Last updated: August 10, 2023
Thing to Do
Bike the Blackstone
Blackstone Heritage Corridor
Join a Park Ranger for a guided bike ride along the Blackstone River Bikeway. Guided rides begin at 5:30 PM on Wednesdays in July, August, and September. Tours are between 3-6 miles in length and are offered at varying locations. Bikes and safety equipment are not provided and must be brought by participants.
July 5, 2023 - Scavenger Hunt/Intro to Cycling
Have Fun on the Bikeway! Join us as we learn the rules of the bike path and explore the Blackstone River State Park with our Jr Ranger activity booklet.
Length (Round Trip)/Difficulty – Roughly 1-2 Miles/ Low Difficulty (Suitable for families/kids)
July 12, 2023 - This Ride Rocks!
On this trip, we will explore the minerals and geological formations that make up the Blackstone River Valley.
Length (Round Trip)/Difficulty – Roughly 10 Miles/ Low to Moderate Difficulty
July 19, 2023 - Ride to Valley Falls Heritage Park
Explore the power of water! Take a trip to the Valley Falls Heritage Park. See a great example of how the power of the river was harnessed and the remnants of hydraulic power system.
Length (Round Trip)/Difficulty – Roughly 8.8 Miles/ Moderate Difficulty (Some Street Travel)
July 26, 2023 - Explore the Environmental Impact of Industry
Learn about the history of the Blackstone River. Explore the ups and downs of the Blackstone River through the years, from bountiful farmlands to one of the most polluted rivers in the United States. Join us to imagine what will come next for America’s “hardest working river.”
Length (Round Trip)/Difficulty – 12.4 miles/ Moderate Difficulty
August 2, 2023 - Ride Through History
Join Joe Lyonwurm for a guided bike ride along the Blackstone River Bikeway. Learn about Everyday Anthropology and see the urban landscape around you in a new light.
Length (Round Trip)/Difficulty –
August 9, 2023 - The Start of Something New
Take a trip to the mill that started it all. Join us as we ride south to the first successful water powered cotton spinning mill in North America and the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
Length (Round Trip)/Difficulty – Roughly 12.6 Miles/ Moderate Difficulty (Some Street Travel)
August 16, 2023 - Dam! What a Ride
Travel north along the Blackstone River Bikeway taking a closer look at some of the dams that powered the Industrial Revolution.
Length (Round Trip)/Difficulty – Roughly 6 Miles/Moderate Difficulty (Some Hills)
August 23, 2023 - Families Past and Present
What was it like for families that worked together to also live together? Take a short leisurely ride around the Ashton Village. Learn about the lives of families who worked in the Ashton Mill and made new lives for themselves in this community. Suitable for families and young riders.
Length (Round Trip)/Difficulty – Roughly 1-2 Miles/ Low Difficulty
August 30, 2023 - Planting for Pollinators
Pollinators provide a vital service to the world. Visit two pollinator gardens to learn about the native plant and animals that aid in rejuvenating our environment.
Length (Round Trip)/Difficulty – Roughly 5.8 Miles/ Moderate Difficulty (Some Hills)
September 6, 2023 - Ride Through History
Join Joe Lyonwurm for a guided bike ride along the Blackstone River Bikeway. Learn about Everyday Anthropology and see the urban landscape around you in a new light.
September 13, 2023 - Ride to Lonsdale
Ride south along the Blackstone River Bikeway and discuss the multiple mill villages of the Lonsdale Company. Ride ends at the Lonsdale Drive-In, a great example of an environmental restoration project
Length (Round Trip)/Difficulty – Roughly 6.4 Miles/ Low Difficulty
September 20, 2023 - Scavenger Hunt/Intro to Cycling
Have Fun on the Bikeway! Join us as we learn the rules of the bike path and explore the Blackstone River State Park with our Jr Ranger activity booklet.
Length (Round Trip)/Difficulty – Roughly 1-2 Miles/ Low Difficulty (Suitable for families/kids)
September 27, 2023 - Transportation Along the Blackstone
Have you ever wondered how goods were moved during the early years of the Industrial Revolution? Take a trip with us along the Blackstone Canal to the Pratt Dam. This tour will include information on what it takes to construct a canal as well as the evolution of transportation.
Length (Round Trip)/Difficulty – Roughly 5.2 Miles/ Low Difficulty
Details
Duration
45-90 Minutes
Activity
Biking
Join a Park Ranger for a 3 - 6 mile bike ride along the Blackstone River Bikeway
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI
Reservations
No
Season
Summer
Accessibility Information
Riders must provide their own bikes. Individuals must be able to bike and have their own bike in order to participate. Helmets are required. Individuals must be in good health and capable of biking up to 6 miles along a paved surface.