5 Winter Runs In Rhode Island
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Whether it's snowing or just cold out, a winter run can kick up your metabolism, burn calories, and give you a fresh look at Rhode Island's beautiful landscapes. What's stopping you?
Newport: Wildlife Loop at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
This 2.7 mile loop at Middletown's dramatic point really pays off in the off-season... no Newport tourist traffic coming or going, and breathtaking views all along the way of big water. The trail can get a big mucky in foul weather, but the grassiness generally holds up. Gentle grades, and good ducking in to scrub areas for wind breaks.
Narragansett: Ocean Road to Scarborough Beach
Crawling with cars in the summer, this is gorgeous open terrain for late-season runners, with plenty of views of beautiful homes and ocean vistas. For a longer outing, the RI Road Runners recommend the path from Kingston railroad station to Narragansett Pier (8-9 miles, with trails branching from the main path).
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTLincoln: Lincoln Woods Loop
Snowless winter days are a magic time for runners here, when the paved, 2.5-mile hilly loop around the lake is closed to auto traffic (November 1st to April 15th). As the heavy wooded areas lose their leaves, you'll gain vistas into boulder fields and hilly offroad terrain. And it's just 15 minutes from Providence.
Warwick: Buttonwoods Loop
This is a great, scenic quickie for West Bay runners, in Warwick City Park: a 2.75-mile loop with hills. Runners who love it love the scenery and the sections along the Bay. The beauty of this choice in winter is that it's not far, so any kind of weather is easily endured in one lap. For a map of the route, go here.
Bristol: Colt State Park Loop
Catch the gorgeous views on a six-mile loop that begins at Bristol Harbor and Independence Park. Hug the harbor heading west into Colt State Park into the Park, with ample paths through the park that skirt the most open sections exposed to the water. Upside: great coffee houses in downtown, for a warm-up at loop's end.
Related Articles
- NEW: Providence Has the 2nd Most Attractive People in US
- Smart Benefits: 5 Healthcare Trend Predictions for 2013
- Smart Benefits: 7 Hot New Wellness Tools
- NEW: Rhode Island Named #10 Healthiest State in US
