Ten Mile River Greenway | Pawtucket

Ten Mile River Greenway

Stretching quietly through the wooded heart of Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley, the Ten Mile River Greenway is one of the state’s most scenic and peaceful recreational trails. Running roughly 3 miles between Pawtucket and East Providence, this paved, gently curving path follows the course of the Ten Mile River, offering a calm natural escape where cyclists, joggers, and walkers move beneath a canopy of trees that seem to change character with every season.

Route and Landscape

The trail begins near Slater Memorial Park in Pawtucket-right by the Looff Carousel-and winds southward through wetlands, ponds, and forests before reaching Rumford in East Providence. The path is wide and smooth, ideal for both casual strolls and longer bike rides, with easy access points and clear signage throughout.

Along the way, the river stays close, sometimes visible as a glimmer between the trees, sometimes widening into open water near Turner Reservoir and Central Pond. The soundscape changes from spot to spot-water trickling over stones, the faint rustle of cattails in the wind, and the occasional call of a heron or red-winged blackbird rising from the reeds. In early morning or late afternoon, mist sometimes hovers above the water, giving the whole corridor a quiet, reflective beauty.

Flora and Fauna

The Greenway’s natural diversity is one of its greatest charms. Maples, oaks, and birches line the route, creating a vivid tunnel of green in summer and a brilliant tapestry of reds and golds in fall. Along the riverbanks, wildflowers-purple loosestrife, buttercups, and daisies-dot the edges, while turtles bask on half-sunken logs. Birdwatchers often pause at the small wooden bridges to spot swans, egrets, and occasionally a hawk gliding overhead.

Recreational Use and Atmosphere

Whether it’s a family biking outing, a solitary jog, or a relaxed walk with a coffee in hand, the Ten Mile River Greenway feels both safe and secluded. Benches and scenic overlooks are scattered at intervals, perfect for resting or simply watching the light ripple across the water. Local residents use the path year-round: runners in early spring, rollerbladers and cyclists through summer, and quiet walkers wrapped in scarves come winter. The smooth asphalt surface makes it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, adding to its inclusive appeal.

At Slater Park’s northern end, visitors often combine a ride on the Greenway with a stop at the Daggett House, Daggett Farm, or a picnic by the Looff Carousel. To the south, the trail opens onto the reservoirs-broad mirror-like stretches of water bordered by forest-where the sense of distance from city life is most complete.

Environmental Significance

The Greenway also plays a role in preserving the Ten Mile River watershed, a fragile ecosystem once impacted by early industry. Restoration efforts have improved water quality and helped bring back wildlife, turning the trail into both a recreational resource and a living example of successful environmental stewardship. Interpretive signs along the way share insights into local history, river ecology, and the region’s gradual recovery from its industrial past.

A Ribbon of Calm Through the City

What makes the Ten Mile River Greenway special is its quiet balance between nature and community. Only minutes from downtown Pawtucket, the trail feels worlds away-cool, green, and unhurried. Whether under a bright summer sky or a canopy of amber leaves, it invites everyone to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the simple rhythm of walking beside water.