Riverside and Merino Parks

The Barden Orchard loop via Woonasquatucket River Greenway offers a dynamic touring cycling experience, blending paved riverside paths with more challenging terrain. You will pedal through a landscape that showcases urban renewal, passing by parks like Riverside Park and Merino Park, and enjoying views of the Woonasquatucket River. The route also features unique urban art and sculptures, adding a cultural dimension to your ride.

This moderate 23.9-mile (38.4 km) cycling route involves a significant 1104 feet (336 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 2 hours and 20 minutes. While the Woonasquatucket River Greenway itself is largely flat and paved, the full Barden Orchard loop includes sections that can be unpaved and more demanding, with some busy on-road segments near downtown Providence. Riverside Park is a good starting point with parking available.

This route is notable for its historical significance, following the path of the former Providence & Springfield Railroad, and its role in transforming abandoned industrial sites into a vital green corridor. It connects various neighborhoods and parks, serving as a community connector and a place to spot local wildlife like great blue herons. The trail's blend of history, art, and nature makes it a unique cycling destination.