Recreational Sites Listing

Waterplace Park and River Walk
www.waterfire.org

A four-acre park in the heart of Providence, signage along the River Walk tells of the city’s rise from colonial settlement to the modern day. Several times a year, site of the spectacular “Waterfire” exhibition.

India Point Park
India Street
Providence, RI

This shoreline park is built over site of former Indiamen docks, where ships left Providence to trade the produce of the Blackstone Valley to China, India and the rest of the world. See the mouth of Blackstone River as it empties into the Providence River and on into Narragansett Bay.

Pawtucket Falls
Main Street
Pawtucket, RI

The power of the Blackstone River has been harnessed here at Pawtucket for over three centuries. Here the falls are seen in a painting from c.1800.

Blackstone Valley Explorer
Maderia Avenue
Central Falls, RI 02863
(401) 724-2200
www.tourblackstone.com

What better way to discover the Blackstone River than by boat? From the Central Falls landing you can set sail by canoe, kayak or aboard the Blackstone Valley EXPLORER or spend a night on board the Samuel Slater. EXPLORER Tours May-July weekends 1-4.

Chase Farm
100 Great Road
Lincoln, RI
(401) 333-1100

This 118-acre dairy farm was active for a century until 1965. Now preserved as a green space it is used for a number of activities such as summer concerts. Also on site is a butterfly garden and the Hanaway Blacksmith Shop, which is open several times a year for blacksmithing demonstrations. Park open from dawn to dusk.

Lime Rock Preserve
Wilbur Road
Lincoln, RI
http://nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/rhodeisland/

The Lime Rock Preserve is a beautiful and unique habitat that supports more rare plant species than any other site in Rhode Island. Lime Rock Preserve is an excellent place to watch the seasons change, explore walking trails, or look for animals and plants like migrant warblers, raccoons, and trout lilies. The preserve is laced with trails illustrating a wide variety of distinctive New England habitats -- rich woodlands, forested swamps, streams, open water, and calcareous ledges. Open dawn to dusk.

Blackstone River State Park/ Bikepath/ Kelley House
(401) 222-2632
www.riparks.com

Built between 1824 and 1828, the Blackstone Canal provided a new cheaper and more reliable source of transportation along the Blackstone River from Worcester to Providence. Though it lasted only 20 years before it was replaced by the railroad, the canal played an essential part in the evolution of the Blackstone Valley. This 3.5 mile stretch has been preserved and today a segment of the Blackstone River Bikepath runs on top of the old towpath. This was the first segment of a bikepath that will run from Providence to Worcester. Near the northern end of the Canal is the Kelley House, built by ships captain and mill owner Wilbur Kelley which has been recently transformed into a museum on transportation in the Blackstone Valley. Bike path open dawn to dusk.

Lincoln Woods
(401) 723-7892.
www.riparks.com

Over 600 acres available for swimming at the fresh water beach, trout fishing, hiking, jogging, horseback riding, or just relaxing under a shade tree. Direct access from Rt. 146 or off Great Road. Open sunrise to sunset. No admission fee, some use fees apply.

Monastery
Diamond Hill Road
Cumberland RI,
(401) 728-2400
http://www.cumberlandlibrary.org/monasterypage.htm

Former Cistercian Monastery now owned by the Town of Cumberland and used as a recreation area and home of the Cumberland Library. Site of Nine Men’s Misery, where nine English soldiers from Pierce’s Fight, a battle in 1676 during the King Philip’s War, were taken and tortured to death by Narragansett warriors. Open sunrise to sunset.

Audubon Society/ Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
12 Sanderson Road
Smithfied, RI 02917
(401) 949-5454.
www.asri.org

This 76-acre refuge contains some fine trails. The refuge is also the headquarters for the Audubon Society of Rhode Island that runs an education center here. Open year round, from dawn to dusk.

George Washington Management Area
2185 Putnam Pike
Chepachet RI 02814
401-568-2013

A 3,000 acre state-managed area for swimming, camping and hiking connected to the 100-acre Casimir Pulaski Memorial Park on the Burrillville-Glocester border. On Rt 44, 2 miles east of the Connecticut state line. 45 trailers facilities: Primitive tent & trailer camp-sites in a wooded area overlooking Bowdish Reservior. RATES: Residents: $8; Non-residents: $12 Permits issued by the park ranger on a first come, first served basis. Shelters: $20 per night. CAMPING SEASON: April 11 - October 15.

Buck Hill Management Area
Buck Hill Road
Burrillville, RI
(401) 789-3094

Buck Hill is a 1300-acre site for hunting and hiking, including the 4.7-mile Buck Hill trail. Note – all users of R.I. State Management areas must wear at least 200 square inches of florescent orange between the 2nd weekend of October through the last day of February.

Black Hut Management Area
Black Hut Road
Burrillville RI 02830
(401) 789-3094

Black Hut is a 1200-acre site for hunting and hiking. Note – all users of R.I. State Management areas must wear at least 200 square inches of florescent orange between the 2nd weekend of October through the last day of February.

River Island Park
Bernon Street
Woonsocket, RI.

This small park along the Blackstone River is the site of several events, including the Riverfest Canoe race in May and the French Farmers’ Market in September. Canoe access point. Open from sunrise to sunset.

Cold Spring Park
Harris Avenue
Woonsocket, RI

This recreation area is a canoe access point for the Blackstone River. For generations, Woonsocket residents came here to draw their drinking water.

Daniels Farm
Mendon Street
Blackstone, RI 01504

Daniels Farm is one of the finest remaining farms in the Blackstone Valley. This 112 acre farm dates back to the mid-1700s and remained active through the mid-20th Century. The farm is now a preserved greenspace. Restricted hours.

Blackstone Gorge
County Road
Blackstone, MA
(508) 278-7604
http://mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/blst.htm

The Blackstone Gorge is one of the most spectacular segments of the river. 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. A great spot for hiking, picnicking or just enjoying nature. Park is open from sunrise to sunset.

Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park
287 Oak Street
Uxbridge, MA 01569
(508) 278-7604
http://mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/blst.htm

Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park celebrates the role of the Blackstone Canal as a transportation link from Providence to Worcester. The park covers over 1000 acres along the Blackstone River and Canal, offering a number of recreational activities including hiking, biking, canoeing and fishing. A number of historical canal artifacts, including several miles of water canal and remnants of a lock are open for viewing. Park is open year round, sunrise to sunset.

West Hill Dam and Park
518 East Hartford Avenue
Uxbridge, MA 01569
(508) 278-2511
http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/whd/whdhome.htm

West Hill Dam and Park is a 557-acre park operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. Park facilities include five miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding and a swimming area at Harrington Pool, formed by the West River. Ranger programs are also offered. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Douglas State Forest
Wallum Lake Road
Douglas, MA 01516
(508) 476-7872
http://mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/doug.htm

This popular 4,640-acre state forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating and fishing at Wallum Lake and hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing on miles of woodland trails. Douglas State Forest also includes a rare example of Atlantic White Cedar swampland that can be explored along a swamp trail. Open Sunrise to Sunset.

Purgatory Road
Sutton, MA 01590
(508) 234-3733
http://mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/purg.htm

A unique natural landmark, Purgatory Chasm runs for a quarter of a mile between granite walls rising as high as 70 feet. Popular with picnickers and rock-climbers alike, the Chasm is believed to have its origin in the sudden release of dammed-up glacial meltwater near the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 14,000 years ago. Trails lead to a variety of rock formations, with such romantic names as The Corn Crib, The Coffin, The Pulpit, Lovers' Leap and Fat Man's Misery. Open from sunrise to sunset.

Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park - Plummer’s Landing
Church Street
Northbridge, MA
http://mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/blst.htm

Plummer’s landing is the northern end of the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park. In 1837, Israel Plummer built a general store and warehouse here next to a canal lock. Today Plummer’s landing serves as a trail head and canoe access site. Open dawn to dusk.

Lookout Rock
Quaker Street
Northbridge, MA
http://mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/blst.htm

Lookout Rock provides one of the most spectacular views in the Blackstone Valley. Standing atop the rock you have a view of the Blackstone River snaking its way through Northbridge and Uxbridge and through the Rice City Pond. Open from dawn to dusk.

The Parklands
Dutcher Street
Hopedale, MA

The Draper family hired Warren Henry Manning, designer of Boston’s park system, to design a park around their millpond. Enjoy a stroll though this carefully planned woodland of over 1,000 acres – almost 1/3 of the entire town.

Upton State Forest
Westboro Road
Upton, MA 01568
(508) 278-6486
http://mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/uptn.htm

This 2,600-acre forest offers multiple trail uses including hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. Hunting is permitted in season. Park is open from sunrise to sunset.

Millbury Rapids
Main Street Bridge
Millbury, MA

One of the best examples of the power of the Blackstone River can be seen at the Millbury Rapids, a Class-3 drop visible from the Main Street Bridge.

Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary and Conservation Center
414 Massasoit Road
Worcester, MA 01604
(508) 753-6087
www.massaudubon.org

Broad Meadow Brook is the largest urban wildlife sanctuary in New England, including 272 acres for hiking and education programs. Along with a trail network, the sanctuary also offers a number of educational programs encouraging preservation and conservation of the natural world. Hours of operation - Conservation Center: Tuesday through Saturday, 9 - 4 Sunday, 12:30 - 4 Trails: Open every day, dawn to dusk. Fee charged.