Pathways" to further this project. In addition, the following agencies, boards and organizations have endorsed this project:

    Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates, Appalachian Mountain Club, Barnstable Town Council, Cape Cod National Seashore, Barnstable Land Trust,Bourne Board of Selectmen, Bourne Conservation Commission, Brewster Board of Selectmen, Brewster Conservation Commission, Chatham Board of Selectmen, Chatham Planning Board, Dennis Board of Selectmen, Dennis Planning Board, Dennis Conservation Trust, Eastham Forum, Eastham Board of Selectmen, Falmouth Board of Selectmen, Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge, Harwich Board of Selectmen, Harwich Planning Board, Mashpee Board of Selectmen, Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce, Mashpee Planning Board, Orleans Conservation Trust, Mashpee Conservation Commission, Mashpee Conservation Corps, Orleans Board of Selectmen, Provincetown Board of Selectmen, Sandwich Board of Selectmen, Sandwich Conservation Trust, Sandwich Conservation Commission, Truro Board of Selectmen, Truro Conservation Trust, Truro Local Planning Committee, Truro Planning Board, Wellfleet Planning Board, Wellfleet Conservation Trust, Yarmouth Board of Selectmen

  • How can I help?
    Volunteers are needed to help bring this project from plan to Pathway. Assistance is needed with trail mapping, local committees, trail maintenance, leading walks, organizing events, funding and myriad other details. If you would like to help, or to find out the name of a local contact person, please contact the Cape Cod Commission's Cape Cod Pathways coordinator at 508-362-3828, or see the list below.

    Local Cape Cod Pathways Contacts

    The following is partial list of individuals that have agreed to serve as informal local contacts for Pathways. Please feel free to contact them if you have questions about the project or are interested in assisting with trail identification and planning in one of these towns. If your town is not listed, please call the Cape Cod Commission for more information.

    Brewster: Tina Balog, 508-896-3701 x35
    Chatham: Catherine Laurent, 508-945-5168
    Dennis: Jamie Cabot, 508-760-6123
    Harwich: Mike Pessolano, 508-430-7511
    Mashpee: Tom Fudala, 508-539-1428
    Wellfleet: Peter Hall, 508-349-2269
    Yarmouth: Bill Prinz, 508-398-2231

    Information about Cape Cod Pathways

    A variety of information about the Pathways project is available from the Cape Cod Commission. A slide show about the project is available for presentation locally.

    [back to Cape Cod Pathways home page]