River Bend Farm
Visitors Center |
287 Oak St., Uxbridge
508 278-7604
The Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State
Park recalls the role of canals in transporting raw materials and
manufactured goods between emerging industrial centers. Walk along
restored sections of the Blackstone River Canal and Towpath from
the River Bend
Farm Visitors Center.
This park is operated in conjunction with the
Blackstone River
Valley National Heritage Corridor which extends from Worcester
to Providence, Rhode Island. Straddling the town line between Uxbridge
and Northbridge is a 1000 acre natural area offering walking and
hiking paths, canoe access, picnic areas and a broad expanse of
the Blackstone River known as Rice City Pond, which is a great area
for watching wildlife.
Trail Map
Click here to view trail
map
History
Inspired by the success of the Erie Canal (begun in 1817) and spurred
by the expansion of textile manufacturing along the Blackstone River
in the early 19th century, the Blackstone Canal was built to link
Central Massachusetts to the Atlantic via Providence, RI. Between
1828 and 1848, segments of the river were paralleled by the canal
on which horse-drawn boats carried freight and passengers between
Worcester and Providence. Initially highly successful, the canal
was made obsolete by the completion of the railroad in 1847. Most
of the canal structures are now gone, but the remains of lock chambers,
dams, bridges, workers' housing, and a company store serve to remind
us of the rich industrial history of the Blackstone River Valley.
Along the Way
Be sure to visit Millville
Lock, the best preserved lock along the canal. Follow Rte. 122
south from Uxbridge to Millville Center. Turn right at the intersection
of Rte. 122 and Central Street. parking is available at the corner
of Hope and Central Streets. Follow the old railroad bed to the
lock, which is about 3/4 mile away. The Blackstone River runs wild
through high rocks at Blackstone
Gorge about 6 miles away. Follow Rte. 122 south through Millville
into Blackstone. Turn right on County Road, following signs to the
Gorge. There is limited parking at the end of the street; trails
are left of Roaring Dam.
Recreational Opportunities
Accessible Restrooms, Canoeing, Hiking, Historic Site, Hunting (restrictions), Mountain Biking, Picnicking, Scenic Viewing Area, Skiing (Cross-Country), Walking Trails, Visitor's Center
Park Directions
Uxbridge is located in south-central Massachusetts, at the junction
of routes 122 and 16. Click here for location
map
From the Mass Pike take exit 11, Rte. 122 south
to N. Uxbridge; at the traffic lights, turn left onto East Hartford
Ave. Follow signs.
From Rte. 146, take Rte. 16 east to Uxbridge Center
and turn left onto Rte. 122 north. In 1-1/2 miles turn right at
traffic light onto East Hartford Ave. In 1 mile turn right on Oak
Street at the Tri-River Family Health Center.
The Visitor Center is located in the large red barn at River Bend
Farm.
Other Heritage State Parks
You can learn more about Massachusetts' industrial heritage at these
state parks: Lawrence HSP, Holyoke
HSP, Western Gateway HSP, and Lynn
HSP.
|
