The best cycling routes in Martin Wildlife Refuge

The View of Seekonk River – Seekonk River Road loop from East Providence offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending urban vistas with serene natural beauty. You'll pedal along the East Bay Bike Path, enjoying continuous views of the Seekonk River and Narragansett Bay, with the Providence city skyline in the distance. Keep an eye out for the historic Crook Point Bascule Bridge and the Pomham Rocks Lighthouse as you pass through marshes and forested areas, making for a picturesque and varied ride.

This easy 7.3-mile (11.8 km) route, with a modest 330 feet (100 metres) of elevation gain, is generally paved and flat, taking about 43 minutes to complete. Parking is convenient along Veterans Memorial Parkway in East Providence, and you'll find amenities like restrooms and food at spots like Riverside Square. It's a great option for a relaxed outing, suitable for most touring cyclists looking for a scenic escape without significant challenge.

The route follows the former Providence and Bristol Railroad right-of-way, adding a layer of historical interest to your ride. You might spot wildlife like osprey and egrets along the waterfront, enhancing the natural appeal. This popular bike trail in the Seekonk River area connects to the larger East Bay Bike Path, offering possibilities for longer adventures if you choose to extend your journey.

The Brickyard Pond – Warren loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, primarily along the paved East Bay Bike Path. You'll glide past the serene Brickyard Pond, enjoying highly scenic views of Narragansett Bay and the Providence River, with opportunities to spot coastal wildlife. This easy 17.5-mile (28.2 km) route features a modest 343 feet (105 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 1 hour and 39 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed outing.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the East Bay Bike Path provides numerous parking locations along its length, ensuring easy access for cyclists. The path is well-maintained, though some older sections might have minor cracks, and its generally flat terrain makes it suitable for beginners and family friendly cycling. You won't need any special permits, so you can simply arrive and enjoy the ride.

This historic rail trail follows the former bed of the Providence and Bristol Railroad, connecting several towns and forming part of the larger East Coast Greenway. Beyond the natural beauty, you'll encounter cultural landmarks and parks like Haines Memorial State Park. The Brickyard Pond area itself holds historical significance, once a hub for clay-to-brick manufacturing in the late 1800s.

The Blackstone River Greenway offers a unique touring cycling experience, weaving through a landscape rich in both natural beauty and American industrial history. You'll find yourself gliding along paved paths, under a pleasant tree-lined canopy, and across boardwalk bridges over secluded marshlands. Keep an eye out for historic mills, canal locks like the well-preserved Millville Lock, and the picturesque Blackstone River Bike Path Waterfall as you trace the course of the "hardest-working river" in America.

This route is rated moderate, covering 35.0 miles (56.2 km) with 985 feet (300 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 3 hours and 16 minutes to complete. While much of it is smooth, paved rail-trail, some segments feature crushed stone or natural surfaces, and a hilly 3-mile section between Millbury and Worcester adds to the challenge. On-road connectors can be demanding for less experienced riders due to traffic and elevation changes, so plan your segment carefully.

The Greenway is deeply rooted in the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, often called the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. It's a fantastic way to explore the legacy of industrialization alongside ongoing river restoration efforts. You'll find amenities like parking areas with maps and bike repair stations, plus visitor centers such as the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center, making it a well-supported journey through a significant historical landscape.

The East Bay Bike Path loop from Providence offers a delightful touring cycling experience, tracing a paved rail-trail that hugs the scenic Rhode Island coastline. You'll glide past salt marshes and dense forest canopies, with stunning maritime views of Narragansett Bay and the Providence River unfolding before you. Keep an eye out for the historic Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, a charming landmark that adds character to the journey, and enjoy the changing scenery from urban waterfronts to tranquil natural habitats.

This easy 11.1-mile (17.8 km) route features a modest 314 feet (96 metres) of elevation gain, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed outing that takes about 1 hour and 2 minutes. While mostly flat, there's a noticeable incline near East Providence to be aware of. The path is well-maintained and accessible, but strong headwinds can sometimes make the open waterfront sections feel more challenging, so check the forecast before you go.

Built on the abandoned railbed of the former Providence, Warren and Bristol Railroad, this path is a vital section of the East Coast Greenway. It connects several charming New England communities, offering convenient access to food, water, and restrooms. The trail's historical significance and its induction into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame highlight its reputation as a premier multi-use path in Rhode Island, ideal for a leisurely ride.