Bicycling
Although it has yet to be linked up to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, Truro does have a stunning 2-mile bike path of its own: the Head of the Meadow Trail, off the road of the same name (look for a right-hand turn about 1/2 mile north of where rtes. 6 and 6A intersect). Part of the old 1850 road toward Provincetown -- Thoreau traveled this same route -- skirts the bluffs, passing Pilgrim Heights (where the Pilgrims found their first drinking water) and ending at High Head Road. Being fairly flat as well as short, this stretch should suit youngsters and beginners. You can rent a bike in Provincetown or Wellfleet.
Boating
The inlets of Pamet Harbor are great for canoeing and kayaking; when planning an excursion, study the tides so you won't be working against them. The closest rentals are in Wellfleet, at Jack's Boat Rental (tel. 508/349-9808; www.jacksboatrental.com), on Route 6, next to the Cumberland Farms store.
Fishing
Great Pond, Horseleech Pond, and Pilgrim Lake -- flanked by parabolic dunes carved by the wind -- are all fishable; for a freshwater fishing license, visit Town Hall, at 24 Town Hall Rd. (tel. 508/349-7004). You can also call town hall for a shellfishing license. Surf-casting is permitted at Highland Light Beach, off Highland Road with a $10 license.
Golf
North Truro boasts the most scenic -- and historic -- 9-hole course on the Cape. Created in 1892, the minimally groomed, Scottish-style Highland Links, at 10 Lighthouse Rd., off South Highland Road (tel. 508/487-9201; www.truro-ma.gov), shares a lofty bluff with the 1853 Highland Light, where Thoreau used to stay during his Outer Cape expeditions. Greens fees at the federally owned, town-run Highland Links are reasonable ($35 for 9 holes, $60 for 18 holes).
Nature Trails
The Cape Cod National Seashore, comprising 70% of Truro's land, offers three self-guided nature trails. The .5-mile Pamet Trail, off North Pamet Road, leads you past an old cranberry-bog building and bogs that have reverted to marshland. Park in the lot to the left of the Hostelling International-Truro and walk back to the fire-road entrance about 500 feet down North Pamet Road. The Pilgrim Spring Trail and Small Swamp Trail (each a .75-mile loop) head out from the National Seashore parking lot just east of Pilgrim Lake. Pilgrim Spring is where the parched colonists sipped their first fresh water in months. Small Swamp is named for Thomas Small, a rather overly optimistic 19th-century farmer who tried to cultivate fruit trees in soil more suited to salt hay. Both paths overlook Salt Meadow, a freshwater marsh favored by hawks and osprey.
Tennis
Courts are available at the Pamet Harbor Yacht and Tennis Club, 7 Yacht Club Rd. (tel. 508/349-3772; www.pametclub.com). Hourly fees are $20 singles and $30 doubles.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
