New England is one of the most tranquil, beatific regions in the United States, offering everything from calm seaside vistas to hallowed grounds of history. One of the best ways to take in as much of New England’s beauty as possible is from the seat of a bicycle, and these six trails are among the most rewarding.
Minuteman Commuter Bikeway (Massachusetts)
Cruising along the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway is an exercise in time travel. America’s Revolutionary Rail Trail is set upon an out-of-commission railroad right of way and extends through four areas: Lexington, Bedford, Cambridge and Arlington. As you pedal along this 10-mile path, you’ll traverse several points of interest with great historical significance. This includes Lexington Center, known as the Birthplace of American Liberty; the Hancock Clark House, where Paul Revere and William Dawes warned Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the British were coming; and Old Schwamb Mill, the oldest still-functioning mill in the United States.
Blackstone River Bikeway (Rhode Island)
The Blackstone River Bikeway covers 16.5 miles, including 11.6 miles of continuous trail stretching from Cumberland to Woonsocket and 4.7 miles of trail between Pawtucket and Providence. It tends to follow the Blackstone River for much of its length, offering up views of everything from marshes and waterfalls to the Blackstone Canal and Pratt Dann. Perhaps the most interesting part of the ride is the former Lonsdale Drive-In, which is now a restored wetland but still boasts the restored drive-in theater’s sign.
