During the Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth century,
the Blackstone
River Valley was a transformed from a serene farm and milling area to
a busy industrial corridor. The Blackstone River Valley generated
the water power for the factories and
mills that sprung up along its banks. The
Blackstone Canal was designed
to provide quick and easy transportation for goods between Worcester, MA and
Providence RI. It used a series of 49 granite locks to move barges up and down
the 438-foot drop over its 46-mile length. While 90% of the distance was covered
in a separate ditch, peaceful portions of the Blackstone River were used as well.
Today, restored sections of the Blackstone Canal
can be seen at the Blackstone River
State Park. This river front park includes
a bike path that follows the course of the Blackstone Canal for several
miles.
Lincoln Woods State Park is one of Blackstone Valley's great treasures and
offers swimming at a fresh water beach as well as multi-use trails for hiking,
mountain biking and horseback riding.
The George Washington Management
Area was the first State Forest created in Rhode Island. The trail
system includes some technical
single-track trails as well as quiet woods roads for easy cruising. The observant rider has the opportunity to
see some amazing wildlife while quietly pedaling through the preserve.
Block Island, located about twelve
miles off the Rhode Island coast is a romantic, magical place. Over one-fourth of the island is preservation land, protecting the views and the feeling of open space as well as providing habitat for an abundance of rare birds, natural resources and other flora and fauna. Paved and dirt roads wind over
rolling hills, along wide crescent shaped beaches, past quaint houses, two lighthouses, exquisite
natural landscapes and harbors. There are breathtaking vistas almost at every
turn.
Newport/Eastbay is steeped in British, colonial and cultural heritage. Newport, is renowned for its 100 year history of America's Cup yacht racing, magnificent Gilded Age mansions and the Newport Jazz Festival. The city is also noted for its beautiful beaches, lively waterfront and cultural attractions.
East Bay is noteworthy for historic Bristol Harbor, antiques markets, historic inns, and miles of old stone fences. The paved 14-mile East Bay Bike Path provides an unobstructed cycling opportunity along the shores of Narragansett Bay.
South County is best known for its
more than 100 miles of beautiful beaches and coastline.
Rolling farmland
bounded by stone walls, thick forests that occasionally open up to ocean vistas,
and charming historic towns and seaside resorts are ideal for back-country exploration
by mountain bike.
South County is also home to 19 public preserves, state
parks, beaches and forest areas. Among them are Great
Swamp Wildlife Reservation and The
Arcadia Management Area, offering
miles of great trails for mountain biking in a wilderness setting.
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