Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Rhode Island, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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Checked this out today to see if my wife would enjoy it...the good news is she will! Her 'complaint' about the East Bay trail was that it felt narrow (compared to the Shining Sea trail in Falmouth).
This is nice and wide w/ one exception where they give notice that it narrows (and even then it's still pretty wide).
The last 3-4 miles in Coventry had a steeper incline than the rest of the trail. As a result, I think when I bring my wife (not an avid rider) I'm going to park behind the Coventry PD (near Station St.) and head south first to get the incline out of the way and then head back up north past the PD as far as she feels comfortable.
At the southern end, the Summit General Store was a good stop. I didn't get anything to eat at the counter, just some trail mix and cold drink but it was convenient. I did see several folks stopping in for lunch while I was sitting there.
I started at the East Providence parking area and rode to Colt State park. It's actually a very nice ride from EP to about the beginning of Barrington. That's when the large bumps start and also a lot more intersections. So hold on and go slow because you will be rewarded ending at Colt. And for a little added mileage, coming from EP, take a right at the sign for Crescent Park. It's only about 1/2 mile from the bike trail. Worth the stop. Take a break and take a ride on the Carousel if it's open.
Rode 30 miles today (including some trails in colt state park). Coming from Pennsylvania where the Rail Trail in our town is a poorly maintained gravel trail...this was wonderful. I have honestly never ridden a nicer trail. Yes there are cracks and bumps along the way, but with my hybrid bike with front shocks it was a very pleasant ride. Sure it is all in your perspective and what your use is for the trail, but from my perspective this trail was an absolutely wonderful experience.
jonbower & rectrike summarize my concerns exactly. We rode this on 8/6 and there was only one section that had the root bumps marked (orange cone & paint). There were several bumps that warranted similar treatment.
And, it was pretty busy late AM, several times had to slow down to a stop in order to let traffic clear.
On the plus side, it's still got some great views (hadn't ridden this in ~10 years. The Del's stand is a great spot to stop.
We parked in Colt Park which was really convenient and went to Quito's in Bristol for lunch (and ice cream across the street).
I just road my beach curser down this trail yesterday and it was GREAT! Hardly any hills at all, which is great when you only have a one speed bike. The views were beautiful as well. Very nicely shaded. I didn't make it all the way down to the beach, but I plan on going back Thursday to make a day trip out of it!
Nice ride with shade and some pretty spots. Ponds, railroad bridges, tunnels. Go from urban to country. East/west has incline all the way but ride back quick.
Parked at Silva St, thinking there would be a lot. There wasn't but the neighbors didn't seem to mind with parking along the road. Once we got on the lovely trail, realized there were several parking lots, but I'm glad we didn't miss a minute of the walk from the beginning (next time, and there will be a next time, as this is one of my favorite rail trails and just 30 minutes from my home) will park in a lot so we can walk the while way to the museum. Saw several deer with babies, and the babies were as fascinated by us as we were by them. Also saw the largest turtle in the water I have ever seen, it was massive! someone said it must be 100 years old. As we walked closer to the dam, we saw the old Mill site, which are fascinating to me! in the midst of the mostly falling down mills there was a fabric store OPEN! Was fabric heaven! enough to make me take up sewing so I can make a quilt like one of the many beauties on display. Looking forward to the next time when we travail to the other end of the trail!
The rail trail starts at the back end of a Security Company parking lot, goes behind the back of Lowes in Cranston RI and continues down the side of the Kmart towards Coventry, RI. It is uphill heading west, and the first few miles are rather industrial. As previous write ups indicate the east end of the trail has a few root bumps, but is certainly no worse than the average road in New England and is certainly better than most of the roads in the greater Boston metro area and can be ridden with a road bike. It passes the impressive factory at RiverPoint with some nice views near Arctic Village and onwards as you head into Coventry. At the far end there is a rather remote general store, but that's about it. If you want to stop off, it's probably best done in Coventry exit at route 117 it's just over 4 minutes ride along 117 to Main Street shops and bars.
This is a great trail but notice it is starting to need some work that's not being done..on or about the 11.5 mile point there are tree roots buldging out of the path that really need to be addressed. It is quite a large area and there are other areas that are becoming a problem as well.
It is marked with orange paint but that does not fix the issue!
This trail is fantastic. Very scenic with plenty of photo-op stops along the way on bridges over the river, etc. A few of the shady spots have some tree root growth that disrupts the pavement, but otherwise it's a really great trail with ample parking. There were no bathrooms that we could find so make sure you plan ahead for that. Definitely worth exploring!!!
Its really great. I just wish the piece toward conn would be somewhat improved
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