Block Island by Bike: The Ultimate Cycling Guide to New England's Hidden Gem

My journey began at Point Judith, Rhode Island, where I wheeled my trusty hybrid bike onto the Block Island Ferry. The traditional ferry (about an hour) allows you to bring your own bicycle for a small fee, while the high-speed ferry (30 minutes) charges slightly more. During summer weekends, I recommend booking your ferry passage well in advance—I learned this lesson the hard way last July when I nearly missed a sailing due to unexpected crowds!

While you can rent bikes on the island, bringing your own offers freedom and familiarity. My bike phone mount proved invaluable for navigation, allowing me to follow my pre-planned routes while keeping both hands safely on the handlebars. For those traveling light, Block Island has several reputable rental shops near the ferry landing in New Shoreham, offering everything from beach cruisers to performance hybrids at reasonable day rates.

My favorite route begins at the ferry landing and heads south toward Mohegan Bluffs—a geological marvel rising 200 feet above the Atlantic. The 7-mile loop follows Mohegan Trail, which undulates considerably, so be prepared for some challenging climbs. Your reward? Breathtaking panoramic views that stretch to Montauk Point on clear days.

About halfway through the ride, I recommend locking your bike and descending the 141 wooden steps to the beach below the bluffs. The ecological transition zones visible in the clay cliffs tell a fascinating story of glacial formation that my scientific mind finds irresistible. My quick-dry travel towel was perfect for a mid-ride dip in the refreshing Atlantic waters—it packs down tiny in my cycling jersey pocket and dries remarkably fast once back on the bike.

Continuing along Spring Street brings you to the historic Southeast Lighthouse, where the massive Fresnel lens has guided mariners since 1875. The lighthouse sits precariously close to the eroding bluffs—it was physically moved back 300 feet in 1993, a remarkable engineering feat worth learning about from the knowledgeable docents.

The northern loop offers gentler terrain and fewer tourists, making it my go-to route for peaceful nature immersion. Starting from New Shoreham, head north on Corn Neck Road, which traverses the narrow isthmus connecting the main island to its northern appendage. The road hugs the coastline, with Crescent Beach to your right—a perfect spot for a mid-ride break.

My scientific curiosity always draws me to the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge surrounding Sachem Pond. This 127-acre sanctuary hosts over 250 bird species during migration seasons. I never cycle this route without my pocket monocular, which offers 12x magnification yet weighs just a few ounces—perfect for spotting piping plovers and yellow-rumped warblers without carrying bulky binoculars.

The North Lighthouse marks the island's northernmost point and houses a small museum worth exploring. The surrounding dunes and cobble beaches represent critical habitat for numerous marine species—I've spent hours examining the intertidal zones here, discovering fascinating ecological adaptations. The ride back along Corn Neck Road offers stunning western views across the Great Salt Pond, particularly magical at sunset when the water reflects the changing sky.

When traveling with my husband Marco and our children, we favor Block Island's interior greenways—a network of protected paths through preserved meadows and forests. The Hodge Family Wildlife Preserve offers nearly 3 miles of relatively flat trails suitable for riders of all abilities. The ecological diversity here is remarkable; we've spotted painted turtles, red-tailed hawks, and an astonishing variety of butterflies during our rides.

For families, I highly recommend packing a picnic blanket for impromptu nature breaks. This particular blanket folds into a compact carrying case that easily attaches to bike racks or handlebars, and its waterproof backing has saved countless picnics on dewy grass.

The Fresh Pond area provides another family-friendly cycling option with a 1-mile loop around Block Island's largest freshwater body. I always turn this into an educational opportunity for my children, explaining how the pond's ecosystem differs from the surrounding marine environment. The Nathan Mott Park trails connect to this area, creating a pleasant 3-4 mile circuit through diverse habitats.

For keeping younger riders comfortable during longer excursions, I've found the kids hydration pack to be a game-changer. It holds enough water for several hours of exploration while teaching children to manage their own hydration—an important outdoor skill.

After multiple cycling trips to Block Island across different seasons, I've refined my packing approach. The island's weather can change rapidly—I've experienced misty mornings, sunny afternoons, and sudden showers all in the same day. Layering is essential, and my convertible cycling jacket has proven invaluable. It transforms from a full jacket to a vest in seconds when conditions warm up.

Block Island's limited services mean coming prepared is crucial. My handlebar bag always contains these essentials:

• Basic repair kit with spare tube and multi-tool
• Reef-safe sunscreen (protecting both your skin and the marine environment)
• Refillable water bottles (plastic reduction is important on this conservation-minded island)
• Lightweight bike lock for secure stops

Navigation deserves special mention—while Block Island is small, its network of unmarked trails can be confusing. I've found the offline mapping app particularly useful as it works without cell service and includes elevation profiles that help anticipate challenging climbs.

Finally, as both a scientist and responsible visitor, I urge all cyclists to respect the island's fragile ecosystems. Stay on designated paths, pack out all trash, and give wildlife appropriate distance. Many of Block Island's conservation areas exist because of community efforts to preserve this special place.