Explore the best rated trails in Smithfield, RI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the World War II Veterans Memorial Trail/Norton Rail-Trail and Border to Boston Trail . With more than 81 trails covering 598 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.
I began riding this trail long before it was paved and frequented the section between South Road and the train station. I prefer the quieter northern section but the parts in town really get you through town without being in traffic. Overall great trail, can’t wait to ride end to end again someday and add the URI extension.
We rode this trail yesterday from the parking lot at Dunkin' Donuts in Moosup all the way to the Rhode Island border. The surface alternates between paved and stone dust/fine gravel and is very well maintained throughout. You can see where dirt bikes would have access coming through the trees down some of the steep banks but we did not see any, unlike the situation that other reviews have mentioned. Perhaps reinforcing an unfortunate state stereotype, immediately upon crossing over into Rhode Island where it is then called The Trestle Trail, after about 6 miles, the trail deteriorates significantly into a dirt trail and likely would be fairly muddy when wet with lots of deep puddles. I also noticed an immediate onslaught of bugs which was interesting. We turned around at this point as we only wanted to ride the Connecticut portion. I was very curious after reading all the reviews over the years about how bad this trail used to be. If you're looking for solitude this is your trail, as opposed to many of the Connecticut trails to the West. We maybe saw five or six people for our entire ride. The guy who owns the house in the quarry is super friendly, as is his German Shepherd Fiona, and offered us water since the day was fairly hot after seeing us from his porch. I highly recommend this trail if you're looking for a quiet, shorter 12-mile round trip ride. Only downside: zero porta potties along the route. You can hit the Dunkin' Do restroom before and after the ride.
Beautiful 1st ride on the Norwottuck Rail Trail. We parked at the Marshalls in Hadley (trail starts right behind the building) and road a little over 10 miles into EastHampton and back. It was a very easy ride (my 1st ride of this length) on asphalt.
I rode round trip from Mansfield to Norton which was 14 miles. It’s an absolutely beautiful trail, perfect for solo riders, couples, and families. Crossings are well marked and vehicles tend to stop immediately. Kids and adults might enjoy a detour to the airport in Mansfield. And ending in downtown Mansfield provides opportunity for a snack or beverage as there are several options readily available.
I haven't been on this trail for a few years so was disappointed to find there is still an issue with bumps from tree roots and small sink holes. I did not do the entire trail because of this. It is too bad because it is a nice trail.
Assabet is a 5 mile or so paved trail in good shape. We started at 72 Jefferson St. in Marlborough, MA where there was plenty of parking spaces and a path to the trail. The Assabet is pretty much a city/suburb experience with a few road crossings that need to be executed with care. Just recently it has been joined in Hudson by the 7 mile spanking brand new Hudson to Sudbury Trail (part of the Mass Central Rail Trail system). Then, in Sudbury the Bruce Freeman trail joins making for all sorts of possibilities for some great rides. My wife and I plan next time to park in Sudbury at the spot where the Bruce Freeman and Hudson to Sudbury connect (there's parking near) and make our riding choices from there.
It was a warm summer day. We were one of two cars in the almost empty trailhead parking lot. The trail was cool and mostly in the late afternoon shade. There was enough space to ride bikes next to each other or walk 3 across. The gravel is not so deep as to slow you down. We saw two deer meander through a field. A great time was had by all.
Pleasant ride on this crushed stone surface, using my hybrid. Very short section that still has rails and ties and requests that bikes go around on the sidewalk, but easily joins back up to the actual trail after about 100 yards. The eastern end terminates in the Squannacook wildlife management area, with walking trails to follow down toward the river. If you are looking for a nice short ride that's under 10 miles total, this is a good one to choose. Stop for a bite at the local diner in Townsend center, or an ice cream.
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, onto Friendship St downhill then 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!
Cranston St is very busy with moving and parked cars and peds. An alternative bypass: along Peace St as above, but at Dexter St crossing where it turns to Waverly, turn left onto Dexter. Then right onto Waldo St, down to the second side street left onto Brattle St; this tees into Potters Av (busy!), quick dogleg right/left onto Homestead Av, (which tees into) turn right onto Huntington Av. A few blocks later, you reach Cranston St. at the Rte 10 underpass; then continue as before. Note: the northbound Huntington Av here is a quiet side road after it splits from the main northbound side Huntington Av highway.
The path now continues west across the Kickemuit River over the so-called "Broken Bridge", which has been replaced (see: https://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/BrokenBridge/index.php). However, it is still a pain to get from there to the celebrated East Bay Bike Path, less than a mile west.
From the East Bay Bike Path heading east, turn onto Franklin Street (a cross street), arrive at Metacom Av, which is very busy but thankfully has aided crossings. In the future, one might continue east down Libby Lane. But for now, turn left onto Metacom Av (sidewalk) heading north, turn right onto Child Street (sidewalk), then right onto West Street. At its end, you'll see the bridge down River View Street.
Great ride. First time on a gravel surface and found it pretty easy going with a few rough spots. It rained the night before and early morning, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Trail was damp but no big puddles. I took in 28 miles of the 40 out and back. Will do it again and try to get the whole distance.
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