Marjorie Turner Hollman is an author, creator, observer, and disability advocate who loves the outdoors. Link to all Marjorie’s books.
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Because the process of developing rail trails is such a monumental effort, the easiest sections are generally completed first. (Higher in elevation, already somewhat cleared, lacking encroachment from neighbors). Tying together these disparate, already completed sections of one proposed project is a challenge. When new connections are established the rail trail becomes more attractive for those of us who enjoy traveling by bicycle. And thus, my enthusiasm as we watched progress on the Blackstone Riverway rail trail extension from Blackstone, Massachusetts into Rhode Island.
The new portion of trail touches a corner of N. Smithfield, RI, and then continues onto Woonsocket, RI after crossing from one side of the river to the other.
The Woonsocket terminus at Cold Spring park on Harris Ave., Rt. 122 is not yet connected with the other portion of the Blackstone River Bike trail off Hamlet Ave. in Woonsocket.
That portion stretches south along the river through Lincoln and Cumberland, RI.
Canal tow path (just above fenceline in photo)
This new section that crosses state lines provides stunning views of the Blackstone River. Benches have been installed along the way. Once over the line into RI be sure to look on the right side of the waterway as you travel toward Woonsocket. A remnant of the Blackstone Canal tow path is visible from the walkway.
The Cold Spring Park, Woonsocket portion now connects to Blackstone, MA and continues as a fully developed, paved rail trail through Millville on into Uxbridge, MA. The continuous trail is now approximately 6 miles in length.
The 7 arch bridge was rehabilitated along this newest portion of the rail trail. You must get off the trail to fully appreciate the arches that hold up this section of the rail trail. Numerous bridges cross the Blackstone River as you continue traveling through Blackstone toward Uxbridge.
My favorite is the Triad bridge. A precursor of our super highways with one roadway piled atop the next, the Triad bridge was planned as three separate rail roads that would cross at the Blackstone River, between the towns of Blackstone and Millville. Two of those railroads are intact. Well, one is now the SNETT/Blackstone Greenway rail trail, while the other continues as a active trail line that travels underneath the rail trail. The third rail line was never finished.
Remnants of the infrastructure that was begun but not finished remain in the river itself and next to the banks of the river at the location of the Triad Bridge.
Whether you are looking for a short stroll or a longer bike ride, you will be assured of getting beautiful river views along the way. Places that were out of reach are, for the most part, now handicapped accessible. One slope that now connects two different levels of the trail may provide a barrier for those in wheel chairs. The surface is paved but the slope may not meet ADA standards. Happy trails!
Marjorie
Marjorie Turner Hollman 