PARKING FOR There is very limited parking in most villages along SAFETY’S Route 6A, so consider off-road parking. Look for SAKE parking at: Shawme Crowell State Forest in Sandwich; Because Route n 6A follows a n Exit 6 Park & Ride lot off Route 6 at Route 132 in Barnstable; Old King’s Highway narrow, wind- n Exit 10 Park & Ride lot off Route 6 at Route 124 REGIONAL HISTORIC DISTRICT ing and some- in Harwich; times crowded n Route 134 at the Cape Cod Rail Trail in Dennis; path, safety is a Route 137 at the Cape Cod Rail Trail in Brewster; IKE AP paramount n B M Nickerson State Park, also in Brewster. consideration. Everyone using n Route 6A should use extreme caution in sharing the roadway. Cyclists should observe these FOR FURTHER INFORMATION guidelines: Learn more about Route 6A and bicycling n Keep to the right; elsewhere on Cape Cod by consulting brochures available from the Cape Cod Ride in a straight line, single file; n Chamber of Commerce (508-862-0700 and n Wear bright, highly visible cloth- www.capecodchamber.org) and at town ing, especially at dusk; information centers. n Wear protective headgear. This is required by Massachusetts law You may also call the Cape Cod Commission at for those 12 and younger, and 508-362-3828 or log onto its Internet Web site recommended for bicyclists at www.gocapecod.org. Another resource is the of all ages; Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (617-542-BIKE or www.massbike.org). n Stop at all stop signs; n Be sure young children are Prepared in 1999 by the Cape Cod Commission, strapped securely into carriers; in cooperation with the Massachusetts Highway Depart- ment and the Federal Highway Administration’s Scenic By- n Look behind you, and alert ways Program. others before passing them; Project consultant: Chip Bishop Communications, West Dennis, Mass. n Use bells, horns or voice to alert pedestrians and motorists; Design and graphics: Margo Tabb Graphic Design, Inc., n Dismount and walk across rail- Marston’s Mills, Mass. road crossings; Photo credits: Jane Booth Vollers, Ned Manter, Martin Summerfield. n Always respect public and private property along the way; Try to leave the route cleaner than Cape Cod you found it. Massachusetts Route 6A is best suited for experienced bicy- WELCOME TO THE clists because it is heavily traveled by cars and OLD KING’S HIGHWAY other motorized vehicles. Other routes, how- ever, pass through the historic district. Families here once Native Americans trod and more casual bicyclists, may want to begin on journeys between Plymouth by trying the nearby Setucket Road Bike Path and Provincetown, highway (in Yarmouth and Dennis) and the 25-mile Route 6A gracefully beckons Cape Cod Rail Trail (between Dennis and Wtoday’s travelers. Welcome to Route 6A, Wellfleet, joining Route 6A at Nickerson State and the Old King’s Highway Regional Park in Brewster). These facilities are ideal for Historic District, America’s largest exploring the area apart from traffic and noise. designated historic district. In addition, the Claire Saltonstall Bikeway is an Route 6A forms the heart of the historic alternative for those seeking a varied and ever- district, which is bounded roughly by the changing environment on a combination of Mid Cape Highway (Route 6) on the routes and paths. By the early 20th century as automo- south and Cape Cod Bay to the north, biles placed horse-drawn carriages and tourism developed on the Cape, the and includes parts of Sandwich, RIEF ISTORY Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster A B H highway required a paved surface. and Orleans. Known as The Old King’s OF ROUTE 6A Preservation efforts ensued, and today Highway, the road winds east and west Route 6A remains faithful to the origi- From its apparent beginning as a Native Amer- for 34 miles, past scenic harbors, great nal trail in most areas. ican trail, Route 6A evolved into a principal salt marshes and places that endure as east-west cart path for early Cape Cod farmers relics of the storied American past. and other settlers. In the late 17th century it NECESSITIES became an extension of the Plymouth Colony’s This brochure and map will help you to Before you set out on Route 6A, inspect "King’s Highway." navigate this very special place on Cape your bike or visit a bike shop to be sure Cod, particularly if you plan to explore it With the rise of 18th century maritime activities your bicycle is in road-ready condition. on a bicycle. on Cape Cod, sea captain homes, taverns and There are limited repair facilities along other commercial activities sprouted along the the way except for the occasional auto route, giving occasion to Boston-Provincetown filling station. (Bike rental and repair stagecoaches to stop. facilities may be found along the Cape Cod Rail Trail). In the next century, the demise of maritime industries prompted a focus on cranberry pro- Rest rooms also are limited (there are duction in the district. Meantime, residents who public facilities at Nickerson State Park had seen the corridor stripped of trees to in Brewster) but you can refresh your- support farming and shipbuilding planted new self with a drink or snack at one of the shade trees. Many of these, now mature, grace many curbside stores along the way. the roadway today. ALONG THE WAY VIEWS AND VISTAS The historic character of the Old King’s Highway You will enjoy the Historic District fully if you take LEGEND makes it a unique experience for bicyclists, walkers RTE. 3 TO the time to divert from Route 6A proper to explore and motorists alike. Look for these scenic byway BOSTON the many vistas and natural attractions, particularly Route 6 6 1 Interchanges attractions among the many you will encounter: to the north. Using this map, select your diversions Route 6 Cape Cod Bay before your ride then look for roadways and off-road To 3 No bicycles n Cape Cod Canal Bicycle Paths – Bourne 495 Mass Pike access points to them: n Historic Sandwich Village - Sandwich Bike Route Sandwich Harbor and the salt marshes – Sandwich n Bike Path n Heritage Plantation – Sandwich 25 To Providence Barnstable Harbor and the view of Sandy Neck – n Route 6A n Trayser Museum – Barnstable & New York 6A Barnstable 6 Roads & Streets n Winslow Crocker House – Yarmouth 195 n Ancient Cemetery – Yarmouth Port 28 28 Lesser Streets n Josiah Dennis Manse & Old West Schoolhouse – n Scargo Lake & Scargo Tower – Dennis Dennis Railroad n Sesuit Harbor – East Dennis n Nickerson State Park – Brewster Towns & Villages Nantucket Sound n Stony Brook & the tidal flats – Brewster n Jonathan Young Windmill - Orleans n Skaket Beach & Rock Harbor – Orleans State Parks n Cape Cod Rail Trail (bike trail) – Dennis, Harwich, Brewster & Orleans Public Parking More information about these sites is Sites & Vistas available at town information centers

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