Bike and Hike: Miles of Trails Cross Massachusetts

BOSTON, Mass. -- From the sandy dunes of Cape Cod to the gentle hills of the Berkshires, Massachusetts boasts hundreds of miles of rail trails, bike paths and fire roads for visitors to enjoy. The Bay State is committed to improving and building bike paths and the result is a wealth of refurbished rail trails, forest paths and riverside bikeways that welcome the outdoor adventurer to beautiful parks and scenic countryside. Some of the state's most outstanding bike and hike destinations include:

Cape Cod Rail Trail -- One of three rail trails on the Cape, the Cape Cod Rail Trail is a 25-mile paved ribbon from Dennis in the mid-Cape, through the "elbow," and up to Wellfleet. The trail passes through cranberry bogs, charming villages, lighthouses and salt ponds. Short detours lead to dazzling beaches and tempting ice cream shops. Phone: (508) 896-8556.

Northampton Bikeway and Norwottuck Rail Trail ­ A half-mile railroad bridge across the Connecticut River is the spectacular centerpiece of this gentle, smooth 10-mile trail in central Massachusetts. The trail, running from Northampton to Amherst, traverses rich farmland and also leads through a tunnel. Phone: (413) 584-5000.

Other popular trails in Massachusetts are:

Charles River Bike Path (Cambridge), 8.5 miles of trail along both banks of the picturesque Charles River with striking views of downtown Boston.

Erving State Forest (Berkshires) provides visitors with 8 miles of forest roads winding through scenic woodlands.

Maudsley State Park (Newburyport), where trails meander through breathtaking gardens and ornamental trees.

Myles Standish State Forest (Carver), whose 15 miles of trails pass through pine forests studded with numerous "kettle" ponds.

Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard bike paths, including a 14-mile loop around the eastern edge of Nantucket.

Visit massvacation.com for additional information on attractions and events and to book your accommodations online. Or call 800-447-MASS ext. 355 for a free Massachusetts Getaway Guide.