NST North-South Trail | Bikepacking | Rockgeist

Douglas, MA, US

Aperçu de l'itinéraire

Rockgeist - Bikepack USA

Bikepacking Routes

135 km
1 503 m

The North-South Trail is a single overnight bikepacking route traveling the length of Rhode Island. Blue Blazes mark the way while traveling over singletrack, double track, gravel, and country pavement.

Détails de l'itinéraire

The North-South Trail is a point-to-point ride that traverses the length of Rhode Island. Snaking its way south from the border of Massachusetts, the trails uses state forests, wildlife refuges, management areas and state parks to reach the Atlantic Ocean. For the smallest US state, with over one million people, the trail does a remarkable job of keeping you in the woods.

The North-South Trail is a point-to-point route. This presents a small challenge of arranging a drop off/pick up, but this small obstacle is worth figuring out given the quality of the route. Riders heading North to South, ending at the ocean, will enjoy a net negative elevation gain (~600 ft). There is also a campground on the ocean close to where the NST picks up. This could be a good location to leave a car.

Heading South you’ll start just over the boarder of Rhode Island traveling briefly on the Midstate Trail, which traverses the width of Massachusetts to New Hampshire. Once you connect to the NST you’ll begin to see the old stone foundations dating back to the Colonial period. Throughout the ride you’ll see old burial sites, defunct dams, and dilapidated stone walls from old New England farming communities. As you head south the singletrack is rough going and offers a few sections of flat hike-a-bike over small boulders and downed trees. The largest boulder field is waiting further south in the Arcadia Management Area. Locals will tell you there are trails off the NST to help avoid the boulder fields, but if you’re looking for the full NST experience, stay the course and wear a good pair of shoes.

To traverse the state you’ll ride almost every terrain type from pavement to rough singletrack. This creates an engaging route and opens the ride to a variety of bike choices that all can be argued for. Navigation is also a bit different then your typical bikepacking route. Because it was marked for hikers, it’s a fun game of linking together clues of blue blazes; about 3 inches wide by 6 inches long. Slapped on trees, telephone poles, and rocks. A double blaze for turns, often next to a hand written N-S Trail marker giving a directional arrow. While it’s recommended to have access to the GPS file, it’s not a necessity.

Given the New England scenery, varied terrain, history, and abundant wildlife this is a highly recommend ride. With really no major elevation change the trail can be made challenging by pushing your speed or taken easy with a slow roll. We hope you enjoy!

Highlights

  • End/start at the Atlantic Ocean
  • Stone foundations from the Colonial period.
  • Abondant wildlife
  • Mixed terrain from boulder fields to pavement.

Important Reminders

The North-South trail travels through hunting land and users must wear day-glow fluorescent orange between September 1st to February 28th, and between the third Saturday of April to May 31st. Fines are handed out if not obeyed.

Since this ride is point-to-point, parking logistics can take some planning for pick up/drop off. If you do leave a car at either end be sure to make sure to get approval for overnight parking.

View the entire route description on the Rockgeist Route Page

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