Scenic Rhode Island

Worcester, MA to Providence, RI

The Blackstone River Bikeway has various sections in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, but eventually it will span all the way from Worcester, MA to Providence, RI (48 miles). The majority of the bike path exists in Central Falls, Lincoln, and Cumberland, RI. The part I am familiar with is the Lincoln/Cumberland portion that follows along the Blackstone canal. There is also the Captain Wilbur Kelly House Museum along the way, which is an old historical house open for tours sometimes.

I've never been to the museum, nor do I bike, but it is a really great path to walk or just to visit. The path itself is brand new, so it has high-quality paving and is optimal for bikers of all types and ages. There's fresh paint on the path, separating the walkers from the bikers; there are brand new signs and fences; and plenty of flowers and beautiful canal views along the way.

Despite it being a well-known and well-funded project, I've never seen the bikeway get that busy. Maybe it's because there are so many different places to park and jump onto the path, but either way it's a great, relaxing destination where you can go to clear your head or get some exercise.

Website
Map of RI portion

Images courtesy of the RI Department of Environmental Management.

2185 Putnam Pike
Chepachet , RI, 02814-1705

This park has a lot of names, George Washington Management Area, George Washington State Park, George Washington Memorial Camp Area, Casimir Pulaski Memorial State Park, but I just call it George Washington for simplicity's sake. This is a state park located in Chepachet, RI. There are a few different entrances, either on Putnam Pike or on Pulaski Road, but you can't miss them.

This park has a lot to offer and it is the closest park to my house, so I've been here many times. It has hiking trails, a freshwater pond for swimming and fishing, and there is a camping area. There's always plenty of parking and during the summer the various visitor's centers are open and staffed with friendly DEM workers. The pond is a great place for children to swim, and there is usually a lifeguard on duty during the summer months.

The park is open year-round, but only during the summer seasons can you camp, rent a pavilion, use the bathrooms, etc. However you can use the hiking trails year round, and during the winter season, the cross-country skiing paths. Hikers hiking during the hunting season (October to February) are required to wear 200 sq inches of fluorescent orange, and it's a good idea to get orange gear for your dog too.

If you want to know more about this park, such as camping fees and available activities/services, visit the websites (George Washington, Pulaski)

600-680 Great Road
Lincoln, RI, 02865

This is one of my all-time favorite places to visit in RI. Discovered only a few years ago by my dad and myself, this is a spot few people know about. It doesn't have its own address, but it's right next to the historic Hearthside House and Chase Farm House. The park was originally a dairy farm owned by the Chase Family from 1867 to 1979, and it was dedicated to the town of Lincoln for the preservation of open space, something rarely found in the more urban Northern Rhode Island.

There is only parking for maybe a dozen cars, but the vast fields stretch up and around a huge hill with beautiful views from the top. I'm unsure how much land the park actually occupies, but let's just say it is every dog's idea of paradise. On your way up the dirt and gravel path, you pass my favorite tree in all of Rhode Island (shown above). It is massive--it takes maybe three or four people to wrap arms all the way around it, and it towers above all the trees in the area. Next you'll pass the beautiful Butterfly Gardens, highly manicured and kept up by local volunteers. And further up the path is the giant hill which curves into a natural amphitheater, complete with makeshift stage at the bottom (apparently, outdoor concerts are held here, but I've never been to one and I have no idea where everyone would park). It also makes a great sledding spot in the winter.

At the top of the path, to your left is a small pond, and all around the back of the park there is a trail that loops around. If your dog is as energetic as mine, this is a great place to run, but be mindful of other dogs, as there are usually several. Keeping your dog on a leash is "enforced" here, but between me and you, I haven't seen the dog catcher in a while and we all know how dogs just need to run sometimes.

These photos were taken by me in Summer 2009.

769 Sachuest Point Road
Middletown, RI, 02842

Middletown is a town of bountiful beauty, but my personal favorite spot is Sachuest Point. Nestled next to Third Beach and Norman Bird Sanctuary, this entire area of Middletown is nature-centric. Although the visitor's center is quite swanky, the refuge itself is minimal and modest. There are two and a half miles of gravel walking paths that line the sea, with plenty of fishing spots and lookout points along the way. Being a wildlife refuge, the park emphasizes the local flora and fauna. The visitor's center features in-depth information, local artworks, a high-tech Swarovski telescope to peer into the distance, and most importantly, clean bathrooms.

There is ample parking and the walking paths are suitable for people of all ages. It's right by the sea so be ready for cooler temperatures and lots of wind. The refuge encourages you to stay on the paths so you don't disturb the wildlife, but you're free to climb down onto the ocean rocks and fish. There is plenty of parking, but with 65,000 visitors a year, it can get a little busy. But the views are well worth it, and anyone interested in native (or invasive) species of RI plants and animals will learn a lot in the visitor's center.

For more information about the park, such as its history and driving directions, visit its website. The pictures shown here are my own, taken on June 6th, 2010.