Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park

Mountain Bike Massachusetts Rail Trails

Trail Descriptions:

This hard-packed dirt trail follows the towpath of the Blackstone River Canal in a 1000 acre natural area straddling the town line between Uxbridge and Northbridge. The park is operated in conjunction with the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. Created in 1986, the Corridor was the second designated heritage area in the nation. It travels through urban areas, historic mill villages, past farmland and through forests. The scenery is gorgeous, especially during the fall foliage season in early October.

Some of the highlights of the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park are:

The River Bend Farm Visitor Center is the central hub of activity for the valley. From here you can get information about recreational programs and find out about access to mountain biking, walking and canoe trails, picnic areas as well as historical park features such as the Stanley Woolen Mill, Stone Arch Bridge, Goat Hill Lock and Plummer’s Landing. The wide part of the Blackstone River known as Rice City Pond is a great place for wildlife viewing and bird watching.

While in the area, also visit:

Millville Lock:

The best preserved lock along the canal. Located in the town of Millville. To get there, follow Rte. 122 south from Uxbridge to Millville Center. Turn right at the intersection of Rte. 122 and Central Street. Parking is available at the corner of Hope and Central Streets. Follow the old railroad bed to the lock, which is about 3/4 mile away.

Blackstone Gorge & The Roaring Dam:

Where the Blackstone River runs wild through high rocks, nearby south on Rt. 122. One of the most spectacular segments of the river. Here, as the river drops down through a series of small rapids, the cliffs on either side climb until they stand almost 100 feet above the water.

Follow Rte. 122 south through Millville into Blackstone. Turn right on County Road, following signs to the Gorge. There is limited parking at the end of the street; trails are left of Roaring Dam. A nice place to picnic and enjoy the views.

Historical Notes:

The Industrial Revolution in America had its beginnings right here in the Blackstone River Valley. The river provided water power for the developing industrial activity. The canal was built to link central Massachusetts with the Atlantic Seaboard at Providence and became an important means of transporting raw materials and manufactured goods between industrial centers. Between 1828 and 1848 horse-drawn boats carried the goods and passengers.

By 1847 the canal became obsolete with the introduction of the railroad. Along the towpath you can still see remnants of the canal era, including mill villages, locks, dams, bridges, mill ponds and other structures.

Riverbend Vistors Center:

Located at 287 Oak Street, Uxbridge, Massachusetts and housed in a converted red barn that was originally part of the former River Bend Farm, established before the Revolutionary War.

Stanley Woolen Mill:

Straddling the Blackstone Canal, the mill is an important part of local history. It was first established in 1883 and produced wool fabric for over 100 years. After the canal became defunct in 1838, the owners purchased the water-rights and the last hundred yards of the canal were converted into a trench to divert water to a dam and turbine that powered the mill.

Stone Arch Bridge:

This scenic stone arch bridge over the Blackstone Canal is still in use today. It is partially constructed out of a canal lock.

Plummers Landing:

Plummer’s Landing is the name given to the area around Church Street Bridge. It is named for a general store and warehouse owner who catered to the bustling trade along the Blackstone Canal. Today, the area is still a busy hub of activity for history lovers, bicyclists and canoers.

Goat Hill Lock & Goat Hill Trail:

One of forty-eight locks built by the Blackstone Canal Company and the second best preserved on the canal. The upper sill wall is still visible. The Goat Hill Trail follows the path of the Blackstone Canal along the west side of the the Blackstone River.

For more information:

Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park
287 Oak St.
Uxbridge, Massachusetts 01569

Phone: (508) 278-7604
TTY Users: 711 (AT&T National Relay Service)
Website: Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park

Return To Top

federal & state trails / county & local trails / urban legends / massachusetts rail trails / outdoor centers & ski resorts

Connecticut / Delaware / Maine / Maryland / Massachusetts / New Hampshire / New Jersey /
New York / Pennsylvania / Rhode Island / Vermont

home / special features / in the loop / mountain bike events calendar / resource hub / the bike rack / about /
bike basics / bike tips / rules of the trail / site map
advertising / privacy policy / contact us

Entire contents of website, © 1999 - 2007. All rights reserved. Lynn Creative, Inc. See Terms of Use.

Bikekinetix® Is A Registered Trademark of Lynn Creative Inc.