West Barnstable Conservation Area (WBCA) Mountain Biking Trails

The West Barnstable Conservation Area is one of Cape Cod treasures and one of its prime riding areas. It's a 1200-acre parcel of conservation land in the village of West Barnstable. The main recreation focus is multi-use and revolves around mt.biking, hiking, trail running and cross country skiing. Hunting is allowed in season. Motorized vehicles are not allowed.

This area is very atypical of Cape Cod vegetation. American beech, Red oak, Sassafras, White pine, and American holly make up most of the tree canopy. The understory consists of Sweetfern, Bayberry, Greenbriar, Spirea, and low bush blueberry, to name a few.

Management of the West Barnstable Conservation Area falls under the Barnstable Conservation Commission and the Barnstable Land Management Committee. However, most decisions are made by the Barnstable Land Management Committee which is a non-regulatory board.

There are approximately 21 miles of singletrack that wind throughout the West Barnstable Conservation Area. The majority of singletrack is short and steep with some very twisted sections. Though the trails are not very technical, they’re full of short steep climbs which make for a great aerobic roller coaster ride.

Maps are available through the Conservation Department and at the top of this page. Cape Cod NEMBA has built a scenic overlook in this area as well as naming and marking the trails with signs.

The trails were originally a 9-mile enduro motorcycle loop back in the 70s It is now meticulously maintained and marked with over 20 miles of singletrack trails. Fire roads and fields add to the diversity. In the early 80's a couple of local legends, Doug Jordan and Art Hastings grabbed their Univega Alpha Unos and attempted those motorcycle trails which were straight-up-and-down-over-the-bars-rear-tire-skidding steep. At the end of 9 miles with tears in their eyes and many bruises, they called the area the "Trail of Tears". A name that has faded with time and the many improvements that Cape Cor NEMBA and the town of Barnstable have made over the years. Now the trails are mostly a pleasant fast-rolling challenge. Although there are many areas to ride on the Cape, the West Barnstable Conservation Area is one of the best.