William C. O'Neill Bike Path

New tunnel under Route 1
By BettyW in August, 2011
We rode this trail in July and after watching several bikers cross Rt. 108, we followed them and were very surprised to discover a tunnel under Rt. 1.

Here is part of a press release dated 7-27-11 from the RI DOT web site:
"The new 0.8-mile path connects to the existing bike path which RIDOT built in the late 1990s and early 2000s from Kingston Station off Route 138 in West Kingston to Route 108 opposite MacArthur Boulevard in Wakefield. The new segment will bring riders into Narragansett, ending at Mumford Road. The entire path is 7.8 miles long, and stands as the fourth-longest bike path in Rhode Island. "

"The new bike path includes 0.5 miles of off-road bikeway, resurfacing of 0.3 miles of MacArthur Boulevard (which carries the path from Route 108 to the off-road segment), a lighting system at the tunnel passing underneath Route 1 and reconstruction of a parking lot on Main Street at Robinson Street in Wakefield. The path also provides options for those traveling to the Narragansett shoreline by bike, as it bypasses the busy commercial corridors in Wakefield and the Dillon Rotary in Narragansett."
Nice ride
By jennybadgirl84 in May, 2011
We tried this bike path for the 1st time today and enjoyed it immensely. They are working on the last leg of the trail and it should be finished by the summer. The only word of warning I would give is that if you begin from the train station the path is mostly down hill and makes for a difficult time on the way back. We plan to begin from the other end of the path so that the journey back is on the down hill.
Pleasant, well kept bike path
By letsbikenow in October, 2010
We biked on this path yesterday for the first time. The beginning starts at the Amtrack station in South Kingston. Parking is tight on weekends, as many train and bus riders use the parking lot too. The path hardtop is in excellent condition, it is well marked and well kept. Good scenic visuals. I can't wait until they finish the last two miles that will connect this to the oceanfront on the bay. An A+ bike path.
south county bike path
By korusj in September, 2008
great path for roller-blading. Trail is flat, and very green. be advised, path goes through great swamp management area (mosquitos come out in force at sunset) Overall 8/10
First Trail
By gerryk in August, 2008
I am a new biker, and this is the first trail I road. What a beautiful trail, a path cut through nature. I hope to try many more trails. gerryk
What a rail trail should be
By Larry O'Rourke in October, 2006
A beautiful ride that starts out at a Amtrak station and then takes you through some of the best scenery in RI. The bridge over Mink Brook is worth stopping to check out. As you progress further you end up in the village of Wakefield. A nice trail with a little bit of everything on it.
now longer
By Fletch in September, 2005
"Rode the Rail Trail yesterday
9-12-05. it now is 6 miles long and extends almost to Rt.1. Lots of road crossings and one small section on street, but the area thru Great swamp were great and I saw a deer crossing here. Lots of people enjoying the great weather and this trail."
Construction complete to Rt. 108
By John Millette in December, 2004
Construction is now complete to Route 108 for a total of 5.5 great miles from the Kingston train station!
Great Running Trail
By R. Lap. in February, 2003
I've been running this trail during my lunch hour for the past three years. This is a perfect trail for running and roller blading. The new addition currently under construction from Peace Dale to Narragansett will add a unique link to the Narragansett boardwalk along the ocean front.

There is plenty of wildlfe along this trail. It's a great place to go on weekends with family -- just park at the elementary school off Curtis Corner Trail Road or at the train station just off route 108 in Kingston. Many other small trails can be found off the main path.
Excellent Rail Trail
By Gary Belanger in September, 2002
"This trail begins at the Kingston Amtrak Train Station and heads towards Narragansett Bay. The existing trail is only 3.5 miles long but is being expanded.

The trail offers something for everyone; it can be used for both recreation and commuting to the Amtrak Station. The trail is handicapped accessible and good for cyclists, roller-bladders, and people on foot.

There are quite a few road crossings; most are well marked and all seem to be safe.

The trail has a good mix of shaded and sunny areas. There are a number of hills. Since the path is constructed from an old rail line, the hills are not to bad – in fact; they add a good cardiovascular workout to your ride.

There are a number of places to rest along the trails – various civic groups have donated park benches. There is also a small park area adjacent to the trail with a basketball court and playground equipment.

One particularly interesting section is where the path cuts through the Great Swamp Wild Life Refuge. Bring your binoculars for great views of egrets and herons.

Restrooms are available in the train station.

All in all, this is an excellent trail and will no doubt get better as it is extended. "