Mountain biking is a little more challenging in Rhode Island, because of the lack of mountains. Without that said, there is a lot of open off road cycling trails that are exciting and exhilarating. The wind in your hair, the sun in your face and the thrill of flying down the road over rocks and tree roots. You feel invincible. It is worth the time to learn and try this great outdoor activity. I have broken it down into three categories: beginners, just getting the hang of it, and advanced.
FOR BEGINNERS
Big River Management Area
These trails are located in Providence, Rhode Island. These are great local trials that can be a quick workout or an all day affair. This is a great place if you are going with a lot of mixed ability riders. There are 25-30 miles of trails. There are a lot of woods, hills and swamps. You can make it easy or tough depending on your comfort level. These trials are located on Burnt Sawmill Road.
Trestle Trail
These trails are located in Coventry, Rhode Island. These are great trials and span about 7 miles. The trail is a loop that is smooth and easy riding. You can see that the trail was a rail road track at one point. There are some great views which will cement why you decided to mountain bike in the first place. You won’t be disappointed. The trails are on Hill Farm Road near the Coventry Men’s Club.
Wood Estates Trail
These trails are located in Coventry, Rhode Island. These trails are the best for beginners that are just starting out on the off roads. The trail loops and is about one mile. This trail is great when practicing how to pick up speed too. These trails are located on Reservoir Road on Route 3.
FOR JUST GETTING THE HANG OF IT
Colt Farm
These trails are located in North Smithfield, Rhode Island. This is five miles of biking trails that are a quick workout that is close to home. The trails are hilly and have some tough spots, but if you are excited to get out there and you don’t have a lot of time, then this is the place for you.
Lincoln Woods
Lincoln woods have trails on the road and off road. It is located in Lincoln, Rhode Island. It is good to start on the paved roads and then venture to more challenging routes. Keep in mind, there are 20 miles of trails and some can be really tricky. Check out the maps to makes sure you don’t get on one that is too challenging. Don’t be proud, if it is getting too tough or you did more than you can handle….Walk the bike! Just follow the signs for Lincoln Woods to get there.
Snake Den State Forest
These trails are located in Johnston, Rhode Island. This is by far my favorite place to go biking. The trails range from easy to moderate. It is great if you take the kids to try because the trails do not have a lot of hazards. The park is located in Hartford Avenue in Johnson. If you plan on going to the beach after the ride, there is a small fee.
FOR ADVANCED
Yellow Marker Trail
These tough and rough trails are located in Charlestown, Rhode Island. It is worth the drive! It is an 8 mile loop that has some pretty great views, but some pretty significant challenges. There are hills, dirt trails with rocks and loops and in the spring…there is mud. But, if you want the challenge this is the route for you. I loved this trail in both the spring and summer. I usually go here when I take my kids to Camp Yawgoog. I am in the area, might as well make the drive worth it.
Arcadia Management Area
These trails are located in East Greenwhich, Rhode Island. The nice thing about this area is that it is centrally located. The area has close to 40 miles of trails and most of them are singletrack trails. The trails are great to explore, but be careful, it is easy to get lost. Plan on giving yourself plenty of time. You will be disappointed if you have to leave early. The trails are located on Hwy 165 on Arcadia Road.
All these routes aim to please and will provide an enjoyable experience. Many trials will give a great workout and out in nature. It sure beats riding the bike in the gym!
For more information go to:
http://www.dirtworld.com/trails/RhodeIslandMountainBiketrails.asp
