The Bike Path connects eight parks through the five cities it crosses, providing ample opportunity to stop and have a picnic, take in some nature, or enjoy a short rest. Here are some of the highlights.
India Point Park
This 18-acre Providence park marks the northernmost end of the East Bay Bike Path. India Point Park hosts a number of outdoor festivals and concerts during the summer, including a Fourth of July celebration featuring the Rhode Island Philharmonic (and, of course, fireworks) and the Rhode Island Seafood Festival (September 7-8). Visitors can also take the pedestrian bridge to the Fox Point neighborhood to find a variety of unique shops and restaurants. India St., Providence.
The Crescent Park Carousel
This historic Riverside landmark is well worth the half-mile detour off the bike path. Originally built in 1895 by renowned carousel maker Charles I. D. Looff, the carousel still operates daily. If you are traveling with children this is a must-see attraction – and rides are still only $1. Hungry? There’s a clam shack at the park, too. What’s more summer than that? 700 Bullocks Point Ave., Riverside. 401-435-7518.
Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Environmental Education Center
Look for a small boardwalk directly off the path in Bristol that will lead you to Rhode Island’s state-of-the-art history museum and aquarium offering guided tours and nature walks. Be sure to stop by one of its most popular exhibits, a life-size, 33-foot Right Whale where you can stare right down the giant’s mouth. 1401 Hope St., Bristol.
Haines Memorial Park
You will find Haines Memorial Park on your journey through the East Providence/Barrington line. This 101-acre park houses picnic tables, fire pits, two playing fields and all-too-rare-on-the-bike-path public restrooms. Haines is a popular spot for volleyball and dog walking. Its harbor is a popular docking spot for local boat owners. Rt. 103, East Providence.
Colt State Park
Known as the “gem” of the RI state park system, this Bristol park spans 464 acres. The shoreline views are completely unobstructed and look as if they came right off of a postcard. The park has dozens of waterfront benches and over 400 picnic tables. Colt
State Park also offers public restrooms, fire pits, playgrounds, ten playing fields and access to the Bristol Town Beach. If extreme sports are more your thing, there is a skate park on the property equipped with ramps, half pipes and grinding rails. From May 3 to October 25, it hosts a farmer’s market on Fridays from 2-6pm. Rt. 114, Bristol.
More Great Spaces
Other stops along your travels include Bold Point Park and Squantum Woods in East Providence, Veteran’s Memorial Park in Barrington, Burr’s Hill Park in Warren, and Independence Park at the head of the bike path in Bristol.
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