Mountain Bike Report: "Playground" Trail Big River

Big River, located in West Greenwich and Coventry has some of the best mountain biking trails in Rhode Island. The trails are challenging, fast and numerous. It has single lane trails winding through the woods with banked corners and old dirt roads. The area can be bisected into 2 sections. The route 3 to New London Turnpike section and New London Turnpike to Carrs Pond.

The route 3 section has a parking area directly on Route 3 or Nooseneck Hill Road. It is before Division Road and the on/off ramps to 95 at exit 6.

This post is concentrated on 1 small trail in Big River. I am putting it first because it took a few months of riding and exploring trails in Big River before I decided to take it and since then it has been one of my favorites.

I call it the "playground" trail, and since there are no trail names in Big River it has stuck. The trail is located directly to the right of the parking lot. It is important to make sure the bike is in good working condition before going to Big River because the trail begins immediately and it can make an improperly working bike frustrating to the rider.

Trailhead for "Playground" Trail in Big River

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

 

The trail winds through mostly pine woods and has a hard packed footing that is fast to ride. There are lots of roots and one root-stepped downhill. It is a very short trail and should be just an introduction to Big River. The trail ends at Capwell Mill Pond on Burnt Sawmill Road. There is a small parking area there. 

Ramp Obstacle

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

 

There are 2 obstacles that have been built on the trail, a plank and see-saw. The obstacles are why this trail has been dubbed "Playground" Trail.

See-Saw Obstacle

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All rights Reserved

 

From here head right and explore the amazing roller-coaster trails Big River has to offer.