Blackstone River Bikeway (RI)

The Blackstone River Bikeway represents a big undertaking in this tiny state: The 11.6-mile trail is the largest open segment on a nearly 50-mile former rail corridor that will eventually connect Providence to Worcester, Massachusetts.

A restored drive-in movie theater sign featuring the Blackstone River Bikeway greets you at the trail's current south end on John Street in Lonsdale. From the start, you'll be treated to many picturesque scenes of the wide, churning Blackstone River and the placid, historic canal. After a mile, you'll cross over the Pratt Dam on the a six-span bridge, which sits atop the original railroad piers and abutment.

Beyond the dam, the bikeway turns right and continues north (the path leading straight ends at a parking lot). Northbound toward the village of Ashton, the trail alternately follows and parallels the historic canal towpath. Keep an eye out for a large brick textile mill; the canal was built to transport cotton goods from the mill to Worcester and Providence in the 1800s.

Ashton marks the approximate trail midpoint. You could begin or end your journey here by parking on Route 116 or at the visitor center along Interstate 295, which provides restrooms and information. Each parking lot offers a connecting spur on a slight incline to the trail.

History buffs may choose to visit the historic Kelley House Museum, former home of Wilbur Kelley, a ship captain and mill owner. Nestled between the river and canal, the museum relates the transportation and industrial history of each waterway.

Continuing north, the trail parallels the active Providence & Worcester Railroad all the way to the end, even sharing a bridge across the river in Albion. The building materials for this stretch of the rail-trail were shipped by and unloaded right off the train.

To reach the Lonsdale trailhead, take Interstate 295 to State Route 146 south. Exit onto State Route 123 east and follow it to Chambers St. at the Sovereign Bank, and turn there. It will merge with John St. about 100 yards from the trail entrance, which is just over the river.

To reach the Manville trailhead, also take I-295 to Route 146 south and exit onto Route 123 east. Turn left on Route 122 north toward Manville. In town, turn left on Manville Hill Road, cross the river then turn left on Main Street. You'll see the trail on the left. Turn left, downhill and cross the railroad tracks and the trail to reach the parking lot.