Planting for the Trail emphasizes native Cape Cod vegetation arranged in natural patterns.

Design of the trail reduces the monotonous, linear character of the rail bed.

The Cape Cod Rail Trail was one of the first abandoned rail lines to be converted to use as a bicycle and pedestrian trail. As Chief Landscape Architect at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management, Harry Dodson directed the planning, design and construction supervision of the trail which winds for over 20 miles from Dennis to the National Seashore Visitor's Center on Cape Cod. Built by DEM and the Massachusetts Department of Public Works, the trail links numerous local and state parks with the Cape Cod National Seashore. The design of road crossings, pedestrian underpasses and construction near sensitive wetland areas was a key responsibility. Interpretive features of the trail included panels on wildlife, natural features, geology, landscapes and history.

Historic features such as bridges
play a prominent role in the Rail Trail.

The trail was so successful that it has since been extended all the way to Provincetown with other links and spurs in the planning stages. The Cape Cod Rail Trail has served as a prototype for many other trails throughout Massachusetts and New England. The design of the trail included features such as curves, scenic turnouts, berms and plantings to reduce the monotonous, linear quality of the old railroad alignment. Historical features such as old bridges, water stops, coaling stations and former settlements along the rail line were accentuated in the design of the trail.