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    Blackstone River Bikeway

    4.5 (55 reviews)

    Blackstone River Bikeway Photos

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    Matt S.

    Discovered this state park while walking on the train tracks. Beautiful scenery with an amazing bike path. Made me wish I had my bike to adventure further. Soon I'll have to take a trip back here. Apparently you can fish along the river too. Many historic sites along the path as well. The road is paved and taken care of. Ended up sitting by the bridge watching the river while I waited for my DMV appointment at AAA. What a hidden gem.

    first time 2021‼
    DodiB B.

    This is a beautiful well maintained walking and biking trail. It sits along the river run and charming backyards. The trail is quiet and has a few choice spots to stop for picnic lunch or photo op. We set off late in the afternoon for the first time on the bike way. There was a bit of high traffic and folks had a hard time staying to the right and left for easy walking and cycling. Thankfully no there were no run-ins. Will definitely venture here again in the next warm and sunny day in Rhode Island

    Scenic vistas along the bikeway. This bridge is just off the Ashton parking area.
    L F.

    Well maintained, well marked bikeway with outstanding scenic views along old mill buildings, watery vistas, historic homes, and multiple parking areas along this RI corridor.

    Bridge next to parking lot

    Perfect place to learn to skate. Beautiful scenery and path was perfect for the newbie skater I am.

    Horse path, rail bed, bike trail, created by wheelbarrows and back breaking labor.
    Robert S.

    Yes, as good as it gets, nice and level, pleasant folks, interesting history with signage and surviving mills.

    Dam near Stop and Shop Cumberland.
    Irish B.

    Bike trail pros: mostly flat, very few street crossings, river and canal views, easy access points in Cumberland and Lincoln. Mile markers every half mile. Turtles, fish birds etc. Cons: the trail can be particularly busy between the Front Street in Lincoln parking lot and Route 116 in Cumberland on weekends. Poison ivy just off the trail. Graffiti on most signs and benches. Tip: walk on the left facing oncoming cyclists.

    Brian S.

    A view of things to come Rhode Island has quite a few bike paths but most of them are just truncated little bits of four or five miles. To be connected some day but as of now "works in progress". More suited for walking than biking. A great idea but one that is far from realized. I heard that Blackstone River now had an uninterrupted roll of more than ten miles so a bunch of friends and myself decided to check it out. We were pleasantly surprised. It's still a bit short for a bike but it has some absolutely gorgeous scenery and interesting views. Lots of bridges, old mills, waterfalls and rivers along the way. We saw a family of deer right next to the path and many different types of large birds. Even an ice cream shop or two. Blackstone is eventually going to run all the way to Worcester for a total one way length of almost fifty miles but right now the ten miles is pretty nice. Except for one small stretch, the pavement is in excellent condition but unfortunately it is pretty flat with few hills. Not nearly as crowded as the East Bay Path, Blackstone also didn't have the heterogeneous group of skaters, runners, older people with walkers and people trying to go warp nine on bikes that you frequently find on the East Bay path. This was mostly bikes, all moving along and with plenty of places to safely pass. A twenty mile round trip still isn't much for a bike but Blackstone is a beautiful and relaxing ride. it gives a tantalizing tease of what will be if the full length and connections are all realized.

    Looking North on the Blackstone River.
    Alan R.

    Blackstone River Bikeway The Blackstone River Bikeway begins in Cumberland,RI There is a parking lot at the entrance to the former Lonsdale Drive In Theater. In fact the restored marque states, "NowPlaying, Blackstone River Bikeway". This collaboration between the RI Departments of Transportation and Environmental Management has resulted in 11.5 miles of continuous bike path being open to the public in Cumberland, Lincoln, and Woonsocket, RI. Beginning at the southern end, in Cumberland, the ride takes one over a scenic bridge within a mile of starting out. The bridge is a dedicated bike and walkway with no vehicular traffic. The Blackstone River Bikeway then meanders along following the historic Blackstone canal. Inspired by the success of the Erie Canal (begun in 1817) and prodded by the growth of textile manufacturing along the Blackstone River. The Blackstone Canal was built to link Central Massachusetts to the Atlantic via Providence, RI. Between 1828 and 1848. The canal used horse-drawn boats to carry freight and passengers between Worcester and Providence. The Blackstone River Bikeway provides one a feeling of being slightly more remote than does the East Bay Bike Path, though never wandering too far from residential areas, it provides long stretches uninterrupted by intersections and stop signs. Very nice indeed. From south (the Cumberland end) the Bikeway ends at the Rivers Edge Recreation Complex in Woonsocket, RI. Near to this end are public restrooms, and a small refreshment stand. The Blackstone River Bikeway is slightly more challenging, in regard to elevation, than the East Bay Bike Path. That said, it is not a difficult ride, and should be enjoyed by riders of all experience levels.

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    4 years ago

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    7 days ago

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    3 years ago

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    9 months ago

    Just a great place to have a peaceful bike ride. I ride it often. Weekdays are best. Some co

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    5 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Great trail all around, nice and flat with a few hills. Never too busy. Usually recommend this spot for people looking for a casual cruise.

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    12 years ago

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    4 years ago

    This path is awesome, you can bring your bike and a water bottle and cruise around RI no problem. Very scenic and fun.

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    14 years ago

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Blackstone River Bikeway

    Review Highlights - Blackstone River Bikeway

    As the name implies, this bike path follows the beautiful Blackstone River from Cumberland to Woonsocket.

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    Otis Smith Farm and Rowbottom Preserve

    Otis Smith Farm and Rowbottom Preserve

    4.0
    (2 reviews)
    2.4 km

    The Otis Smith Farm and Rowbottom Preserve is a 55-acre preserve comprised of two parcels of land…read morefrom the Cumberland Land Trust. Located on the historic Otis Smith Farm land acquired from Brown University and the Kenneth and Barbara Rowbottom land, this preserve is a wonderful setting for some Rhode Island hiking. There are 4 color-blazed trails at the time of this review: --Yellow & White = Otis Lippitt Trail --Red = Rowbottom Trail --Blue = Rocky Ridge Trail There are technically 3 trailheads to delve into these interconnected trails, both the Otis Smith Trailhead on Scott Road (2 of them) and the Rowbottom Trailhead on Lippitt Ave. I started on Scott Road and found the White trailhead very easily, pulling my car off at the pictured/numbered green sign labelled "Cumberland Land Trust"...a big American flag waving in the wind. I spotted the Yellow trailhead on Scott Road as I was driving away marked with a very small homemade sign and no clear pull off for cars. I suggest driving down the road a bit and catching the White trail, much easier. All in all, the trails cover about 1.7 miles. Not a strenuous hike, but there are some interesting sights and changes in the landscape as you make your way through. Many of the trails follow historic farmer's cart paths and are intersected frequently with stone walls. There are signs of the old farm all over the place... look for the irrigation ditch that flowed from Little Pond to bring water to the fields. The trail markers are mostly well placed. There were a couple of times that I had to backtrack because I was following what looked like a path but in actuality I was straying from the trail. Take it slow and look around to be sure you are headed in the right direction. The White Trail brings you through a darkened area of the forest lush with ferns. It was really neat making my way through this dense green part of the woods (especially since the caterpillars have been feasting on the green overhead all spring/summer this year). The Red Trail brings you through a number of pine needle beds, soft and squishy underfoot. Lastly, the Blue Trail boasts some large rocky outcroppings of greenstone... and one really large, angry, bird going through feather molt who was not happy to have my trekking near his/her nest. Although this is a very beautiful area of Cumberland (and what drops this preserve down a star for me), on the Blue Trail there appears to be a makeshift wooden shelter up against the rocks. I wouldn't mind so much seeing this here but it is clear that teens trek out to party in the middle of the night. Evidence of campfires against the rock, broken glass, and trash were strewn about this area. I also came across some disturbing makeshift weaponry (think... thick sticks with nails and screws driven into one end, brandished like a medieval mace). A Lord of the Flies-type scene fluttered through my mind and I scurried away, finishing the loop and heading back for my car. Overall a decent hike... I simply wouldn't recommend poking around the shelter too much, especially with children in tow.

    This is a fun little trail! It's about 0.6 miles if you take the Otis Lippitt trail. It's a nice…read morelittle walk for the dog or family. Bring big spray though!

    Photos
    Otis Smith Farm and Rowbottom Preserve
    Otis Smith Farm and Rowbottom Preserve
    Otis Smith Farm and Rowbottom Preserve

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    Lime Rock Nature Preserve

    Lime Rock Nature Preserve

    4.2
    (12 reviews)
    3.9 km

    This place is so cool! I actually had no idea that it was even here and I've lived in Rhode Island…read moremy entire life. I stumbled upon it when I was househunting and it was a house for sale right next-door. I would have loved to of bought it just for this location! There are a few trails through here and they are marked so well there's no possible way you can get lost. Leads you out to a big lake. It's really neat because they're used to be a rail road that went through here and you can still see some of the stuff left behind.

    There is only enough parking for 3 cars at the trailhead…read more The start of the trail runs along a stagnant stream, that breeds mosquitoes, so you should use mosquitoes spray before you start the trail. It is a calming trail, that is quite woodsy and you will hear many birds including woodpeckers ! You will definitely need to keep your eye on the trail, as there are a lot of rocks and tree roots on the trail that could easily twist an ankle or worse ! There are some inclines and downgrades on this trail, there Is one treacherous section before you get to the pond, that is a steep downgrade full of rocks ! The pond does offer some nice views and the trail is easy to follow. This trail is evaluated as a beginner's trail but there are some areas that in my opinion are intermediate in difficulty. A person should be in average physical condition, to do this trail. I am almost 75 years old, in average physical condition and was able to complete this trail. Overall this is a pretty good trail!

    Photos
    Typical trail
    Typical trail
    Creek falling into the lake
    Creek falling into the lake
    Dam and outflow

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    Dam and outflow
    Hawkins Woods

    Hawkins Woods

    4.0
    (2 reviews)
    7.7 km

    Well done Plainville! I recently moved to Plainville from a town who seemed like it was actively…read moretrying to cut down all wooded areas to build more straight-faced colonials. More than any town needs. Plainville feels like "my people" since they voted to avoid this situation with this property and open a wooded area instead. I went to a quick walk to check out Hawkins Woods last Sunday. Keep in mind that this spot is a work in progress. There is a nice parking area and a sign at the trail head. Currently there is one trail that I think was 1.9 miles or less. There is a orange line on the map for the property marker. And there were 3 or more disc golf targets already set up. I only found 3. I went to the right first and followed the disc golf path. When I felt I lost the path, I went back to the yellow trail that goes straight ahead from the parking lot. They haven't had a chance to mark the trees so the arrows are on the ground. The path is mostly visible to the eye and will become more so with use. I may have gotten lost a bit but found my way back to the path. There was a lovely stone wall which may be the property border. These are very pretty woods. There were many birds as well. This will be a great place for winter walking or snowshoeing as long as the parking lot is cleared. If you need a longer walk, this is a very picturesque street to walk on as well. Thank you to the residents & town of Plainville for making this lovely spot!

    Hawkins Woods is a great place to go for a walk. There are a few trails. The main trail is well…read moremarked with wooden arrow signs. If you like taking pictures of nature, this is a very good place. It is a peaceful part of Plainville. Sunset from the field through the woods is beautiful. We meet a lot of folks walking their dogs. Some areas are WET, I would recommend waterproof hikers or boots. There is a practice basket for the disc golf to the right of the main trail. There are 9 holes for the disc golf. You can walk the course as well. We enjoy going there numerous times a week.

    Photos
    Field
    Field
    Main path from parking lot at sunset.
    Main path from parking lot at sunset.
    Signs for the trail

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    Signs for the trail
    Birchwold Farm Conservation Area

    Birchwold Farm Conservation Area

    3.0
    (3 reviews)
    8.6 km

    WATCH YOUR SURROUNDINGS HERE!…read more I used to come here a lot a few years back and absolutely loved walking here. However today, I cannot say the same. The weirdest thing happened to me this morning on my walk. I was walking here with my dog and as soon as we got out of the car and only a few steps in, this women came out of no where and asked if she could walk with us. I will say, she did open with "I know this is a really weird thing to ask." In my head, I was like yeah it is, but what's the harm, we're in a nice area. I made sure to keep my distance, as I was still nervous/creeped out by the situation. The conversation started out fine, "oh your dogs cute, what's her name, what breed is she." However as we walked a little further, she started asking more personal questions, "where are you from, how old are you, etc" This is when I knew, something was just off. So when my dog stopped and she kept walking a little further, I turned around and ran to my car. The vibes were just not right and in my gut I knew there was something off about the whole situation. I could be completely wrong and maybe she was just looking for a friendly walk with someone. However, the personal questions or saying "I don't know this area very well can you show me the path to walk." That line alone was very off putting because there is a clear open path to follow here. I even told her this but she continued to walk with us even when I knew she could tell I was feeling uncomfortable. So PLEASE be aware of your surroundings and make sure you are safe. It's a nice area, however you just never know. She was probably in her early thirties, tall, African American - I don't recall her name. You just never know what could happen, things might seem perfectly fine, but always have your guard up like I did! Sorry for the long message, but I just want to make people aware of what happened so it doesn't happen to you!!

    I hiked this for the first time this year and found trail markings missing and ended up on a road…read moretaking me far away from the trail. BE VERY COGNAZANT OF THE TRAIL I found myself on another trail with excellent marking, but leading me further away. The trailhead at Birchwald refers to only 2 markings - red and green. Within a mile those are gone.

    Photos
    The state line in the woods. If you see this, get back on the trail!!
    The state line in the woods. If you see this, get back on the trail!!
    Birchwold Farm Conservation Area
    Birchwold Farm Conservation Area

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    Blackstone River Bikeway - parks - Updated June 2026

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