Blackstone River Bikeway State Park in Rhode Island, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-29. Check linked official notices before travel.

Blackstone River State Park is Rhode Island's linear river-and-canal park, with the Blackstone River Bikeway as its main route. Plan a walk or ride from a chosen access point. The wider bikeway includes road sections.

Highlights

The route passes marsh, meadow, canal towpath, and former mill villages. At Old Ashton, the Kelly House Museum interprets transportation. These changing landscapes make an out-and-back ride useful even without covering the whole corridor.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Route conditions

Bring drinking water and avoid poor-weather rides. Parts of the paved path are worn and bumpy. The off-road section between Cumberland and Woonsocket is 11.6 miles. Extensions toward Providence include roads marked with sharrows, where riders share space with traffic.

Visit responsibly

Carry out your trash and leave natural features in place. Keep dogs leashed and observe wildlife from a distance. These are part of the Rhode Island park visitor guidance. Ashton Mill Village buildings are closed to visitors, and most are private homes.

Reservations and permits

The ordinary bikeway activity requires no reservation. Schools, organizations, companies, municipalities, and large groups need a Special Use Permit for state-park trips. Submit applications through the official permit process at least 30 days ahead.

Maps, location, and access

For the Kelly House access, use 1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI 02865. Follow Lower River Road to its end, cross the canal bridge to the right, then turn left to park beneath Ashton Viaduct. The path runs behind the museum.

The separate visitor center on I-295 north has its own hours: 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. daily in summer, and weekdays except holidays in winter, beginning October 31. Do not apply those service hours to the entire route. Use RIDOT route information and map to distinguish off-road stretches from road connections.

Nearby parks

Lincoln Woods State Park is at 2 Manchester Print Works Road, between Routes 146 and 123. Roger Williams National Memorial is at 282 North Main Street in Providence, with signed road approaches from I-95 Exit 38. These are separate road-accessible visits.

Things to do

Walk, jog, or bike along the river-and-canal corridor. An out-and-back route lets you set the turn-around point to match the group. At the Kelly House area, interpretive waysides and a pollinator garden add short stops to a ride.

Facilities and accessibility

The bikeway is paved and relatively flat, with worn, uneven sections that can affect wheelchair travel. At the Kelly House area, restrooms and drinking water are currently unavailable. Carry water and plan restroom stops elsewhere before setting out.

About the park

Canal and bikeway history

The route follows portions of the Blackstone Canal towpath. The canal operated from 1828 to 1848. The modern bikeway developed in phases beginning in 1998.

Riverbank habitat

Marsh, meadow, and wooded banks provide habitat for herons, cormorants, and other wildlife. Sightings are a possibility, not a reason to approach animals.

Contact

The state park history and route description identifies the linear park. Rhode Island State Parks lists its district contact at Lincoln Woods: 401-723-7892.