The Washington Secondary Bike Path stretches an impressive 19 miles across the state of Rhode Island from Cranston to Coventry. The trail has local sections as it passes through distinct communities: the Cranston Bike Path, West Warwick Greenway, Coventry Greenway, and Trestle Trail. These sections link to form a continuous avenue westward. Initially, the path was built over the former railbed of the former Hartford, Providence, & Fishkill Railroad. As such, the modern bike path mimics the seamless and purposeful conditions of the old railroad.

Beginning on the eastern end in Cranston, the path is predominantly urban. It passes neighborhoods, commercial buildings, apartment complexes, schools, and several road intersections. There are some trees that provide ample shade, but this end of the path does not provide the lush nature that most runners seek. The path parallels Route 5, and it passes over an old railroad bridge over Wilbur Ave. The Cranston portion clearly serves as a route for locals to exercise, walk their dogs, and commute to work or school. Though it is not visually appealing, it is functional and convenient for Cranston residents.

After traveling under under Route 33 and I-295, you enter the West Warwick Greenway. An old red train bridge takes you over the Pawtucket River, which is inhabited with beautiful swans. Farther down, you can smell the notes of soap from the Bradford Soap Works Mill. The path overlooks an old stone mill complex as well as a part of the Pawtucket River. You can also view the historic Arctic Mill, built in 1919.

The Coventry Greenway is equipped with conspicious white mile markers. These are especially helpful for keeping track of distance. The paved route passes over the Pawtuxet River various times over spillways and railroad bridges. As the Coventry Greenway progresses, the trees multiply into a secluded, shady tunnel of foliage. An equestrian trail parallels the bike path, so runners should be curteous to horses.

The trail becomes especially wooded at the start of the Trestle Trail. Runners can expect a vast expanse of rural scenery: trees, trees, and more trees. It passes reservoirs, ponds, and farms, and the occasional chicken, beaver, or deer is not uncommon. Runners seeking tens of miles of solitude should venture along the Trestle Trail. The path abruptly ends in Western Coventry at an old general store, where runners can stop for a quick snack and set out to complete the trail in reverse.

The path's condition is impeccable, aside from some bumpy tree root damage in the West Warwick section. Otherwise, the path ascends smoothly into Coventry's elevation.

A convenient feature of the Washington Secondary Bike Path is the many entrances and exits. Runners can begin their run in Cranston, Warwick, or Coventry, thanks to the parking lots and road crossings sprinkled throughout the path. This allows for a run length and difficulty that is tailored to the runner. Whether the runner wants a long run through the silence of Coventry or a quick jog through the suburbs of Cranston, he or she can achieve it.