6 Best Bike Trails

Meandering along the Providence River and the Narragansett Bay, the East Bay Bike Path is one of the longest continuous trails in the state at almost fifteen miles. It passes through Providence, East Providence, Warren and Bristol and offers plenty of side adventures along the way (especially for the culinarily inclined). If you're a fan of sweet treats, Delekta's, Del's and the Dari-Bee are all adjacent to the trail, offering milkshakes, frozen lemonade and soft serve ice cream (respectively).

Path Highlights: Miles of oceanfront views, access to picturesque Bristol and plenty of eateries.

End of the Line: The northern trailhead begins at India Point Park in Providence; the southern trailhead begins at Colt State Park and Independence Park in Bristol.

This is the big one -- at nineteen miles, Washington Secondary Trail is the state's longest bike trail. It slides through the woods of Coventry all the way to urban northern Cranston (the trail ends only half a mile from Providence). If you're really eager for a long ride, wait for a bit: There are plans for extending the trail another six miles into Connecticut.

Path Highlights: Once the site of a popular rail line, the trail passes over a number of quaint railroad bridges.

End of the Line: The northern trailhead begins at Cranston Street in Cranston; the southern trailhead begins at Log Bridge Road in Coventry.

The Blackstone Valley is an area rich in history -- it was the birthplace of the American textile industry and home to some of the state's most productive factories. Bike along the Blackstone River Bikeway for a chance to admire the old mills and canals. If you're especially curious, you can stop by the Captain Wilbur Kelly house, which is right off the trail. It has been converted into a museum that details how Blackstone's waterways powered New England's Industrial Revolution.

Path Highlights: Gorgeous views of the dams, waterfalls and mill buildings that dot the Blackstone River.

End of the Line: The southern trailhead begins at Jones Street in Valley Falls, Cumberland; the northern trailhead begins at River's Edge Park in Woonsocket.

If you managed to finish the East Bay Bike and you're looking for another trail, the Ten Mile Greenway isn't too far away. Located in Pawtucket and East Providence, the trail follows the Ten Mile River and Reservoir as well as the expansive James Turner Reservoir.

Path Highlights: Miles of shaded woods and frequent glimpses of the water.

End of the Line: The northern trailhead begins at Doreen Tomsilon Field in Pawtucket; the southern trailhead begins at the Kimberly Ann Rock Athletic Complex in East Providence.

If you're looking for a place to exercise and you're a URI student  (or a returning alum, for that matter), the William C. O'Neill Bike Path is only about a mile from URI's Kingston Campus. Passing through West Kingston, Wakefield and Narragansett, the trail is a great way to experience some of South County's historic villages and peaceful scenery. If you're feeling adventurous, bike another mile to reach Narragansett Town Beach.

Path Highlights: Views of some of South Kingstown's most pristine woodlands and wetlands.

End of the Line: The northern trailhead begins at the Kingston Train Station in North Kingstown; the southern trailhead begins at Mumford Road in Narragansett.

More urban than many other bike paths in the state, the Woonasquatucket River Greenway passes from Johnston to Providence. Despite its metropolitan location, the Greenway lives up to its name, passing through a narrow stretch of woods along the Woonasquatucket. If you work in Providence and you're interested in a bike commute, the Greenway is one of the few trails that passes into the Creative Capital.

Path Highlights: Views of the gentle Woonasquatucket River.

End of the Line: Northern trailhead begins at Lyman Avenue in Johnston; the southern trailhead begins at Riverside Park in Olneyville.