Explore the best rated trails in Sandwich, MA. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Old Colony Nature Pathway and Bridle Trail . With more than 31 trails covering 188 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This was my first time at this trail. I took the reviews to heart
and chose to park at the Horgan Elementary School lot (near
some Tennis Courts and the Red Caboose!).
Despite out-of-state plates, I had no challenges parking. No stickers or anything were required and
the parking area felt safe.
I chose to Rollerblade on the trail WEST to the End in Coventry.
The first 2 to 2.5 miles are not-so-pretty. It is very urban...some "small" tent out-croppings
along the right-hand bank of the river -- and very industrial....
I kinda wondered why I was there (though felt safe).
The pavement had some bubbly spots and the wooden bridges are a bit course on Rollerblades (keep your momentum up and you can get right across them...or stop fully and take in the views...)
But after you get past the "urban" areas...the trail West toward Coventry REALLY begins to shine. It does have a gradual upward slope most of the way, but seriously quite doable. The quality of the pavement gets better and better and there was only very minor debris on the path. A VERY good path to Rollerblade!
I chose to Rollerblade on the RIGHT side going in both directions, so as to not have to square off with any fast moving bikes. Everyone on the path was VERY warm and courteous!
The major part of the path through Coventry is truly gorgeous...and well worth the ride!
I confirmed with MANY bikers that the stretch EASTWARD to Cranston is NOT suitable for Rollerbladers...Many of the bikers said that it even stinks for bikes actually!
So, the segment from the Horgan Elementary School to Coventry (sort of going "RIGHT" on the trail if tennis courts are behind you) is the place to go!
Couple more things:
There do appear to be some VERY nice parking areas a bit further into Coventry and one MIGHT be able to skip the first 2-2.5 miles of the trail and park just a tad bit closer toward Coventry....That 2-2.5 miles is kinda "crummy", so you're really not missing anything. I don't know the names of those parking areas -- but did not see any signs saying "Residents Only" or anything.
Also, the GENERAL STORE at the very far end of the trail in Coventry is no longer open...so don't plan on getting water or anything there. There ARE a few gas stations one can see along the trail and the very cute ice-cream shop that many have mentioned, as well!
Lastly -- the trail does end very suddenly, when you reach the end in Coventry and there is a Map/Sign that seems to imply that the trail continues into Connecticut....That apparently is NOT true "yet"...but is being planned.
When you look on the backside of the Granite Mile Markers (heading West), they will IMPLY that that you have like 4 or 5 miles MORE to go, but you will hit the END of the trail at around Mile Marker 4.7 -- so it appears that they FUTURE proofed the Mile Markers and included the distance that WOULD be there if the trail did continue into Connecticut.
Several bikers said that one COULD continue into Connecticut via the very busy looking road. I chose not to, being on Rollerblades.
If you are close to Coventry -- start at the Coventry end and blade/bike/walk/run all the way toward the other end -- and simply stop and turn around when it starts to get "uglier"...the final very, very large wooden bridge may be a place to stop and turn around.
Anyway -- it was a GREAT experience...but that first 2 - 2.5 miles from the Horgan School West toward Coventry is a tragic sort of area...the trail itself is okay, but as you head West, you will see what the 5-Stars are all about!!
Enjoy!
Beautiful ride amazing views made me love RI again
Great trail and during the week it is not very crowded
You will cross active roads so caution is advised
Lots of wildlife, birds, swamps, flowers etc
This is a pretty level trail, parking can be a problem at times
I tend to go to Riverside and head down towards Bristol and it works
Restaurants along route and benches
This park is huge and has a ton of space for any outdoor activity! I go for hikes here all the time, bring my kids and my dogs here, and we all love it! It’s clean and safe and has the longest trails!
Great trail with smooth paved paths and picturesque scenery. path is a bit narrow for side by riding so be careful.
This trail is not to be missed. I rode approximately 21 miles from Cumberland to Woonsocket. There is a parking lot on John Street at the site of the old Lonsdale drive-in. The trail is breathtakingly beautiful and well maintained. You are lulled into a calm feeling listening to the river. The surroundings rustic. It’s a mix of old and new from the railroad tracks to industrial buildings to modern buildings. There are minimal hills/inclines. My only negative is that the signage needs improvement. industribuilding
From EBBP over mostly dedicated path or protected bike lanes:
Over Washington Bridge thru India Pt Park;
Under I-195 along S. Water St. crossing Wickendon St. onto bike path along Providence River;
Cross Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial (pedestrian) Bridge over river then head west uphill along Ship, Chestnut then Clifford Streets;
Clifford St over I-95 bridge, dogleg right/left onto Friendship St downhill left onto Broad;
Along Broad then right onto Peace St (next to St. Joseph's Med Ctr);
Peace turns into Waverly. Waverly left onto Cranston St.;
Cranston St. (unprotected) under Rte10 then left onto Depot St.;
Arrived!
The shining seas bake trail (from N Falmouth to Woods Hole ) is absolutely stunning ! Gorgeous! It is such a treat for the visual and a gift to your mind! It so peaceful and the best 25 miles ride i have done in a long time. You will bike through several different landscape types/ views, including woods, cranberry field, salt marsh and the ocean. Bring a sandwhich to picnic by the ocean, or stop at the rail way cafe ( along the path) or my fav the Pie in the Sky Bakery & Cafe in Woods hole for an amazing chicken or tuna salad! Enjoy!
(1) The continuous asphalt path south from Woonsocket to Central Falls is outstanding except for "missing" signage at Ashton Mills for southbound riders. You must turn right, but without any sign, quite a few cyclists on this trail for the first time, including me, continued straight on the path and wandered around the apartment parking lot and streets until we either looked back and saw bicycles riding from the left, or a kind soul told us to cross the river. There is a sign telling northbound riders crossing the river to turn left. (2) After the separate bikeway ends on the streets of Central Falls, turn signs are missing in both directions. I gave up trying to continue to Pawtucket at the Wyatt Detention Facility, though I am told the "trail" continues past it. There need to be signs at every turn where there is more than one option. It's especially confusing that there are brand new, well-marked bike lanes in Central Falls if you fail to turn left when you were supposed to but didn't know it. However, these lanes stop abruptly, leaving you downtown, blocks away from the trail.
…..Rail Trail on the NorthEast Coast in our opinion. We visited for the fourth time and stayed several days in Orleans, MA for the sole purpose of riding this Trail and did so several times. Easy access to the Trail from our hotel (The Cove Motel, highly recommend). Perfect pavement. Riding South and West the first day through varied scenery including Cranberry bogs and even a beautiful beach. From the roundabout you can access the Old Colony Trail. Don’t miss stopping for Ice Cream at Ferretti’s Market (I think). Home made ice cream for $5 a serving, not a scoop!!!! Best I’ve ever had. The extreme west end becomes a bit desolate as you pass the Blue Rock golf course. The following day we cycled North from our base in Orleans to the new end point 1 mile north of the original. Easy access from several places to the beaches and worthwhile for the view even if you don’t swim. SHARK WARNINGS POSTED.
This is my favorite bike path for scenic water views! It’s a long trail, paved, and flat. I suggest parking in between Barrington and East Providence, not at India Park. The ride from India park south for the first few miles is challenging. Bring cash to buy an iced Lemon drink at Dels.
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