While I've always enjoyed a good bike ride, it's only recently that I've really appreciated how beautiful they are. It started witha bike ride in Portland, Maine,one of the highlights of my trip there last spring. I found that with the right bike, even a ten mile ride is doable for most people and is a great way to be present in nature. Fast forward to this year and the Corona virus quarantine. With my normal daily tennis not allowed and many hiking trails closed, I began exploring all the bike trails in Rhode Island. I had no idea Rhode Island had so many beautiful paved bike trails that go through different natural habitats and the trails are now on my bucket listEssential Things to Do in Rhode Island. So I'm going to share with you some of my favorite bike trails in Rhode Island. Enjoy your time exploring them.
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Best Bike Trails in Rhode Island
South County Radweg
This is one of my best Rhode Island bike trails, especially the section closest to the Kingston station. It begins at Kingston Station, West Kingstown and ends at Mumford Road in Narragansett. There is also a small detour to a cycle path around URI that is worth taking.
South County Bike Trail Length:
7.8 miles
Driving comfort:
Easy, though moderately long, it's a fairly flat trail. If you're just driving into Peacedale, the trail is completely off road.
Visual features:
The northern part of the trail goes through forests and swamps. We saw a large beaver dam and lots of birds. If you go all the way you can walk around the Indian Run Reservoir.
Food in and around the bike path
The Kingston station is just a few blocks away.TLC Coffee Roaster. Grab a coffee and sandwich here before you start your journey. When you get to Peacedale, grab a Peanut Butter Bar and Savory Rosemary BLTSweet pastry bakery and cafe.
Take a ride on the South County Bike Trail if you want to:
A simple path in the middle of nature.
Washington Secondary Bike Path
This 19-mile trail breaks up into many trails named after the towns they pass through, including the Trestle Trail, Coventry Greenway, West Warwick Greenway, Warwick Bike Path, and Cranston Bike Path.
Coventry Greenway
I was riding the Coventry Greenway cycle path at the time, so I'll tell you about that. In some places the path is shared with the horses. There are also opportunities for mountain biking on the bridleways.
Coventry Cycle Route Length:
Five miles west from the Coventry Library parking lot on the Trestle Trail
Driving comfort:
This is a moderately difficult ride compared to many others in the state, especially towards the end of the trail when it gets a bit hilly.
Visual features:
The path leads through tall trees, over many bridges, and past lakes and ponds.
Take a ride on the Coventry Cycle Path if you wish:
A moderate walk through the woods of western Rhode Island.
Blackstone-Radweg River
This trail follows the Blackstone River and includes a few sections along the way. It begins at India Point Park in Providence and runs through Woonsocket and Cumberland to the Massachusetts border.
Blackstone River Bike Trail Length:
11.6 miles.
Where to pick up the Blackstone River Bikeway:
Much of this cycle path is interrupted by road routes that are difficult to follow. The most beautiful connected routes are in the middle of the road. While there are plenty of places to follow the trail, I would recommend doing it at The Rivers Edge parking area at 195 Davison Avenue, Woonsocket, or Blackstone River State Park in Lincoln. It is in these areas that you will find the longest continuous stretches of paved trails, approximately 8 miles long.
Visual features:
Because this trail follows the Blackstone River, it has many water features such as waterfalls, old mills, dams, and bridges.
Things to do near the Blackstone River Bike Path:
Gotta Q BBQ is the best BBQ I've had in the state. It is only a ten minute drive to the Blackstone River State Park lot.
Take a ride on the Blackstone River Bike Path if you want to:
A moderate walk with great views along a river, but fine with a bumpy trail.
Quonset Bike Path
This short paved off-road bike trail is a great way to start. Starts at Quonset Business Park (where Dave and Kohl's parking lot is) and ends at Calf Pasture Point Beach
Quonset Cycle Route Length:
3.8 miles
Visual features:
The first half of the trail runs through the residential area of North Kingstown, with trees on one side. Pass in front of the Sea Bees Museum. Once you reach the Calf Pasture Point parking lot, the trail becomes more pleasant, passing pastures and views of the bay. The trail ends at the beach, where you can then find trails along the water.
Driving comfort:
Moderately hilly short trail.
Ride the Quonset Cycle Route if you want to:
A moderate walk that ends with a walk on the beach.
Ten Mile River Greenway
Despite its name, this bike trail is 3 miles long. Ten miles refers to the name of the river that borders the greenway and the conservation area in which it is located. It is one of the few bike trails in the state that was not built along an old railroad track. The entire course runs along the water. Travel through Pawtucket and East Providence
Ten Mile River Bike Trail Length:
This 3-mile (4.8 km) bike trail follows the hills along the James Turner Reservoir.
Visual features:
A calm river and a large reservoir full of swans.
Where to park to ride your bike on the Ten Mile River Bike Trail:
There is parking at Slater Park in Pawtucket and another in Rumford (East Providence).
Ride the Ten Mile River Bike Trail if you want to:
A short, hilly walk along a creek without having to deal with the urban.
East Bay Bike Path
This beautiful bike trail begins at India Point Park in Providence and ends at Independence Park in Bristol. It was the first of Rhode Island's bike trails and is mostly flat, with the exception of one hill in East Providence. Currently the bridges in the middle of the trail are closed so you will be detoured via the car bridges. This is actually a great way to split the trip into two parts for different days.
East Bay Bike Path Length:
14.5 miles
Things to do along the East Bay Bike Trail:
Colt State Park is right at the southern end of the trail. There is a cash only Del's Lemonade down the road in Warren. My favorite distraction off the beaten track is the Audobon Trail on the Warren-Bristol line. If you time your visit right, stop in for lunch or dinner at Mission Burrito in Riverside. It's about half way.
Where to park to pick up the East Bay Bike Trail:
To access the southern part of the trail, park in Bristol's Independence Park. For the northern part, you can park at India Point Park in Providence. It's quite a drive over the Washington Bridge from India Point Park, but then you have to navigate some big hills and drive through some city streets. Another alternative is to park about a mile down the trail. There are a few lots on Veteran's Memorial Parkway in East Providence.
Visual features:
Seaside pastures, Audoban trails, endless views of Narragansett Bay, a lighthouse, and the quaint towns of Warren and Bristol
Take a ride on the East Bay Bike Path if you want to:
A lovely drive along the water and through historic towns with plenty of bird watching opportunities.
Colt-Schleife State Park
This bike trail can be a bypass from the East Bay Bike Trail or its own loop if you park at Colt State Park in Bristol. The park was formerly a private estate on the bay that the owner made available to the public for recreation. When he died, it was purchased by the state as public land.
Länge der Colt State Cycling Circuit:
3.9 miles
Colt State Bike Trail Facility:
Due to its smooth surfaces and relatively short length, this is a great beginner bike trail. It has some places with short challenging hills.
Colt State Bike Lane Visual Features:
The well-maintained cobblestone trail winds through the Salt Marsh property, past a beautiful large stone barn, through the woods and along Narragansett Bay.
Warren Bike Path
This 1 mile bike trail can be accessed at the end of the East Bay Bike Trail. Many of Rhod Island's bike paths follow abandoned train tracks. This trail follows the foothills of the Warren-Fall River Railroad.
What kind of bike should I buy for the trails in Rhode Island?
I don't claim to be a bike expert, but I love our bikes and I love sharing what I've learned with my readers. There are some Amazon links here, so if you buy something through them, I'll get a commission.
When I first started biking, it was all about comfort. I drove ahuffy strandkreuzer,This is very comfortable and inexpensive, but it's not a great bike for tackling the hills. Since I was falling behind my son, I had to stop!
So I went to Providence Bicycles in Warwick where I bought a Suede Liv bike that you can see in the picture above.
When I drive, I have to take some things with me. I love having a basket to carry my camera and photograph birds (my new COVID obsession).
There are many great options on Amazon to suit your style.
If you need more space, consider aLarge basket for the back of your bike.
I also have a cup holder for my handlebars. I prefer this as my water is easily accessible. It also helps keep my water cold and it fitsmy water bottle with you.
My son wants to be able to mountain bike and trail ride his bike so he bought a Giant Talon. If he can't go to a bike shop, he can see some bikes like thisRaleigh Talus Bicycles.
Mountain bikers don't want things hanging off their bikes, so he got one.Online Water Bottle Holderand asmall mobile phone holder that mounts to your handlebarsand may contain an inhaler and insect repellent.
In addition to a bicycle, you must have the followinga good bicycle helmet.I have had one before but now I want to buy one that suits my bike to complete my bike that perfectly suits my personality.
I will add more information to the post as I explore more trails. Look mineInstagramoFacebookto see what trails I'm exploring today.
Let me know what you think of the trails or if you know I missed any. For more exercise in Rhode Island, check out my listBest Hikes in Rhode Island.
If you want to try a bike ride on the road with history and nature, readA bike ride along Ocean Drive in Newport.
FAQs
What is the most scenic bike path in Rhode Island? ›
East Bay Bike Path
It's easily one of the best bike rides in Rhode Island. At 14.5 miles long, this trail winds through five communities and puts Rhode Island's natural beauty on display.
The rail-trail, Rhode Island's longest, follows the former Hartford, Providence and Fishkill Railroad. Although sections of the trail have their own distinct local names—Cranston Bike Path, Warwick Bike Path, West Warwick Greenway, Coventry Greenway, and Trestle Trail—the overall experience is seamless.
What is the hardest bike trail in the world? ›- The White Line - Arizona, USA. This trail gives us a serious case of vertigo just looking at it. ...
- The Ridge - Isle of Skye, Scotland. Cut Media. ...
- Yungas Road (Bolivia) Alesha and Jarryd NOMADasaurus. ...
- The Via Ferrata (Italy) Kilian Bron. ...
- The Cliffs of Moher (Ireland)
Description: The Blackstone River Bikeway in Rhode Island spans 19.5 miles, including some on-road riding.
How hard is the South Downs Way to cycle? ›How hard is cycling the South Downs Way? The 160km trail is steeply undulating and tough for the occasional off-road cyclist, with 3,810 metres of climbing along the route. We recommend you only tackle the South Downs Way if you have some experience in mountain biking.
How steep is Scenic Caves road? ›Scenic Caves is by far the toughest climb around in terms of gradient. The climb itself is a fairly steady 12 percent for the majority of the climb. The graph above depicts the entire climb, from the "round-a-bout" at the base to the very top passed the Swiss Meadows road.
What is the hardest section of the Long trail? ›The third and final section was 86.2 miles in length and would prove to be the hardest section of the hike. The terrain would become much more extreme and we noticed our pace greatly affected by this. We climbed the tallest mountain in the state of Vermont during this stretch Mt Mansfield at 1,340m/4,395' in elevation.
How long is the Huckleberry Loop? ›What is the distance of that main loop? Connecting the Santa Cruz River Park with the Rillito, Pantano, Harrison Greenway and Julian Wash as a complete circle is 53.9 miles.
What is the longest paved bike trail? ›The great TransAmerica bike trail is the king of all biking trails. It's longer than any other trail and more beautiful than your expectations.
What is the longest bike ride without stopping? ›Christoph Strasser set the 24 hour road record at 637.66 miles (1,026.21 km) in Zeltweg, Austria on 16 July 2021.
What is the longest bike trail in the US? ›
The East Coast Greenway is a long urban trail system that connects 15 states, 450 cities, and towns along the eastern shore between Calais, Maine and Key West, Florida. It is the United States' longest single trail for walking and biking.
What is the most scenic part of the Blackstone River Bikeway? ›The most picturesque portion is the trail's last 2 miles on its south end. Here, a small bridge carries you to the other side of the Blackstone River. Shortly after, the railroad makes an appearance again as you cross an intersecting branch of the river, revealing an interesting side-by-side view of a rail-with-trail.
How long is the Emerald Isle bike path? ›The Emerald Path extends approximately 11 miles from the Indian Beach town limits all the way to The Point at Bogue Inlet.
How long is the Pearl Harbor bike path? ›The path begins at ʻAiea Bay State Park behind Aloha Stadium and ends at Waipahu Depot Street for a total distance of 5.2 paved, flat miles.
How hard is it to cycle 20 miles? ›—I've determined that 20 miles is a ride length you can easily tailor to fit any fitness scenario. If you've let yourself go and haven't touched the bike for a while, 20 miles is still eminently manageable, and a few rides at that length will get you back into decent shape.
How hard is it to cycle 50 miles? ›Completing a 50 mile bike ride is both a challenge and a rite of passage in cycling. No matter what level you're at, beginner, or regular cyclist, it is very achievable, particularly with a little planning and the right kit.
What is the steepest hill you can cycle up? ›- Mont Ventoux. Mont Ventoux is an iconic climb in cycling. ...
- Monte Zoncolan. The Monte Zoncolan is one of the highlights of the Giro d'Italia. ...
- Alto de L'Angliru. Bring your compact gearing for the Angliru. ...
- Passo del Mortirolo. ...
- Hardknott Pass. ...
- Passo dello Stelvio. ...
- Mauna Kea. ...
- Muro di Sormano.
A: We suggest you allow at least two hours to visit the caves/caverns and suspension bridge, but encourage you to spend the day exploring all the activities. Q: Is there a time limit on how long I can stay in the Park?
How much does Scenic Caves cost? ›| Adult (18-64) | Senior (65+) | Youth (3-17) |
|---|---|---|
| $32.00 | $29.00 | $29.00 |
| Last park admission sold 2 hours prior to closing. | ||
Scenic Caves Nordic Centre is home to a spectacular winter playground. Glide along our 27km groomed trail network on cross country skis or hike by snowshoe on 12km of trails, including our Suspension Footbridge!
Who was the serial killer on the Appalachian Trail? ›
Paul David Crews died in a Pennsylvania prison last month at age 70 of natural causes without ever revealing why he killed a young couple on the Appalachian Trail nearly 32 years ago in a notorious crime that rippled fear across the country.
What is the steepest trail in the US? ›At a 55 degree pitch, Rambo is for all intents and purposes the steepest lift-serviced tree-cut trail in North America.
How long does the forest loop take? ›The trail should take you between three to five hours, depending on your pace. You'll also want to factor in some time to stop and take in the sights at purpose-built points along the way that reveal stunning views. They also provide a great opportunity to rest and rehydrate.
How long is the Lake Harriet loop? ›Lake Harriet is a 2.8 mile (6,500-step) route located near Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
How far is the Rose Bowl loop? ›The Rose Bowl Loop is located in the City of Pasadena, and stretches for 3.10 miles around the Rose Bowl stadium and Brookside Golf Club.
What state has best bike trails? ›According to Forbes, San Francisco is the country's most cycle-friendly city, followed by Portland, while arguably the best bike trails in the US can be found dotted around California.
What state has the most bicycle trails? ›There's more than 17,000 miles of U.S. Bicycle Routes across the country. Ohio boasts 1,523 miles, more than any state in the nation.
What bike is best for rails to trails? ›Mountain bikes, hybrids, comfort bikes, all will work great. In fact, because rail-trail grades tend not to exceed three percent (the maximum a train can climb), 10 or 12 gears are plenty. If your area is hilly, however, riding a one-speed cruiser may be a struggle.
What is a 100 mile bike ride called? ›A century ride — a bicycle ride of 100 miles — is to a cyclist as a marathon has to a runner: a long enough distance to be a tremendous challenge, while still an attainable goal for a dedicated athlete.
How many hours is a 100 mile bike ride? ›Typically, an average cyclist can finish a century ride in 7-8 hours, though that always varies on your skill level and how much time you spend off the bike during the course of the day.
How difficult is 100 miles on a bike? ›
A hundred-mile bike ride is a considerable challenge, but with the help of the right training programme, it's far from impossible. Set yourself targets along the way and ensure that your approach is varied, and you'll be able to conquer the course!
What is the most bike-friendly city in the US? ›Portland, Oregon
Bike lanes abound in this Pacific Northwest metropolis that's consistently ranked as the number 1 most bike-friendly city in the US. Why does it take home that accolade so often? Well, it boasts the aforementioned wealth of bike lanes and almost 385 miles of bikeways.
Nearby San Francisco didn't get its first protected bike lane until 2010, some 40+ years after Davis. The early 1990s saw Davis institute bike-signal lights, again serving as one of the first cities in the country to adopt such safety measures. It is no wonder that Davis is named the Bicycle Capital of America.
What is the bike capital of the world? ›The Dutch and their bikes are inseparable. It's not a form of transportation, it's a way of living.
What is the most famous trail in the US? ›The US's most famous long-distance trails – the Appalachian, Continental Divide and Pacific Crest – follow mountain ranges running from north to south. My favourite follows the edge of the last Ice Age from east to west across Wisconsin.
What is the longest Scenic trail? ›The Great Trail, formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail, runs for a rather daunting 14,912 miles (or 24,000km) and is currently the longest hiking trail in the world. There are also some stunning options elsewhere, travelling through Italy, Japan and even along the coast of England.
What is the oldest trail in the USA? ›Originally built in 1819 by Ethan Allen Crawford and his father, Abel, Crawford Path is the oldest continuously used and maintained recreation trail in America. Its appeal derives from the fact that its 8.5 miles of mountainous ridgeline travel converges with the famed Appalachian Trail.
What is the best section of the Root river trail? ›The Lanesboro to Whalen part of the trail is the most popular section and there is much less bike traffic after Whalan. Almost the entire trail is next to the windy Root River and is shaded and sheltered from the wind.
What is the most scenic part of the Cape Cod Rail Trail? ›Some of the most scenic areas are (heading from Dennis) miles 5-8, passing by several ponds, and miles 10-14 from Nickerson State Park to Orleans. There's a good connection to the Salt Pond Visitors Center and trails there, at Locus Rd. between miles 16 and 17.
How long is the Charles river bike path? ›Biking. Over 20 miles of trails are available to bike, walk or run. Follow the river as it cuts through Boston and neighboring communities.
How long is the seawall bike path? ›
About the Seawall
The 9 km portion around Stanley Park takes two to three hours to walk, or one hour to cycle.
With 50,000 people per week visiting during peak season, Emerald Isle North Carolina is a fantastic place to travel to – whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a place to let loose with your friends.
How long is the Belle Isle loop? ›Experience this 5.4-mile loop trail near Detroit, Michigan. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 34 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, fishing, and road biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
How long is the Cape Cod Canal bike path? ›This wide, paved pair of paths – actually U.S. Army Corps of Engineers service roads – run approximately 7 miles on either side of the canal, offering unique views of ships, barges, and tugs chugging between Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay.
What is the shortest Pearl Harbor tour? ›The shortest tour to Pearl Harbor is the 4.5 hour Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City Tour. All of the other tours include this program, but add other sites such as the USS Missouri, Bowfin Submarine and the Pacific Aviation Museum. Those Pearl Harbor Tours take from 6 to 13 hours.
How long is the East Bay bike path RI? ›It encompasses 13.8 miles, is 10 feet wide and connects eight parks: India Point Park in Providence, Bold Point and Squantum Woods in East Providence, Haines and Veteran's Memorial Park in Barrington, Burr's Hill Park in Warren, and Colt State Park, and Independence Park in Bristol.
How long is Rhode Island bike path? ›The Blackstone River Bikeway is the state's second-longest bike path, with 18.2 miles of bikeway - which includes 11.6 miles of path between Cumberland and Woonsocket and segments of on and off-road bikeway heading south to India Point Park in Providence and north to the Massachusetts border.
How long is the Edgar Felix bike path? ›The Edgar Felix Bikeway is a 5.4 miles (8.7 km) rail trail in New Jersey between Manasquan and Allaire State Park. The trail was constructed on a former roadbed of the Farmingdale and Squan Village Railroad and the Freehold and Jamesburg Agricultural Railroad.
How long is the West Ashley bike path? ›The bicycle/pedestrian path system consists of over 42 miles of interconnected paths linking the City's parks, schools, neighborhoods, historic and natural landmarks and commercial areas.
How long is the five boroughs bike ride? ›The Tour is about 40 miles long; the entire route takes place on car-free streets.
How long is the Bay Bridge bike path? ›
The Bay Bridge Trail is a part of the San Francisco Bay Trail. The length of the path on the East Span of the Bay Bridge is 2.2 miles from Oakland to Yerba Buena Island. To ensure user safety, the 15.5-foot-wide path has one lane in each direction for bicyclists and an outside lane designated for pedestrians.
Is 40 miles far to cycle? ›Statistics tell us that a person of average fitness can cycle approximately 10 miles per hour. In a day, an average person should be able to cover between 40 and 50 miles if they take it steadily and have breaks. But 50 miles is clearly not a reasonable commuting distance by bike.
How long does it take to cycle 20 miles? ›How long does it take to cycle 20 miles? At the average pace of 12.5 mph, a cyclist should be able to cover 20 miles in around 1 hour and 36 minutes. But a lot depends on your fitness level and experience – if you're a beginner cyclist and you're covering 20 miles in less than two hours, you're on the right tracks.
What is the longest bike ride in one day? ›Christoph Strasser set the 24 hour road record at 637.66 miles (1,026.21 km) in Zeltweg, Austria on 16 July 2021.
Is the seawall bike path one way? ›Travel on the seawall is one way, counter clockwise, around Stanley Park.
How long is the Jekyll Island bike path? ›Jekyll Island features about 25 miles of paved biking trails that allow for exploration of a broad range of scenery, from beaches to forests to Jekyll Island's own Historic Landmark District and campgrounds. Free bike path maps are available at the Jekyll Island Welcome Center and at the bike barn on Shell Road.