South County Bike Path
A paved former railroad route links villages, URI, woods, wetlands, and the edge of Narragansett through a practical South County spine.
Artwork inspired by George William Whitaker
Officially the William C. O’Neill Bike Path, this corridor is valuable because it joins daily transportation with recreation. Station history, neighborhood access, and the changing gradient from inland Kingston toward the coast reveal more than a simple exercise route.
The path does not deliver riders directly onto every beach, and street crossings become more significant near Narragansett. Check extension and construction status, use lights at road interfaces, and remember that commuters, walkers, children, and fast cyclists share the pavement. Kingston’s rail history and Narragansett’s coastal traffic create two distinct ends that deserve different riding strategies.
- Official name
- William C. O’Neill Bike Path
- Surface
- Paved rail-trail
- Region
- South County
Quick guide
- Use the official name
- Find current maps and construction notices.
- Watch crossings
- Traffic increases toward village centers.
Know before you go
- Use the official name
- Find current maps and construction notices.
- Watch crossings
- Traffic increases toward village centers.
- Share the pavement
- Pass slowly and announce clearly.
- Plan the coast link
- Beach destinations require additional routing.
Good to know
Map services may blend current trail, extension, and street links. Heat, limited shade, and busy crossings can matter more than the gentle rail grade.
Notice these
- Kingston Station area
- Wooded rail grade
- Narragansett approach