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, north to India Point Park in Providence. The 14-mile paved path accommodates a wide variety of uses. 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 half-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 Interstate 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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EBBP
By dannodude on September 24, 2009
What a gem for RI and outdoors enthusiasts.
I love bicycling the entire length of this trail on my annual pilgrimmage back to Porvidence and running sections too. (East Providence Cycle is a premier store for renting a bike if needed).
Some other highlights along the trail are lunch in Bristol with a waterfront view, and a stop at the Audubon in Bristol to observe birds, frogs and turtles.
Thank God, persistence prevailed over the NIBY's to bring this path to frution almost 20 years ago!
Placques on the path and/ or highlights of points of interest (Powham light) on the downloadable maps from traillink.com would be a plus.

Dan Hazard
formerly from Riverside, RI
Nice Trail!
By penselek on August 23, 2009
The East Bay Trail is both scenic and action filled! Trail is in great shape and has so much diversity......from peaceful forests to beatiful water and wildlife views, to parks and busy intersections that offer many food and beverage options.
Be aware that this is a busy trail with many intersections, walkers, rollarbladers, and other bicycles.....and to get to a Parking Area you have to deal with the Providence traffic & construction projects.
This trail is a must ride however, and worth the trip!
A Rhode Island Treasure
By 6152 on August 18, 2009
Today my cousin and I went on the beautiful East Bay Bike Path. Even though it was a very hot day in August, it was a wonderful ride. It was incredibly smooth and flat and the scenery, as we drove along Narragansett Bay, was awesome.
We started out at Haines Memorial State Park and drove south to Bristol, which was enjoyable with its shops, restaurants and shaded parks. Along the way we past an Audubon center and admired the profusion of wildflowers in the meadow. We then saw a blue heron in a tree by the water.
The trip was a total of 18 miles, and along with some Dell’s lemonade, it was a great day.
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 in Bristol to India Point park in 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

Related Links
Guidebook: Learn more about other New England rail-trails in RTC's New England Guidebook.
Trail of the Month: East Bay Bicycle Path