Rhode Island has great city and country places for walking and hiking
Featured Listings
Providence Pike
North Smithfield, RI
Phone: 401-949-5454
The headwaters of the Woonasquatucket River rise is on the 235-acre woodland. Three small ponds and a variety of deciduous and coniferous trees provide diverse habitats for wildlife in this area of Rhode Island that is perfect for walking when you’re looking for an outdoor activity. Take I-295 to Exit 8B (Route 7 North). Follow Route 7 North; bear right on Providence Pike. Go across at light at routes 5 and 104. Refuge is one-half mile on the left, the first left after the Primrose Fire Station. Information: www.asri.org
12 Sanderson Road
Smithfield, RI
Phone: 401-949-5454
This 120-acre refuge houses the Audubon Society of Rhode Island's headquarters. The refuge has fine stands of pines, a pond and a brook. The headquarters has a library, gift shop, and a bird-feeding station, making this a great destination for walking around and enjoying the outdoors when you’re looking for things to do in Rhode Island. From I-295 take Exit 7B onto Route 44 West. At fourth set of lights, turn left onto Route 5 (Sanderson Road). Turn left at second driveway into the parking lot.
Cooneymus Road
Block Island, RI
Phone: 401-949-5454
Coastal grasslands set on the bluffs above the Atlantic provide habitat for raptors and passerines. Walk from entry on south side of Cooneymus Road near West Side Road intersection.
Environmental Education Center
1401 Hope Street, Route 114
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: 401-245-7500
Connecting people with nature
Situated on the 28-acre McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, the Environmental Education Center has walking trails along a quarter-mile boardwalk that winds through fresh and saltwater marshes to a majestic view of Narragansett Bay. The refuge is along the East Bay Bike Path, allowing bikers and walkers access to the refuge's natural beauty while they enjoy this great Rhode Island destination. The Center offers guided tours, nature walks, special family programs and much more throughout the year. The facility and trails are handicapped accessible. Just 30 minutes from both Providence and Newport. This state-of-the-art natural history museum and aquarium puts fun and excitement into experiencing nature. Interactive exhibits allow you to look inside life size model of a Right Whale, observe marine life in a tide pool tank, explore a cornfield at night, and much more.
Touisset Road
Warren, RI
Phone: 401-949-5454
These 66 acre are a fine example of salt marsh and bordering upland field and wooded habitat for visitors enjoy for walking and hiking in Rhode Island. A trail from the Touisset Fire Station on Touisset Road leads through fields to the Kickemuit River. Take I-195 East to Rte in North Swansea. Take Rte. 136 South to Rte. 103 (Child Street) in Warren. Go left (east) on Rte. 103 to Long Road. Go right onto Long Road and follow to end at Barton Avenue. Go left on Barton Avenue then t take first right onto Touisset Road. Follow it south to the next sharp left corner at fire station. Turn right into parking lot area and park at the westernmost edge of parking lot.
Seapowet Avenue
Tiverton, RI
Phone: 401-949-5454
A 50-acre parcel of woods and salt marsh with a nature center and fine views of the Sakonnet River. The refuge has blinds for observing and photographing nature as well as plenty of land for walking and hiking while enjoying the outdoors. From Providence take I-195 East to Rte. 24 South (in Fall River, MA). Travel Rte. 24 South to the Rte. 77 South exit. Follow RTE.77 South to Seapowet Avenue. Turn right onto Seapowet Avenue and continue down the hill to the refuge parking lot on the right.
2082 Victory Highway (Route 102)
Coventry, RI 02816
The Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge contains over 295 acres of diverse wildlife habitat consisting of upland forests, wetlands, streams, ponds and open meadow where people can visit and go walking or hiking during their next vacation or weekend getaway. The 11-acre Carr’s Pond, situated entirely within the bounds of the property, is the centerpiece of the preserve. It is home to river otters as well as many types of freshwater fish and aquatic invertebrates. The land is comprised of a relatively mature and undisturbed closed-canopy forest and forested wetlands as well as developed understory - creating ideal conditions for migratory and forest interior birds. A 10-acre field near the head of the trail also provides excellent meadow wildlife habitat.
Davisville Road
North Kingstown, RI
Phone: 401-949-5454
A 90-acre property of woods and wetlands located on the Hunt River with access for canoeing and other outdoor activities such as walking and hiking. Take Exit 7 (Frenchtown Road/Davisville) off Rte. 4 South. Davisville Road (Rte. 403) is the left fork (follow signs toward Quonset Point/Davisville). Parking is on the right within 1/2 mile of the exit, immediately after the guardrail marking the Hunt River.
Pardon Joslin Road
Exeter, RI
Phone: 401-295-8283
This 937-acre property contains fields, diverse forest habitats, pond, streams (including a waterfall) and a historic cemetery for people to explore while walking or hiking on their next vacation when they are looking for fun things to do outdoors. Take I-95 to Rte. 4 to Rte. 102 North. Turn right onto Widow Sweets Road (just after the Exeter Town Clerk's Office and across from Anderson's Quality Furniture Store). Take the second right onto Pardon Joslin Road (a dirt road). Travel approximately 1 mile. Parking lot is on the right side of the road by a large Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge sign.
1670 Maple Valley Road
Coventry, RI
Phone: 401-295-8283
An 860-acre property consisting of majestic old forest, brooks, fields, and mysterious rock cairns makes this a great destination for outdoor activities in Rhode Island such as walking or hiking. The caretaker's house was built in the 1700's. The barn has been converted into a nature center. From Providence take I-95 South to Rte. 102 North (Exit 5B). Take Rte. 102 North approximately ten miles. Turn right (east) onto Maple Valley Road (across Rte. 102, on the left is Waterman Hill Road). Turn into second driveway on the left for the trailhead or the first driveway for programs. Look for the Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge sign.
Watchaug Pond
Charlestown, RI
Phone: 401-874-6664
A 29-acre property gem for walking and enjoying the outdoors on your next Rhode Island vacation, located on the southern shore of the Watchaug Pond. The land abuts Burlingame State Park and trails lead from the refuge to state land. Turn north off Rte. 1 at Prosser Trail, take the first left onto Montauk, and follow the signs to Kimball. At the bottom of the hill turn left and follow Sanctuary Road to the Nature Center.
Shore Road
Westerly, RI
Phone: 401-949-5454
This 86-acre property situated along the northern shore of Winnapaug Pond consists of coastal shrub land, freshwater wetlands, and salt marsh. A short walking trail leads from the parking lot down to the pond. From Rte. 1 South, take a left onto Rte. 1A (following signs to Misquamicut State Beach). Follow Rte. 1A approximately 3 miles. Look for the sign off left shoulder of the road.
North Road
Hopkington, RI
Phone: 401-949-5454
A beautiful 218-acre parcel of stately hemlocks and rock outcrops bordering Long and Ells Pond. The Audubon Society of Rhode Island's land is a part of a large conservation area with trails connecting to Connecticut that are great for walking or hiking. Take Canonchet Road south from Rte. 138, then take the first right onto North Road.
Informational Listings Courtesy of VisitNewEngland.com
Chepachet Village
Route 44
Glocester, RI
Phone: 401-568-6206
This historic village is a fun, easy stroll through small-town America. Main street has funky antique shops, specialty stores, penny candy, Browns and Hopkins Store, Cyrus Cooke Tavern, old mills, and restaurants. The village is host of the annual Glocester Ancients and Horribles Parade on July 4. Go shopping, or just go walking and stroll around town and enjoy the scenery.
Information: www.glocesterri.org/tour.htm
Historic Union Village
Norwood, Westwood, Oakdale roads, off Route 146 A
North Smithfield, RI
This small village in North Smithfield was the site of the first bank in Northern Rhode Island, opened in 1805. For that reason it was originally named Bank Village. A scenic drive-through or walk-through provides views of numerous Federal-style historic homes.
Pawtucket Downtown, Blackstone River, & Slater Mill
Pawtucket , RI
This walking route takes pedestrians along some of Pawtucket's most familiar buildings, landmarks, and waterfront of the historic Blackstone River Valley. Several walks are described at the website below, along Roosevelt and East avenues and near McCoy Stadium; there is no beginning or an end to these paths; they are all interconnected, and provide a great outdoor thing to do for families on vacation. Information: http://1.usa.gov/14A20QO
Slatersville Village Center, North Smithfield
Slatersville, North Smithfield, RI
The village of Slatersville, in the town of North Smithfield, is the pure image of a New England village: neat houses and white picket fences are arrayed along quiet streets, radiating from the town common and Congregational Church. Slatersville is recognized as America's first planned industrial village. The heart of the village is the large, stone Slater Mill. A walk here is delightfully picturesque and also a stroll through America's industrial history when you are looking for things to do one afternoon in Rhode Island. Information: http://bit.ly/XFppfr
Block Island Nature Conservancy
Block Island, RI
Formed by glaciers nearly 10,000 years ago, Block Island features a diverse array of habitats. Birds stop here while migrating in the spring and fall along the Atlantic Flyway. There are approximately 25 miles of walking and hiking trails on Block Island open to the public, free of charge. See website for overview of trails, directions, and resources.
Information: http://bit.ly/FPYM3m
Clay Head Preserve
Corn Neck Road
Block Island, RI
Phone: 401-446-2129
The Clay Head Preserve traverses some of the most spectacular scenery on the eastern seaboard. The trail runs east toward the ocean about one-third of a mile. Soon you will reach an intersection in the trail. If you turn right, you will end up on the beach. Turn left and the trail winds up above the clay bluffs for which this area was named. At the top of the incline, follow the trail along the bluff. Periodically you will see trails on your left heading away from the ocean; this part of Clay Head is known as the maze. These intertwining trails are unmarked and are perfect for hours of wandering when you want to enjoy the outdoors.
Directions: Look for a post marker on the right side of Corn Neck Road about two miles from town. Turn right down the dirt road and drive about one-third mile to a parking area and see the Clay Head sign.
Information: http://bit.ly/15iYOvM
North Light Lighthouse and Beach
North End of Corn Neck Road
New Shoreham (Block Island), RI
Phone: 401-466-3200
This lighthouse is on the grounds of the National Wildlife Sanctuary, which contains walking and hiking trails. No tower access. Reaching the lighthouse requires walking for about 20 minutes from the parking area on a sandy beach.
Hours: Thursday-Monday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Tuesday & Wednesday and on rainy days
Information: http://bit.ly/153Bq2E
Rodman’s Hollow
Black Rock Road
Block Island (town of New Shoreham), RI
Phone: 401-446-2129
This 230-acre glacial outwash basin, located in the southwest part of the island, is considered the birthplace of conservation on Block Island. Walk down Black Rock Road off of Cooneymus Road. About 0.25 miles down on your left, you will see a wooden gate and turnstile marking the trail entrance. Bear left, where the trail splits to traverse the bottom of the Hollow (where you can also access a trail leading to Fresh Pond); bear right to ascend a knoll with a wonderful panoramic vista. The trails intersect again to return to Black Rock Road. If you turn left and continue down the road, you can access the beach via a trail down the bluff.
Directions: Turn onto Walk down off of Cooneymus Road. About 0.25 miles down on the left there is a turnstile at the head of the trail. The trail soon splits. Bear left to traverse the bottom of the Hollow; walk right to ascend a hill with a giant vista.
Information: http://bit.ly/17sfqhi
Barrington Civic Center Historic District
Barrington, RI 02806
Phone: 401-247-1900
The historic section of Barrington features the Barrington Town Hall, built in 1888, and the library. This unusual structure was built in a medieval style, with stone towers. The library is in a school from the early 20th century. Also on site, colonial cemetery and a pond.
Colt State Park
Route 14
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: 401-253-7482
Enjoy this 464-acre state park on the shore of the sparkling Narragansett Bay, with four miles of hiking and biking trails. Things to do and outdoor activities include fishing, concerts and naturalist programs in season.
Hours: Year-round. Free.
Information: www.riparks.com/Locations/LocationColt.html
Dundery Brook Trail
Little Compton School, Meeting House Lane (park by the tennis courts)
Little Compton, RI
Phone: 401-331-7110
This 2.7-mile round trip stroll through a forested wetland includes a 3,100 foot long handicapped accessible boardwalk path connecting to a 4,100 foot long grass path around a pond on Bumble Bee Preserve. The path of the boardwalk zigzags across vernal pools, a sizable brook, two stone walls, and a treasure trove of biodiversity.
East Bay Bike Path
Bristol - Providence, RI 02809
Phone: 401-253-7482
Following the old Penn Central Railway right-of-way, this nearly 15-mile long, mostly flat bike trail runs from India Point Park in Providence, through East Providence and Barrington to Independence Park in Bristol. The 10-foot-wide paved path runs through the country, along the shore, and through salt marshes and woods. Althought named a bike path, the paved route is heavily used by walkers and hikers and families with baby strollers.
Ocean Drive
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401-847-2400 or 401-849-4562
Formerly one of Newport, Rhode Island, grand estates, the park offers spectacular views from the point of land where Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Outdoor activities such as picnicking, walking, hiking, fishing, accompanied by majestic views of the Atlantic. Open year-round sunrise to sunset. Restrooms (open May 1 – October 31), public phone, concessions, parking, nearby fishing nearby, hiking, picnic area, scenic overlooks, public gardens.
Fort Barton
Highland Road
Tiverton, RI
Phone: 401-625-6700
In 1778, Fort Barton was the staging area for the invasion of Aquidnck Island, which led to the Battle of Rhode Island. The site has three miles of walking trails and an observation tower.
Fort Wetherill Road
Jamestown, RI
Phone: 401-423-1771
Historic Downtown Newport
The area surrounding America's Cup Avenue
Newport, RI
A stroll in the streets of downtown Newport, Rhode Island will take you along the water, past dozens of historic buildings, several museums and attractions, and through many outdoor malls and shopping centers. Wonderful in-town walking takes you deep into picturesque Colonial neighborhoods.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Sanctuary
Prudence Island
Portsmouth, RI
Phone: 401-683-6780
National environmental preserve with a self-guided hiking trail and guided nature walks and hikes. The park has a picnic area, swimming, and boating areas. Accessible via a ferry from Bristol.
Hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day, dawn to dusk.
Information; http://www.nbnerr.org/index.html
Newport Cliff Walk
Phone: 401-845-5300
The Newport Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile elevated, winding path along Newport’s shoreline with breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay and the rocky coves below. The walk runs from Bailey's Beach to First Beach, with public access points at Bellevue Avenue, Ledge Road, Marine Avenue, Ruggles Avenue, Sheppard Avenue, Webster Street, and Narragansett Avenue. The walk skirts the edges of some of the city’s mansions, including Beechwood, Rosecliff, Marble House, and The Breakers. The northern end of the walk, beginning at Memorial Blvd., is paved and easy; the southern end of the walk -- less used by the public -- has unpaved sections and rugged paths. Information: www.cliffwalk.com
Norman Bird Sanctuary
583 Third Beach Road
Middletown, RI
Phone: 401-846-2577
This 450-acre refuge includes several wildlife habitats and seven miles of walking trails that are a great destination for a fun afternoon on your next Rhode Island family vacation. The site also houses an on-site museum, educational area, and small gift shop. Spring and fall bird walks are held there.
Hours: Open Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Information: www.normanbirdsanctuary.org/
Watson Farm
455 North Road
Jamestown, RI
Phone: 401-423-0005
Started in 1796, this working farm is set on 265 acres and features cattle, sheep, horses, chickens and a garden. A two-mile walking trail and self-guided tours take visitors on a trip through the history and seasonal cycles of the farm. School programs and demonstrations are available.
Benefit Street
Benefit Street
Providence, RI
Phone: 401-273-7507
Brown University
Prospect, Waterman, Thayer and George streets
Providence, RI
Phone: 401-863-1000
One of the Ivy League universities, Brown was founded in 1764. The campus houses several historic buildings and sites, most of which are still in use today. The campus and neighborhood provide ample opportunity for both long and short walks. The university can information concerning the myriad of historic buildings.
Information: www.brown.edu
East Bay Bike Path
Bristol - Providence, RI 02809
Phone: 401-253-7482
Following the old Penn Central Railway right-of-way, this nearly 15-mile long, mostly flat bike trail runs from India Point Park in Providence, through East Providence and Barrington to Independence Park in Bristol. The 10-foot-wide paved path runs through the country, along the shore, and through salt marshes and woods. Althought named a bike path, the paved route is heavily used by walkers and hikers and families with baby strollers.
Information: http://1.usa.gov/10l9JVl
Federal Hill
Atwells Avenue and surrounding streets
Providence, RI
This is Rhode Island's Little Italy. A true example of Providence's old-world roots, with historic buildings and a big splash of the Italian culture that made Providence grow in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy bakeries, shops, and some of the best restaurants in New England. Take an evening or afternoon walk or stroll through these colorful streets and feel like you have stepped into the Old World for a day.
Information: http://federalhillprov.com/
345 Ives Road
Warwick, RI 02818
Phone: 401-884-2010
Lime Rock Preserve
Wilbur Road
Lincoln, RI
Phone: 401-331-7110
Only 10 minutes from downtown Providence, the preserve forms an oasis of tranquility and an important refuge for wildlife in an area that is heavily impacted by development. Ledges of dolomitic marble produce a special calcareous soil that nurtures 30 rare plant species. Beautiful ferns and wildflowers grow along ridges of recrystallized limestone.
Information: http://bit.ly/QHv6dL
Swan Point Cemetery
585 Blackstone Boulevard
Providence, RI
Phone: 401-272-1314
A historic cemetery with beautiful plantings and monuments. Walking and slow bicycloing allowed. Proper attire requested. Many noted Rhode Island politicians are buried here.
Tillinghast Pond
Narrow Lane or Plain Road
West Greenwich, RI
Phone: 401-331-7110
Tillinghast Pond offers three looping hiking trails so you can walk as short or long as you wish. Bring your canoe or kayak and paddle on the pond and enjoy the solitude of these outdoors on your Rhode Island vacation. Information: http://bit.ly/OJFRXn
WaterPlace Park and Riverwalk
Providence, RI
Beaver River Preserve
Fox Ridge Drive
Richmond, RI
Phone: 401-331-7110
Pleasant, babbling Beaver River flows through undisturbed acres that feature a small woodland pool, streams, and seeps, a bog pool and swamp, forested wetland and a mixed oak forest. There are two walking and hiking trails through the preserve. For your safety, please do not cross the timber bridge over the river. Information: http://bit.ly/RlZYhv
Canonchet Brook Preserve
North Road
Hopkinton, RI
Phone: 401-331-7110
Canonchet is one of the largest natural areas in southeastern New England and is part of the Pawcatuck Borderlands site. Streams and wetlands are scattered through the forests. A trail starts at the parking area off North Road, heads down hill, crosses a small waterway, and passes some old building foundations. It then turns north and crosses Canonchet Brook. Follow the yellow trail blazes.
Information: http://bit.ly/O0e5K9
Canonchet Farm
Strathmore Street and Anne Hoxsie Lane
Narragansett, RI
Phone: 401-789-1044
Site of the South County Museum. A 19th-century working farm set on 174-acre park, it includes historic buildings, exhibits, and a cemetery with graves more than 200 years old. Also has nature trails, and picnic area.
Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
Information: www.canonchet.org/
Pasquiset Pond Preserve
Old Coach Road
Charlestown, RI
Phone: 401-331-7110
Pasquiset Pond offers a diverse natural community. The wetlands support the rare ringed boghaunter dragonfly and an Atlantic white cedar swamp. A short loop walking trail leads through an impressive stand of mature white pines, while further south the Narragansett Trail runs through the property passing by numerous wetlands, mountain laurel, and a field.
Information: http://bit.ly/QcOfxJ
Wickford Village
Route 1A
Wickford in the Town of North Kingstown, RI
A walk around Wickford, a beautiful Rhode Island seacoast village on a cove off Narragansett Bay, makes a day of pleasures on a human scale. The village has been doing business since 1709, and it still bustles -- at a mellow pace. Great shops show cool jewelry, gifts, clothing, and more. Galleries are delightful, and there are plenty of places for a good meal. Walk past churches, colonial-period houses and gardens. Listen to the boats gently rattle their moorings from the decks of waterside restaurants.
Information: http://wickfordvillage.org
Wilcox Park
71 High Street
Westerly, RI 02891
Phone: 401-596-2877 ext. 334
Prime example of a turn-of-the-century park, designed and constructed by Warren Manning in 1898. The park features dozens of specimen trees, shrubs, and flower beds, along with a pond, fountain, and monuments. Botanical arrangements include a dwarf conifer collection, daylilies, and perennials. Breathtaking in May through fall and the perfect spot for a stroll on your next romantic weekend getaway or Rhode Island vacation.
Woody Hill Management Area
Woody Hill Road
Westerly, RI
Gravel paths open only to foot and bicycle traffic are the main feature of this wildlife management area, set on 819 acres. Home to a variety of wildlife both on land and in the water.
