Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park Day Trip

Hiking

Jan 26

Welcome to Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park

Within the Blackstone Valley Corridor, which extends from Worcester, Massachusetts to Providence, Rhode Island, the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park is a great spot for scenic nature and wildlife views and family outings. Situated in Uxbridge, Massachusetts (MA), this state park offers easy walking and hiking trails suitable for all folks, fishing and canoeing access and picnic areas for family outings. Start your day trip by going to the River Bend Farm Visitor Center where you can access the park, including a towpath to walk along a restored section of the Blackstone Canal.

Blackstone_River_and_Canal_River_Bend_Farm_Visitor_Center.jpg

Blackstone Heritage State Park Location | Directions

How to get to Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park (Uxbridge, MA)

From the Massachusetts Turnpike (driving east or west), take exit 11 to MA-146 and follow signs for 146 South to Millbury, MA (this route goes to Providence, RI). If you are in southern Massachusetts, drive to MA 146 and follow your Google map directions. Continue on 146 South to exit 6 (Purgatory Road), turning left at the top of the exit to Northbridge. Continue on North Main St. and Linwood Ave. to 287 Oak St in Uxbridge. The turn onto Oak St. is a sharp right and then drive to the parking lot at the River Bend Farm Visitor Center on your left.

What to see at Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park

The River Bend Farm Visitor Center is the access point to the state park, and it is situated on the site of a former historic woolen mill, which is a classic “red barn” style building. From here, you can go to picnic tables or benches to relax for a casual day outside or, like we did on our visit, go over a small footbridge to the healthy trail and walk along restored sections of the canal. The trail (towpath) along the canal is easy and suitable for all ages and strollers.

Blackstone_River_and_Canal_Heritage_State_Park_towpath_Uxbridge_MA.jpg

Once over the foot bridge, there are several options to enjoy scenic nature and wildlife views. By turning left, it is a short walk on a flat (crushed) gravel towpath to a section of the canal by Rice City Pond.

Blackstone_River_and_Canal_Heritage_State_Park_Uxbridge_MA.jpg

Blackstone_River_and_Canal_Heritage_State_Park_rice_city_pond_Uxbridge_MA.jpg — Tip: There are paths down to the shore of the river where you can get landscape photos and take in variety of natural scenery. On a sunny winter day, the skyline and clouds pop and you can capture terrific nature reflections.

You can also go straight from the visitor center to a meadow with various trails that wind through the nature preserve. Along the way, there are birdhouses and benches you can sit on to relax.

There is a great variety of birds and wildlife, including herons and ducks, as you walk along the towpath or through the meadow.

Blackstone_River_and_Canal_Heritage_State_Park_meadow_Uxbridge_MA.jpg

Blackstone_River_and_Canal_Heritage_State_Park_meadow_bench_Uxbridge_MA.jpg — After rain or snow, it’s a good idea to wear sturdy sneakers or hiking shows as the meadow terrain can be a bit soggy and uneven. The meadow is a great spot to walk your dog on leash.

You can also get to the nature trail by turning right onto the towpath and walking a short distance until you see the sign or follow along until reaching another parking lot at Cross Street.

Tip: In the late afternoon - all seasons - when the sun is out, you can get sunset sky pics over the canal on by shore at the visitor center. This is also where you can fish.