Overview
The Blackstone River Valley was once part of the industrial backbone of the mid-state region, and suffered accordingly. The river has been returned to health and now provides some excellent views and easy canoe access. The river and canal form part of a National Heritage Corridor that stretches from the river's source in downtown Worcester to Pawtucket, R.I., 44 miles to the south, where the Blackstone becomes the tidal Seekonk River.
Features
Proof of the river's vitality is the assortment of wildlife now found nearby. Rough-winged swallows can be spotted swooping after insects at the nearby West Hill Dam, while Virginia rail can be heard more often than seen in the marshy areas near Rice City Pond. Painted turtles are common along the riverbank. Pause at the pond and look for blue herons, ospreys and various hawks.