The best cycling routes in Moosup Valley State Park Trail

The routes in Moosup Valley State Park Trail are primarily built on a retired railbed, making them largely flat and wide. You'll encounter a varied surface, including paved asphalt, granular gravel, stone dust, and sections of packed dirt and old railroad ballast. Recent improvements in 2024 have enhanced the trail's surface and drainage.

Yes, while many routes are moderate, there is at least one route classified as difficult. For instance, the Trestle Trail gravel loop is a 31.6-mile (50.8 km) route with 461 meters of elevation gain, offering a more demanding experience through varied surfaces and historic rail-trail elements.

As you cycle, you'll be immersed in picturesque rural scenery, winding through wetlands, rivers, and ponds. The Moosup River is a constant companion, especially in the western part of the trail, offering tranquil views. You can also spot historic rail-trail elements like old trestle bridges and rock cut-outs. Around the 1-mile mark from the western end, a dam and a waterfall next to an abandoned mill building provide a picturesque stop, and further along, you might glimpse a quarry and Sterling Pond.

Yes, the area offers several circular routes. A popular option is the Pine Hill – Ekonk Hill loop from Moosup Valley State Park Trail, which covers 24.1 miles (38.8 km) and traverses varied rural landscapes and wooded areas. Another is the Ekonk Hill – Sterling Hill loop from Gallup Cemetery, a moderate 16.0-mile (25.7 km) path with scenic riverbank views.

Multiple access points with parking are available along the trail. You can find parking at Main Street/Route 14 and Barber Hill Road in Plainfield, as well as at Babcock Road and Spring Lake Road in Sterling. These improved parking lots are part of the recent upgrades to the trail.

Yes, the trail's largely flat and wide nature, built on a retired railbed, makes it suitable for cyclists of all skill levels, including families and beginners. The varied surfaces provide an engaging yet accessible experience.

The trail offers beautiful scenery throughout the year. However, during autumn and early winter hunting seasons, it is advisable to wear blaze orange, as hunting is popular in the area (though not permitted on Sundays). Spring and summer offer lush greenery, while autumn brings vibrant foliage.

Absolutely. The Moosup Valley State Park Trail is a crucial part of the planned East Coast Greenway. At its eastern terminus, it seamlessly connects to Rhode Island's Coventry Greenway, which further links to the Washington Secondary Bike Path towards Providence, offering potential for longer touring expeditions.

For longer rides, consider routes like the Trestle Trail gravel loop at 31.6 miles (50.8 km) or the Barn on Old Plainfield Pike – Ponaganset Falls loop from Coventry, which is 46.6 miles (75 km) long and offers scenic views along riverbanks and through tranquil natural settings.

Touring cyclists often appreciate the peaceful, rural scenery and the feeling of being surrounded by nature. The presence of the Moosup River, historic rail-trail elements like trestle bridges, and varied ecosystems including wetlands and bogs contribute to a diverse and engaging cycling experience. The flat and wide paths are also frequently praised for their accessibility.

Yes, around the 1-mile mark from the western end of the Moosup Valley State Park Trail, you can find a picturesque spot featuring a dam and a waterfall next to an abandoned mill building. While not a specific route named for it, many tours traversing the main trail will pass this scenic point.

Given the rail-trail nature, many routes are relatively flat. However, some routes do include moderate elevation changes. For example, the Greene loop from Coventry has an elevation gain of 281 meters over 33.3 miles, while the Barn on Old Plainfield Pike – Ponaganset Falls loop from Coventry features 432 meters of ascent over 46.6 miles.