East Bay Bike Path:
Rhode Island
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Description:
Rhode Island's best-known rail-trail, the East Bay Bicycle Path, hugs the shores of Narragansett Bay, from Bristol in the south and north to India Point Park in Providence. The 14-mile paved path accommodates a wide variety of users. Markers on the pavement every half mile help you keep track of your progress.

The trail takes you through an alternating landscape of stunning natural areas, as well as more urban enclaves. Spur trails lead to several parks and conservation areas, including Colt State Park in Bristol, Burr's Hill Park in Warren and Veterans Memorial Park and Haines Memorial State Park in Barrington.

In Bristol, watch for an intersection on the path marked by bike racks. Here, a path leads to the Rhode Island Audubon Society's Environmental Education Center. The center features a state-of-the art, fully accessible natural history museum and aquarium, as well as all-season guided tours, nature walks and special family programs.

Approaching Providence, you'll cross the Interstate 195 bridge to India Point Park, the path's northern terminus. The park, built on the rail bed and scrap metal yards in 1974, was originally a port for trading ships bound for the East and West Indies in the 1700s. After 1850, with the arrival of the rail line, it became a debarkation point for new immigrants to America. Train service on this route operated from 1855 until 1974. In 1900 the New Haven Railroad, which owned the line at the time, converted it to electric car service using overhead lines.

A 0.5-mile detour from the trail in Riverside leads to Crescent Park and the Looff Carousel. To get to the park, head east on Crescent View Avenue where it intersects the trail. A sculptural masterpiece of wood, the carousel features 62 exquisitely carved figures and four chariots. Dating to 1895, it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Colt State Park trailhead in Bristol, take Interstate 195 to State Route 114 south toward Bristol. In Bristol, turn right on Asylum Road.

To reach the Providence trailhead, take I-95 to I-195 east to the Gano Street Exit. Turn left into India Point Park. The trailhead is on the right; ramps lead up to the bridge where the path begins as a separated corridor alongside traffic.

There are many other places to park along the trail. The closest parking lots to the northern terminus are on Veterans Memorial Parkway in East Providence. Traveling east on I-195 from Providence, take the Riverside Exit. You'll find two parking lots on the right.

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Reviews: [3 trail ratings]
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Has to be one of the best trails in the North east!!
By geoff11 in October, 2011
My wife and I rode this trail on Columbus Day weekend 2011. The weather was perfect and so is this trail. Starting out at Colts neck state park and heading north to Providence, the views were beautiful. Colts park is a must to ride around in. As you ride all around the park you are surrounded by water and nice farm land. This ride all around added about 5.5 miles to the ride. Well worth the energy. The entire trail is very easy to follow with very little auto traffic intersections. Many places to stop along the way for snacks or a nice lunch. Bring your own food and stop any where along the way to enjoy the scenery. When we got to India Point we continued over the bridge and into town for a nice lunch at many of the eateries in town. Simple food,too the gourmet restaurants are all along the street, many places to choose from. Riding back to Colts park, we continued into the town of Bristol and discovered many good places to dine right along the waters edge. This trail was by far one of our best trails and quickly became a favorite of ours. We are all ready planning next years date. This entire area of Rhode Island is great! Newport, Providence and a bike ride on Block Island made for a spectacular weekend. It’s a must on your list of trails.
Ride a trail….write a review!!
Terrific Scenic ride...
By kobrien55 in August, 2011
My wife and I rode this trail for the first time last weekend. It's a great trail. Wasn't too crowded for a Saturday. Beautiful views along the harbor, and audubon society.

We stopped for a great lunch at Agave in Bristol. Overlooks the harbor. Nice sandwiches.

We only rode half the trail, but I'm looking forward to doing the entire trail next time.

Beautiful scenic coastal trail
By apelillo in October, 2010
My wife and I biked the trail Columbus day weekend. We started in Bristol and and headed north to South Providence. This is an absolutely beautiful trail with a mix of scenery from riding along the water, marshes and wooded areas. There were plenty of places to stop, so you can grab a bite to eat, cold drink or ice cream. It's a perfect way to spend the day getting a little exercise, fresh air and exploring quintessential New England towns.
Browse Trails by Activity:
Near the River Point area of the trail there are some excellent views of a lake and wildlife such as swans, ducks and cormorants.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Independence Park (Bristol) to India Point Park (Providence)
Counties: Bristol
Trail Length: 14 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6017101

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Guidebook: Learn more about other New England rail-trails in RTC's New England Guidebook.
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