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Rhode Island

Stunning architecture and lively culture in Providence mixes with the rich history of mills and factories along the Blackstone River Bikeway.

Total Miles, Spine Route

50

Miles of Protected Greenway

34

ri map with trails

Click the map for an interactive version

From Providence’s stunning architecture and rich culture to the surrounding mill villages and tranquil views of Narragansett Bay, the East Coast Greenway through Rhode Island is as unique and diverse as the Ocean State. The nearly 50-mile route through the state enters in the north from Massachusetts on the Blackstone River Bikeway. Ten miles of this trail are paved, largely following the right-of-way of the historic Blackstone Canal. The remainder of the trail to Pawtucket is on road but scheduled for development. Heading south from Pawtucket, the Greenway follows a series of well-chosen roadways into Providence, eventually reaching India Point Park at the head of Narragansett Bay.

From there, travelers can take a side trip along the East Bay Bike Path (10 miles of which is part of the Greenway route) for beautiful views of the bay or continue along a series of short off-road paths and select roadways through downtown Providence to reach the Cranston city line. The Cranston Bikepath, Warwick Greenway, West Warwick Greenway, and Coventry Greenway — all sections of the Washington Secondary Rail-Trail — provide 19 miles of continuous off-road travel. The westernmost portion of the Washington Secondary Rail-Trail, the 10-mile Trestle Trail, offers 4.8 miles of paved trail from the western terminus of the Coventry Greenway to Log Bridge Road. The remaining 5 miles are scheduled for completion over the next several years and will bring Greenway users to the Connecticut border.

Learn more in our recently published “Guide to the East Coast Greenway," which covers the route in detail from New Haven to Providence.

Traveling by train? 

Quick tips when using Amtrak with your bike: Do your research in advance; each train line features different bike rack equipment and loading procedures. Check Amtrak for the latest and when in doubt: call the station if you have questions. Click for more: https://www.amtrak.com/bike

 

Rhode Island Contacts

Designated Trails in Rhode Island

Mileage counts reflect the portion of each trail that is part of East Coast Greenway.

  • Blackstone River Bikeway, Woonsocket–Cumberland–Lincoln; 10 mi

  • City of Providence paths, Providence; 2 mi

  • Cranston Bike Path, Cranston; 4.5 mi

  • Warwick Greenway, Warwick; 1.5 mi

  • West Warwick Greenway, West Warwick; 2.8 mi

  • Coventry Greenway, Coventry; 4.5 mi

  • Trestle Trail, Coventry; 4.8 mi

Complementary Route

  • George Redman Linear Bridge, Providence; 0.5 mi

  • East Bay Bike Path, Providence-Warren; 10 mi

blackstone river bikeway
Blackstone River Bikeway in northern Rhode Island

Greenway Guidance

While the East Coast Greenway Alliance is constantly improving the safety of the Greenway route through its advocacy efforts, many of the current on-road connections, including those on the Greenway’s interim routes, have little or no special provisions for bicyclists or pedestrians. Long-distance travel via on-road sections of the Greenway is recommended for experienced cyclists only. Many lengthy traffic-free segments of the Greenway are suitable for families and cyclists, walkers and runners of all ages and abilities. 

The current on-road routing is housed on low-traffic roads whenever possible. We aim to be as clear as we are able about the conditions riders can expect by including alerts for known stressful sections on our online mapping tool at map.greenway.org. Directional signage may or may not be present along the route. Users are advised to review state traffic laws, research current road conditions and discuss plans with people familiar with area roadways.

This website provides information for the public about trails and roads for traveling the interim route of the East Coast Greenway and their general suitability for long-distance cycling and walking. The East Coast Greenway Alliance and those involved with the development and publication of this website do not assume any liability for injuries, damage or loss to persons using this information or the routes suggested. People using this information are responsible for their own safety and should take appropriate precautions. 

Our Partners in Rhode Island

Partners include but are not limited to:

News and features of interest

dscf3065
April 12, 2023

Join the East Coast Greenway for Ride the State: Connecticut

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March 22, 2023

East Coast Greenway expansion gains record $22.4 million in new Congressional funding

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January 17, 2023

2022 East Coast Greenway designations

Want to see the Greenway grow in Rhode Island?

Together, let's grow the Greenway

Recent record-setting funding for design and construction goes directly to building the East Coast Greenway - as it should. The East Coast Greenway Alliance needs your support to continue our advocacy work that is fueling completion of the Greenway. The Alliance has a sustained track record of turning every dollar donated to our nonprofit into $100 in public infrastructure investment. Invest today and support the growth of the East Coast Greenway from Maine to Florida.