Bristol Winter Walk

Situated along Narragansett Bay in Bristol, Colt State Park is a true gem for experiencing unspoiled nature. We love it for the wide open spaces and lots of waterfront.

While summer is by far the most popular season, you’ll find people here any time of year, enjoying a walk, jog, bike ride, dog walk, or simply relaxing by the water. We love it for the paved trail spanning about 1 ½ miles of waterfront, including a cove beach area, and scenic spots to relax and enjoy the water view. It’s also a favorite for catching the sunset.

In winter, the park is peaceful, and the sun shines bright over the paved trails.

The park is over 464 acres, encompassing four miles of walking, jogging, and bicycle trails, six picnic groves, public boat ramp, an open-air Chapel by the Sea, restrooms, and ten sports playing fields. There are pretty trails through wooded areas, meadows, and fields. The park is well-maintained, and the paved trail is usually pretty well cleared after a snowfall. Note, there are many picnic sites to rent in season; this is very popular, and can have large groups.

The most popular area is just past the John Chaffee statue (you’ll pass on the left). The parking is close to the paved trail, and there are many picnic tables and benches on the grassy areas.

Colt State Park is a favorite for me to do a 5K walk or run. I usually park in the center of the waterfront area; my strategy is go up to the beach and back, and can stop at the car and shed a few layers as I am warmed up, and continue for the rest of route.

Colt State Park – Historical Legacy
The park is named for Samuel P. Colt, an industrialist and philanthropist who owned a large estate in Bristol, and built what is now park land originally as a showcase farm, including a main house and its complex of barns, a party casino, and stables. The farm was operated for breeding and raising award-winning prize Jersey cattle. ey cattle. As you approach the park’s entrance, you are greeted by two impressive bronze bulls, a nod to the park’s origins. Colt had a desire to share his wealth in land and enjoy the outdoors with the public, which is reflected in a marble engraving at the main entrance: ‘Colt Farm: Private Property, Public Welcome.’ Colt died in 1921, however, due to family disputes about his will, it wasn’t until 1965 that it became a state park.  

As you drive into the park, just past the small bridge, is a statue of John H. Chafee, who served as Governor of RI, the Secretary of the Navy, and a United States Senator. During his tenure as governor, the state acquired the land and dedicated it as a state park in 1968. This statue recognizes his efforts in preserving natural spaces for future generations.

Independence Park

Located in the center of downtown waterfront, it’s a large grassy area to relax, or walk along the waterfront on the paved path. It leads to the bike path on the north end, or folowwing to the south, you can walk along to the Prudence Island Ferry, at a pretty marina.

East Bay Bike Path

The bike path is a 14.5-mile paved path which spans from Linear Park in Providence (with access to India PointPark) ending in downtown Bristol. For the section from Barrington to Bristol, the path is a flat course, with nice scenery. The trail is in good condition. There’s a combo of walkers and bicyclists. If you are in Colt Park, a nice option would be to ride around park, then into Bristol, for food or drinks/ice cream!, and head back.

Hungry?

In nearby downtown Bristol, there are lots of food options!

• Waterfront, casual: Portside Tavern, Quito’s (seafood), Aiden’s (Irish pub) with a lot of outdoor seating. A little more upscale is DeWolf Tavern, and the Lobster Pot. The best outdoor choice for water proximity is the BeachHouse, situated right on the bike path
• Near Independence Park: BeeHive (morning, brunch and lunch – limited evening hours)
• Nest: fun Irish bar, check out live music schedule
• Pivotal Brewery, Brick Pizza, in Bristol’s Unity Park complex
• Ice Cream: for best view – Jules, tables outside, or cross the street and sit in Independence Park, or sit on bench by the waterfront paved path. Or, Gray’s on the Pier, also great ice cream.

4th of July: Bristol is home to one of USA’s oldest Independence Day celebrations. Parade, fireworks, and concerts – evening concerts for 7 nights leading up to the 4th.

Porch Fest : Sunday afternoon, mid-September, on historic High Street. 20+ Bands scheduled all afternoon on porches along the street, closed to pedestrians only. Post -arty at Unit Park, with food trucks, etc. , Historic