Rhode Island Best Adventures 2011

BEST ROAD BIKING
EAST BAY BICYCLE PATH, Providence
Built on the former railbed of the Providence/Worcester line, this 14.5-mile bike bath transports you from an industrialized section of the city through Haines Park, along beaches bordering Narragansett Bay, and on past beautiful Colt State Park to Independence Park in Bristol. Parking for the bike trail is available at India Point Park. 109 India St. 401-253-7482; riparks.com/eastbay.htm

BEST SURFING
NARRAGANSETT TOWN BEACH, Narragansett
When tropical storms make their way up the Ocean State’s coast in summer, the local surfing contingent four-wheel it over to Narragansett to catch those gnarly waves. And when the weather’s sublime, the beach’s usual two-foot swells are a good place to learn the sport. Board rentals and lessons are available at Narragansett Surf & Skate Shop. 74 Narragansett Ave. 401-789-7890, 401-789-1954 (surf line); narragansettsurfandskate.com

BEST SAIL
NARRAGANSETT BAY,Newport
The prevailing wind here is the “smoky sou’wester.” Experience sailing on a schooner, or grab a genuine sailboat. Sightsailing offers two-hour guided tours. 32 Bowen’s Wharf. 800-709-7245; sightsailing.com

BEST MOUNTAIN BIKING
ARCADIA MANAGEMENT AREA, Hope Valley
More than 30 miles of single-track trail weave through a forest of oaks and hickories and along the shores of Breakheart Pond. 260 Arcadia Road. 401-539-2356; riparks.com/arcadia.htm

BEST STROLL
NAPATREE POINT, Watch Hill
For beach lovers, it doesn’t get any better than this wild coastal walk, which offers great views of Connecticut and Fishers Island, New York. A year-round habitat for many species, it’s also a shorebird stopover point and foraging area for wading birds, and hosts hawk, songbird, and monarch butterfly flights in fall. Off Bay St. 401-348-6540; thewatchhillconservancy.org