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From Providence take Interstate Rte. 95 North, to Rte. 146 North, to Lincoln Woods State Park exit, follow signs.
General Description: Lincoln Woods State Park is one of Blackstone Valley's great treasures. A short ride from Providence, Pawtucket, and Cumberland, the park is a popular get away for northeastern Rhode Islanders. It contains 627 acres of woodlands scattered with countless boulders and small cliffs. Two of the most popular activities is mountain biking and "bouldering" (sort of like rock wall climbing). The boulders have names such as Tombstone, Slab Area, Tomato, Druids Circle and Try Again. (Do not attempt this unless you are experienced. You could be seriously hurt). Visitors can also enjoy swimming at the fresh water beach, trout fishing, playing ball, hiking, jogging, horseback riding, or just grokking under a shade tree. A new addition to the park is the Eastern Mountain Sports kayak center. Don't miss the Covered Bridge at the Breakneck Hill Entrance of the park.
The Trails: Whether you are out for a serious workout, just out for a cruise, honing your technical skills or keeping the kids entertained, you will agree the best way to see the Lincoln Woods State park trails is by mountain bike. The paved 2.5-mile loop that circumnavigates Olney Pond and the tight singletrack and gravel double-track that weave through the woods and boulder fields north of the Pond will keep you happily pedaling for hours. You will encounter boulders, rolling hills, steep ascents and descents, loose terrain, logs and other obstructions on the trails. The easier trails can be found close to the lake. The horse trails to the west of Quinsnicket Road are designated exclusively for equestrian use. The trails to the east of Quinsnicket Road as identified on the map above are multi-use and may be utilized for mountain biking activities. It's almost impossible to get lost, unless you are as directionally challenged as me. The best time to ride here (unless you are doing the Bikeway) is the Fall. The black files are out in force from May through most of June and in summer it gets crowded and muggy.
The Blackstone River Bikeway: The Cumberland to Lincoln portion of the Blackstone River Bikeway falls under the care and direction of Lincoln Woods State Park. This well-paved bike path delights walkers, joggers, bikers and roller bladers with its scenic views along the historic Blackstone River. Parking and access to the Blackstone River Bikeway is available.
Historical Note: The first applied silviculture project in the United States derived consistent and well-documented profits for landowner Zacariah Allen for over 57 years. Silviculture is the science, art and practice of caring for forests with respect to human objectives. He planted American chestnuts and acorns in 1820 on farmlands and pasture exhausted from use of over 100 years. At the age of 25, Allen thought that "vacant land may profitably be improved by planting to trees" and reaped a thriving woodlot which was cut and sold as firewood or building materials. Forty acres on Quinsnicket Hill in Smithfield was utilized until 1877 and then later sold by his descendants in 1909 to the State of Rhode Island for $1,800. This parcel is included in the new Lincoln Woods Reservation. A small stone marker on the southern side of the plot was erected by the RI Historical Society in 1946 as a dedication to Zacariah's silviculture plot.
For more information: Lincoln Woods State Park
Phone: (401)
723-7892
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Urban legend
