Rhode Island - Walking and Hiking

Black Hut Wildlife Management Area
Spring Lake Road
Burrillville, RI
Phone: 401-568-4300

This preserve covers 1,548 acres of forest, wetlands, and farmland. The area contains many observation points.

Blackstone River Bikeway State Park
Manchester Print Works Road
Lincoln, RI
Phone: 401-723-7892

Part of The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor on the banks of the Blackstone River, with canoeing, boating, a fishing area, and walking trails. The bikeway eventually will run 19 miles and connects with the East Bay Bike Path. There is about three miles of bike path developed.

Chepachet Village
Route 44
Glocester, RI
Phone: 401-568-6206

This historic village features antique shops, specialty stores, and restaurants. Go shopping, or just stroll around town and enjoy the scenery. Open year-round.

Diamond Hill Park
Route 114
Cumberland, RI
Phone: 401-728-2400

This wooded park has fields for sports and games, picnic areas, and a hiking trail. The view from the top of Diamond Hill is spectacular.

Florence Sutherland Fort and Richard Knight Fort Nature Refuge Audubon Society of Rhode Island
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. Take I-295 to Exit 8B (Rte. 7 North). Follow Rte. 7 North; bear right on Providence Pike. Go across at light at Rtes. 5 and 104. Refuge is 1/2 mile on the left, the first left after the Primrose Fire Station.

Historic Union Village
Great Road, 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 privately owned historic homes.

Lincoln Woods State Park
2 Manchester Print Works Road
Lincoln, RI  02865
Phone: 401-723-7892

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Located between routes 146 and 123, Lincoln Woods State Park is A short ride from Providence, Pawtucket, and Cumberland. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the fresh water beach, trout fishing, playing ball, hiking, jogging, horseback riding, or just relaxing under a shade tree. A new addition to the park is the Eastern Mountain Sports kayak school (800-310-4504).

Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge - Audubon Society of Rhode Island
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, teacher's resource center, and a bird-feeding station. From I-295 take Exit 7B onto Rte. 44 West. At fourth set of lights, turn left onto Rte. 5 (Sanderson Road). Turn left at second driveway into the parking lot.

River Island Park
Bernon Street
Woonsocket, RI
Phone: 401-762-6400

This park is only blocks from the center of Woonsocket, yet it sports quiet walking trails, a scenic overlook, and canoe launches.

Block Island Nature Conservancy
Block Island, RI

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Formed by glaciers nearly 10,000 years ago, Block Island features a diverse array of habitats. Maritime shrubland, beaches and open morainal grasslands support more than 40 state and federal rare or endangered species, including the globally endangered American burying beetle. Birds stop here while migrating in the spring and fall along the Atlantic Flyway. There are approximately 25 miles of walking trails on Block Island open to the public, free of charge. Places of interest on Block Island include Clay Head Preserve off Corn Neck Road, the Fresh Swamp Preserve, off Lakeside Drive, Hodge Family Wildlife Preserve, off Corn Neck Road, Nathan Mott Park off Center Road and Turnip Farm off Old Mill Road, and Rodman's Hollow, Black Rock Road off of Cooneymus Road.

Lewis-Dickens Farm - Audubon Society of Rhode Island
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.

North Light
Corn Neck Road
Block Island, RI
Phone: 401-466-3200

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Built in 1867, this is the fourth lighthouse built on Sandy Point, where exposure to the elements and shifting sands make keeping a lighthouse in one piece difficult. The lighthouse is on the grounds of the National Wildlife Sanctuary, which contains hiking trails. No tower access. Public beach, saltwater fishing, bird watching. Lighthouse open daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Environmental Education Center
1401 Hope Street, Route 114
Bristol, RI  02809
Phone: 401-245-7500

Stay in touch with the great outdoors

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The Audubon Environmental Education Center is a state-of-the art natural history museum and aquarium that puts fun and excitement into experiencing nature. Look inside a 33-foot life size Right Whale, discover life in a tide pool, and observe Narragansett Bay’s marine life. The Center’s interactive exhibits feature local habitats. Situated on the 28-acre McIntosh Wildlife Refuge the Environmental Education Center has walking trails with a ¼ mile boardwalk that winds through fresh and saltwater marshes leading 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. The Center offers guided tours, nature walks, special family programs and much more throughout the year. The facility and trails are handicapped accessible.

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.

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
101 Ferry Road / Route 114
Bristol, RI  02809
Phone: 401-253-2707

"An American garden treasure - come and be inspired"

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This 45-room mansion was built in 1908 as the summer home of coal magnate Augustus Van Wickle. The property features gardens, and arboretum on 33 acres overlooking Narragansett Bay. The mansion is open to visitors interested in a look into High Society at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. Grounds are open year-round, 10 am-5 pm; Mansion is open April 1 October 31, 10 am-4 pm.

Colt State Park
Route 14
Bristol, RI  02809
Phone: 401-253-7482

Enjoy the Ocean State

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This is a 464-acre state park on the shore of Narragansett Bay, with four miles of hiking and biking trails, gardens, 10 playing fields and 6 picnic groves. Fishing, concerts and naturalist programs in season. Open year-round.

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 county, along the shore, and through salt marshes and woods. The bike path's southern tip eventually will connect to the Blackstone Bikeway now under construction.

Prudence and Patience Islands Wildlife Management Area
Narragansett Bay
Bristol, RI

While smaller areas are part of both parks listed above, Prudence and Patience Islands are a refuge for a wide variety of bird and mammal species. Prudence Island is known for its popularity for migrating birds and presents excellent opportunities for bird watching. Ticks are plentiful on these islands so use insect repellant and dress accordingly. Accessible only by boat.

Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge - Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Touisset Road
Warren, RI
Phone: 401-949-5454

These 66-acres are a fine example of salt marsh and bordering upland field and wooded habitat. 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.

Watchamocket Cove
East Providence, RI  02914

Another area bird-watching site, ideal for winter spotting of gulls and widgeons.

Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI

This short scenic drive or walk will take you past many of the mansions for which Newport is famous. Most of the popular attractions are visible from the road, in addition to many fine homes that remain privately owned and closed to the public.

Biking

Jamestown

The entirety of Conanicut Island (the town of Jamestown) makes a wonderful place for biking. The slightly hilly terrain offers tremendous views of Narragansett Bay in addition to New England countryside and cozy village streets. About 20 miles.

Little Compton and Tiverton

25 to 35 miles of bike routes through small towns and some water views.

Newport

Bikers will find an enjoyable 15 mile route on Bellevue Avenue and Ocean Drive in Newport. These winding roads take riders along the Atlantic Ocean and past many of the city's famous mansions. Certainly the most scenic of the area's bike routes.

Brenton Point State Park
Ocean Drive
Newport, RI  02840

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Phone: Fort Adams State Park, 401-847-2400; Brenton Point (seasonal), 401-849-4562 Formerly one of Newport grand estates, the park offers spectacular views from the point of land where Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Picnicking, 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.

Cliffwalk
Begins at Memorial Boulevard
Newport, RI
Phone: 401-849-8048

Open: Year-round

The region's most popular walk, the Cliffwalk meanders for 3.5 miles along the Atlantic Ocean and offers views of the sea, as well as many of the most spectacular mansions. The walk has been designated a National Recreation Trail. No admission charge.

Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge - Audubon Society of Rhode Island
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. 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.

Fort Adams State Park
Ocean Drive
Newport, RI
Phone: 401-847-2400

Open: Year-round, dawn to dusk

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An active military fort from 1799 to 1945, Fort Adams sits on over 21 acres and held up to 2,400 troops. The original defenses still present include height walls, powder magazines, 3 tiers of guns and cannons, and listening tunnels. The park also includes a picnic area, beach, boat launches and fishing piers.

Fort Barton
Highland Road
Tiverton, RI
Phone: 401-625-6700

Open: Year-round, dawn to dusk

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 3 miles of trails and an observation tower.

Fort Wetherill State Park
Fort Wetherill Road
Jamestown, RI
Phone: 401-884-2010

Site of a historic defense battery and military training camp, the park offers spectacular views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay from its location on 100-foot granite cliffs. Salt water fishing, scuba diving, and picnicking available.

Heritage Foundation of Rhode Island Park
Prudence Island
Narragansett Bay, RI

Natural parkland set on 475 acres, featuring hiking trails, excellent bird-watching, and natural photography spots. The entrance to the property is on Broadway, which is in the center of Prudence Island.

Historic Newport
The area surrounding America's Cup Avenue
Newport, RI

A stroll in the streets of downtown Newport will take you along the water, past dozens of historic buildings, several museums and attractions, and through many outdoor malls and shopping centers.

Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Sanctuary
Prudence Island
Portsmouth, RI
Phone: 401-683-6780

Open: Dawn to dusk, Memorial Day - Labor Day

National environmental preserve with a self-guided hiking trail and guided nature walks. The park has a picnic area, swimming and boating areas. Accessible through a ferry from Bristol, RI.

Norman Bird Sanctuary
583 Third Beach Road
Middletown, RI
Phone: 401-846-2577

Open: Memorial Day - Labor Day, daily, 9 am - 5 pm

This 450-acre refuge includes several wildlife habitats and seven miles of trails. The site also houses an on-site museum, educational area, and small gift shop. Spring and fall bird walks are held there.

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
Sachuest Point Road
Middletown, RI
Phone: 401-364-9124

Very near to Newport, this national site is a haven for many types of shore birds, and very popular with Southern New England bird watchers.

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 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.

Apponaug Village
Route 1
Warwick, RI

This Historic District was settled in 1696. Apponaug was once a seaport involved in the Triangle Trade. Many 18th and 19th century structures survive, most notably Warwick City Hall, a Victorian-era building with a six-story clock tower. Also within the village are notable churches and the Warwick Museum, which was built in 1912 and originally was the home of the Kentish Artillery Armory. A book, The Walking Tour of Historic Apponaug Village, is available free by calling the telephone number above.

Benefit Street's Mile of History
Benefit Street
Providence, RI
Phone: 401-831-7440

Talk a walk through a neighborhood of magnificent restored buildings, overlooking the Providence waterfront.

Brown University
The neighborhood around Prospect Street
Providence, RI
Phone: 401-863-2378

The campus of one of America's oldest institutions of higher learning provides ample opportunity for both long and short walks. The university can provide walkers with information concerning the myriad of historic buildings any walker will encounter.

Brown University
45 Prospect Street
Providence, RI
Phone: 401-863-2378

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. Regular tours available Monday-Saturday. The campus and neighborhood provide ample opportunity for both long and short walks. The university can information concerning the myriad of historic buildings.

City Park/Buttonwoods Beach
Warwick, RI  02889
Phone: 401-738-2000

Beach park with three baseball fields, picnic areas and shelters, restrooms. Free admission, food concession, wheelchair access.

Dame Farm
29 Brown Avenue
Johnston, RI
Phone: 401-277-2632

This working farm was built in 1789, and now contains an exhibit of farm equipment from the 18th and 19th centuries. A marked hiking and nature trail can be found on the site. Open year-round, dawn to dusk.

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 county, along the shore, and through salt marshes and woods. The bike path's southern tip eventually will connect to the Blackstone Bikeway now under construction.

Federal Hill
Federal Street and surrounding streets
Providence, RI
Phone: 401-831-7440

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.

Goddard Memorial State Park
345 Ives Road
Warwick, RI  02818
Phone: 401-884-2010

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This state park was acquired by the state and converted from a private estate in 1927. Visitors to the park will find a beach, horse and walking trails, forest areas, a nine-hole golf course, picnic and grilling areas, and a performing arts venue.

Nicholas Farm Wildlife Management Area
Nicholas Road
Coventry, RI
Phone: 401-294-4662

1429 acres of natural preserve is the ideal location for hiking and fishing. The preserve offers ample opportunity to observe native animals and birds in their natural habitat.

Roger Williams Park
1000 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, RI  02907

"The Jewel of Providence"

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This 430-acre park contains a zoo, landscaped grounds, gardens, a carousel, and historic buildings. Open daily, year-round, 7 am-9 pm.

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.

Waterplace Park and Riverwalk
Memorial Boulevard
Providence, RI
Phone: 401-785-9450

This recently constructed park winds through downtown Providence along the river and features cultivated paths, stonework, venetian-style footbridges. Location of WaterFire.

Burlingame State Park
Sanctuary Road (Route 1)
Charlestown, RI  02813
Phone: 401-364-8910, seasonal  401-322-8910, year round

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The park has 3,100 acres of rocky woodland surrounding Watchaug Pond in Charlestown. Swimming beach and bathhouse, canoeing, kayaking, freshwater fishing, picnic tables, boat ramp, 73 fireplaces, restrooms, drinking water, telephone, wheelchair accessible. Open year round sunrise to sunset; restrooms open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Lifeguards on duty 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Canonchet Farm
Strathmore Street and Anne Hoxsie Lane
Narragansett, RI
Phone: 401-789-1044

Site of the South County Museum (see listing below). A 19th century working farm set on 174 acre park includes historic buildings, exhibits, and cemetery featuring graves more than 200 years old. It also has nature trails and a picnic area. Open daily, dawn to dusk.

Casey Farm
2325 Boston Neck Road (Route 1A)
Saunderstown, RI
Phone: 401-295-1030

An original, Colonial plantation farm on 300 acres. On the site visitors will find a working farm, a farmhouse built circa 1750, several barns, and a family cemetery. The house is a museum containing artifacts and historic information about the area and the family. Organic seedlings and produce are available for purchase. Hiking trails surround the property. Open June 1-October 15, call for hours.

Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge - Audubon Society of Rhode Island
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. 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.

Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge - Audubon Society of Rhode Island
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. 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.

George B. Parker Woodland - Audubon Society of Rhode Island
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. 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.

Kimball Wildlife Sanctuary - Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Watchaug Pond
Charlestown, RI
Phone: 401-874-6664

A 29-acre property gem 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.

Lathrop Pond Wildlife Refuge - Audubon Society of Rhode Island
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 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.

Long Pond Woods - Audubon Society of Rhode Island
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. Take Canonchet Road south from Rte. 138, then take the first right onto North Road.

Ninigret Park
Charlestown, RI  02813
Phone: 401-364-1222

Covers 172 acres, featuring bike paths, tennis and basketball courts, ball fields, picnic areas, swimming pond, and the Frosty Drew Memorial Nature Center with walking trails. Open daily, dawn to dusk.

Wickford Village
Route 1A
North Kingstown, RI
Phone: 401-295-5566

This scenic and historic village offers streets full of water views, 18th and 19th century homes, and quaint shops.

Wilcox Park
71 1/2 High Street, Downtown Westerly
Westerly, RI  02891
Phone: 401-596-2877 ext. 334
Toll-Free: 866-460-2877 ext. 334

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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 July and the perfect spot for a stroll. Open year-round, dawn-11 pm.

Woody Hill Management Area
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.