The Blackstone River Bikeway is one of Rhode Island’s best cycling paths, offering a scenic and historic ride through New England’s past. Following the Blackstone River, this mostly flat, paved trail winds past historic mills, cultural landmarks, and beautiful riverside views, making it a great choice for cyclists of all levels.
I rode the Londsdale to Woonsocket section of the Blackstone River Bikeway as an out-and-back (20 miles total) and really enjoyed it for its beautiful riverside views, buttery pavement, and glimpses into the rich history that Rhode Island is known for. I was pleasantly surprised by how peaceful and well-maintained the path was, and it made for a perfect day of exploring on two wheels!
In this post, I share everything you need to know about pedaling the Blackstone River bike path including where to start, where to rent bikes, the best stops along the way, and more.
The Blackstone River Bikeway at a Glance
- Distance: 11.6 miles one-way (23 miles round trip) for the best off-road section
- Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat and paved
- Surface: Smooth multi-use path
- Best Section to Ride: Woonsocket < > Lonsdale
- Bike Rentals: Unfortunately there aren’t many options on the bike path, but Providence Bicycle rents road and hybrid bikes
- Best Time to Ride: Spring through fall for ideal weather and scenery
Bike Path Overview
The Best Section: Woonsocket to Lonsdale
The 11.6-mile off-road stretch between Woonsocket and Lonsdale is the best part of the Blackstone River Bikeway, in my opinion. It’s a smooth, uninterrupted path with gorgeous riverside views and plenty of history along the way. This is the route I rode and highly recommend if you want a relaxed and scenic ride.
The Full Blackstone River Greenway
Eventually, the Blackstone River Greenway will stretch 48 miles one-way, connecting Worcester, MA, to India Point Park in Providence, RI. Currently, about 30 miles are completed, but some sections require on-road riding.
Connection to the East Coast Greenway
The Blackstone River Bikeway is also part of the East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile cycling route stretching from Maine to Florida. South of Providence, the trail connects to the East Bay Bike Path, offering even more cycling miles.
Blackstone River Bikeway Map
This map shows the bikeway from India Point to Millville past Woonsocket. It will eventually extend north to Worcester. You can also continue on paved trail past India Point via the East Bay Bike Path.
- Green line = Paved multi-use path (this is the section I recommend riding)
- Purple line = On-road section with bike lane through Woonsocket
- Red line = Mix of on-road and multi-use path from Lonsdale to India Point
The Blackstone River Corridor: A Brief History
The Blackstone River Valley played a crucial role in American history, serving as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in the United States. In the late 1700s, Slater Mill became the first water-powered cotton mill, revolutionizing the way goods were manufactured. The success of this mill spurred the construction of more factories, and soon, the Blackstone River was lined with textile mills, transforming the region into an industrial powerhouse.
At its peak, the Blackstone River was one of the hardest-working rivers in America, powering dozens of mills and factories. The region’s booming economy led to an influx of immigrants seeking jobs, shaping the cultural landscape of Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Today, remnants of this industrial past can still be seen along the bikeway, with historic mills, canal systems, and museum exhibits preserving the Blackstone Valley’s legacy.
Where to Start & Parking Options
There are several parking areas along the bikeway, but I recommend these two options based on my experience:
Option 1: Lonsdale Marsh Parking Lot (Best for an easy start)
- Why? Large parking lot with direct access to the off-road section
- Ride direction: Start here and ride north toward Woonsocket for the best experience
- Google directions
I started my ride from the Lonsdale Marsh parking lot and found it to be a great place to begin. It was easy to find, had plenty of parking, and allowed me to hit the best section of the trail right away.
Option 2: North End Parking Area (North of Woonsocket)
- Why? Less crowded, good starting point if you prefer riding south toward Lonsdale
- Note: The short section through Woonsocket is on-road
- Google directions
Top Stops Along the Blackstone River Bikeway
One of my favorite things about this ride was stopping at some of the amazing historic sites and food spots along the way. Here are some must-see stops based on my experience:
Historic Sites & Museums
🏭 Slater Mill – America’s first mechanized cotton mill, marking the start of the Industrial Revolution. I took a quick detour here and found the history fascinating. Definitely worth a visit!
Tip: If you want to see the Slater Mill, you’ll need to pedal about three miles south of the Lonsdale Marsh parking area. This stretch is on-road.
🚂 Captain Wilbur Kelly House Transportation Museum – Learn how the Blackstone River and canal system shaped transportation and industry in the region.
🏛 Museum of Work and Culture – Discover the stories of immigrants who worked in Rhode Island’s mill towns.
🪦 Swan Point Cemetery – A beautiful, historic cemetery with famous graves, including H.P. Lovecraft.
Great Places to Eat & Drink
I love incorporating food stops into my bike rides, and this route did not disappoint!
🍔 Goodstuff Smokehouse – BBQ and beer just over the border in Massachusetts.
🥗 Christopher’s Kitchen & Bar – Farm-to-table dining in Woonsocket.
🍺 Ciro’s Tavern – A cozy, Old English-style pub in Woonsocket.
🍦 Lincoln Creamery – A bit off the path, but worth it for creative ice cream flavors. I made a detour here and was glad I did—their homemade ice cream was fantastic!
🥐 Wildflour Bakery—a great stop for baked goods and coffee.
🍩 KNEAD Donuts – Award-winning donuts near Providence if you ride south past Lonsdale.
Scenic Nature Stops
🌿 Blackstone River Gorge – If you pedal north into Massachusetts, this stunning gorge is worth a visit.
🌊 Lonsdale Marsh – A peaceful wetlands area with great birdwatching opportunities. I stopped here for a break and enjoyed the quiet beauty of the marsh.
Tips for a Great Ride
✅ Bring a bike lock – If you plan to stop at restaurants or museums.
✅ Pack snacks & water – Limited places to refill along the trail.
✅ Ride early or late – Avoid peak times for a quieter experience.
✅ Check the weather – The path is exposed in some areas, so plan accordingly.
✅ Consider a one-way ride – If 23 miles round-trip is too much, arrange a car shuttle.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed my day pedaling along the Blackstone River Bikeway between Lonsdale and Woonsocket. The trail offers a perfect mix of scenic beauty, rich history, and fun stops along the way.
There were plenty of opportunities to explore, grab a bite to eat, and learn about Rhode Island’s past. Whether you’re looking for a casual ride, a history-filled adventure, or a great day out with friends, this Rhode Island gem is well worth exploring!
Have you ridden the Blackstone River Bikeway? Share your experience in the comments below!
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Blackstone Bicycles no longer rents bicycles.
Thanks – I’ve updated the info