QUESTIONS ABOUT BUYING?
Don't navigate this market alone.
Schedule a call with us and get all your home-buying questions answered.
Platform
Rhode Island Hiking Trails
Rhode Island boasts an impressive variety of hiking trails that cater to all types of outdoor enthusiasts. The state offers serene forested paths, such as those in Fisherville Brook and Steere Hill Farm, as well as beginner-friendly routes like Ballard Park and Osamequin Nature Trails. For hikers seeking scenic views, trails like the DuVal Trail and Mt. Hope Farm provide breathtaking vistas. Coastal and water-adjacent hikes include Black Point and Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, showcasing Rhode Island’s shoreline and waterways. History buffs can explore trails with notable sites, such as Browning Woods and Miantonomi Park, which feature ruins and historic landmarks. From tranquil wooded areas to coastal views and trails with historical significance, Rhode Island’s diverse trail system offers something for everyone.
Best Walking Trails
Fisherville Brook
Exeter, RI
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, the largest public property managed by Audubon, offers diverse habitats including upland beech forests, white cedar swamps, fields, ponds, and streams. Visitors can enjoy scenic bridges over clear streams and a small waterfall, as well as discover a historic cemetery. This popular spot supports activities like hiking, birdwatching, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot beavers, otters, deer, and various bird species such as Barred Owls, Indigo Buntings, and Scarlet Tanagers. The refuge's unique landscape also features kettle ponds, formed by glacial ice thousands of years ago, adding to its natural beauty and ecological significance.
George B. Parker
Woodland
Coventry, RI
Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge offers visitors an extensive network of trails winding through diverse and historic terrain, ideal for a day of exploration. The refuge features Revolutionary War-era carriage roads and historic rock cairns, creating a sense of stepping back in time. Its hilly trails, interspersed with serene streams, provide both challenging hiking and excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. Spanning 860 acres, the area includes forests, brooks, fields, and rocky landscapes perfect for birdwatching and nature programs. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot deer, foxes, and minks, while birdwatchers may find Barred Owls, Wood Ducks, Pileated Woodpeckers, and Baltimore Orioles.
Long Pond Woods
Hopkinton, RI
Long Pond Woods in Hopkinton, RI is an Audubon refuge known for its challenging hikes across 220 acres of rocky, steep terrain. Hikers are rewarded with stunning views of Long Pond and trails that connect to a wider network extending into Connecticut. The area features dense groves of mountain laurel, rhododendron, and tall oaks and hemlocks. Wildlife includes mink, otter, and painted turtles, while birdwatchers can spot Hooded and Worm-eating Warblers, Barred Owls, and Turkey Vultures.
Mercy Woods
Cumberland, RI
In 2018, the Sisters of Mercy sold 229 acres of open space to the Town of Cumberland, with 18 acres designated for athletic fields and 211 acres preserved as open space under the Cumberland Land Trust. The yellow-blazed Mercy Loop offers an easy, four-foot-wide trail with rolling paths and a scenic vista over the forest and reservoir. The blue-blazed Ridge Trail is more challenging, featuring steep ridges and viewpoints. Connecting trails are former farmers' cart paths, reflecting the area's history as a dairy farm. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed, with waste properly disposed of by owners.
Steere Hill Farm
Glocester, RI
Steere Hill in Glocester, the largest of four connected conservation properties totaling 447 acres, features over seven miles of trails through scenic ledges, wetlands, and historic farm remnants. The lower areas were once Angell Farm, while the summit, formerly an orchard, now supports wildlife with native grasses. Phillips Farm, once an orchard and dairy farm, still displays relics of its agricultural past. Acquired between 1967 and 2010, these properties offer year-round activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and geocaching. Dogs are welcome, and amenities include a seasonal portable toilet and picnic tables at the summit.
Tillinghast Pond
West Greenwich, RI
Tillinghast Pond, Pratt Conservation Area, and Wickaboxet Management Area in West Greenwich collectively span over 2,700 acres of diverse habitats, including forests, fields, streams, and ponds. Tillinghast features a serene 40-acre pond with 6.5 miles of loop trails and an observation platform. Pratt offers a single trail through a deciduous forest leading to Acid Factory Brook. Wickaboxet, situated between the two, provides trails through mixed forests and wetlands. Hunting is allowed in all areas; visitors should wear blaze orange during hunting season. Activities include hiking, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Dogs are permitted on leashes.
Best Beginner Hiking Trails
Ballard Park
Newport, RI
Ballard Park, a 13-acre historic gem in Newport, sits on a former quarry that provided stone for the city's famed mansions. Its 1.25 miles of trails feature bog bridges, boardwalks, grassy meadows, and rocky terrain, winding along quarry ridges with striking views of the meadow below and beyond. In early spring, thousands of daffodils bloom, creating a picturesque scene. The park is perfect for birdwatching and popular for dog walking, with dogs required to be leashed, and owners must clean up after them. The park also hosts community events, nature programs, and seasonal celebrations, enhancing its role as a beloved local gathering spot.
Boyden Heights
East Providence, RI
Boyden Heights, managed by the East Providence Conservation Commission, offers scenic views of a cove and the Providence River. Accessed from a small parking area on Boyden Boulevard, visitors can explore red-blazed and blue-blazed loop trails, with a spur leading to the East Bay Bike Path. A highlight is the dock extending into the cove, where swans, ducks, and various birds can often be spotted. The historic Squantum Association clubhouse, built in 1900, is visible across the cove. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after, while bicycles can be walked through to access the bike path.
Dundery Brook
Little Compton, RI
The Dundery Brook Trail (orange) starts at the trailhead and winds through a forested wetland to an open meadow and pond habitat. This accessible boardwalk is great for children and those with mobility challenges, offering seasonal wildlife observations, including migratory birds and rare wetland plants. The trail continues as Blanche's Path (white) around Bumblebee Pond, while the new Hope's Path (blue) connects to a trailhead on West Main Road. Acquired by The Nature Conservancy in 2001, Bumble Bee Preserve protects a vital freshwater ecosystem and serves as an outdoor classroom for local wildlife education.
Osamequin Nature Trails
Barrington, RI
Osamequin Nature Sanctuary offers a scenic exploration of Rhode Island's coastal ecosystems along the Barrington River's Hundred Acre Cove, a vital coastal marsh. The easy, flat trails, starting with the green trail at the park entrance, provide various views of the cove's habitats. The 42-acre sanctuary, named after Massasoit Ousamequin of the Pokanoket Tribe, was acquired by the Town of Barrington in 1968. Visitors can enjoy seasonal wildlife, including nesting diamondback terrapins and horseshoe crabs, with excellent birdwatching opportunities. Please stay on marked trails to protect wildlife, and dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
Sunset Farm
Narragansett, RI
The Sunset Farm Trail is a well-maintained 1.5-mile loop, shaped like a lasso, with mostly flat terrain and some gentle elevation changes. The trail begins at the far northwest end of the parking lot next to the farm area gate, which can be opened if closed—just remember to close it behind you. About 300 yards from the loop junction, there’s a connector to Island View Road, requiring a half-mile road walk to reach the Harbour Island trail. The western end of the trail features an overlook and picnic area with views of Champlin Cove in Point Judith Pond. If you encounter a locked gate near the loop trail, backtrack 30 feet and take the smaller trail to the left. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and waste must be picked up.
Westconnaug Meadows
Scituate, RI
Westconnaug Meadows, owned by the Scituate Land Trust, offers a peaceful, beginner-friendly trail just over a mile long. The trailhead is located at the ball field parking area on George Washington Highway in Clayville. Starting at the north end of the lot, cross through a stone wall gap and enter the woods. The trail begins with two boardwalks before winding uphill through a variety of trees like black oak, red oak, and white pine. At a fork, stay left and continue downhill, passing piles of stones and American chestnut. The trail loops around, offering views of the Scituate Reservoir and seasonal vernal pools. Easy to navigate with brown plastic markers, the trail returns to the parking lot where it began. The property is well-maintained by the Land Trust and Conservation Commission.
Best Trails for Views
DuVal Trail
South Kingstown, RI
The 2.4-mile DuVal Trail, established with guidance from the National Park Service in 1998, crosses protected lands managed by the South Kingstown Land Trust (SKLT) and RIDEM. It showcases scenic hill-and-kettle landscapes, remnants of glacial activity, and offers a beautiful overlook with views of the ocean and Block Island. The trail passes through Susanna’s Woods, a historic oak forest with a dense under-story of mountain laurel, lying within the Charlestown Recessional Moraine. This natural formation helped shape local features like Worden’s Pond and the Pawcatuck River. Historically, the woods served as woodlots for early plantation families. Dogs are allowed on leashes. Mountain bikes and motorized vehicles are prohibited.
Grills Preserve
Hopkinton, RI
The trailhead opens to a mowed field, continues through cornfields, and then enters wooded areas. Over three miles of trails east of Tomaquag Brook follow old cart paths, passing an Atlantic White Cedar swamp and a stone bridge over Wine Bottle Brook. The Tomaquag Brook Bridge, completed in 2013, connects Chase Hill Road to Bowling Lane. To the west, trails offer rocky overlooks and swamps, leading to the historic Polly Coon Bridge, which once transported granite across the Pawcatuck River. This bridge now provides pedestrian access to Westerly Land Trust’s Grills Preserve. Dogs are allowed on leashes, and bicycles must stay on marked trails. A canoe/kayak launch and fishing spots are available near the parking area.
Mt. Hope Farm
Bristol, RI
Enjoy a relaxing stroll on Mount Hope Farm’s paved trails through scenic fields, tranquil ponds, and wooded areas with stunning views of Mount Hope Bay and the iconic Mount Hope Bridge. Along the way, stop by the barnyard to greet friendly animals, including chickens, sheep, and playful goats. On Saturdays, the trails lead to a vibrant Farmer’s Market from 9 am to 1 pm, featuring fresh produce and artisan goods. As one of Rhode Island’s oldest farms, Mount Hope Farm offers an enchanting glimpse into local history, perfect for birdwatching and picnicking, with tables in scenic spots. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed, and waste pick-up is required.
Neutaconkanut Hill Park
Providence, RI
Nicknamed “the Hill,” this urban park blends lower-elevation ball fields, a track, playground, and recreation center with forested trails higher up. Hikers should prepare for a steep climb, especially on the Pond Trail, to access the forest’s more gradual paths. The Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy offers guided walks the first Saturday of each month at 10 a.m., meeting at 120 Killingly Street. Revitalized in the 2000s, the Hill now features new trails, blending natural beauty with historical remnants. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed; waste pick-up is required. Other amenities include a skateboard park, basketball courts, and restrooms in the rec center (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Weetamoo Woods
Tiverton, RI
Weetamoo Woods and Pardon Gray Preserve offer nine miles of easy to moderate trails with gentle slopes, rocky paths, and some seasonal wet areas. Maps are available at the East Road trailhead. The main forest, featuring coastal oak-holly trees, supports birds like the Baltimore oriole and raptors such as red-tailed hawks. The woods also include wetlands with Atlantic white cedar and a 12-acre grassland for ground-nesting birds. Historic sites, like Eight Rod Way’s colonial cobblestone path and an old sawmill, add cultural depth. Dogs must be leashed or under voice command, with waste picked up. Horses are allowed on trails but not in open meadows, and mountain bikes are permitted (no motorized vehicles).
Wolf Hill
Smithfield, RI
Wolf Hill is a 300-acre property in Smithfield, featuring rolling trails with a steep section on the southern Mary Mowry Trail. Once Mowry Farm, it’s now a mature oak and maple forest with huckleberry and blueberry undergrowth and vernal pools. Acquired by the Smithfield Land Trust in 2000, it includes a memorial to three airmen who died in a 1943 crash. Trails pass through a National Grid power line right-of-way, creating wildlife habitats. Mercer Outlook offers views of Providence, and the Ken Weber Trail reveals the rock ledge of Wolf Hill. Dogs must be leashed or under control, and owners must clean up. Horses and bikes are allowed, with limited parking for horse trailers. The Conservation Center has an ADA-accessible fishing dock, and picnic tables are at the trailhead.
Best Trails for Scavenger Hunts
High Rocks
(Corn Crib Silo)
Cumberland, RI
The 268-acre preserve is made up of several parcels owned by the Cumberland Land Trust and the Town of Cumberland. It features gently rolling land with ridges offering scenic views, trails through open woods and wetlands, and a meadow with benches for observing bluebirds along the Bluebird Trail. A high-tension power line bisects the preserve, and some areas were farmed until the 1970s. Visitors can also enjoy a scavenger hunt, making it a fun, interactive experience for all. Dogs are welcome but must be cleaned up after. Picnic tables are available at the High Rock Trailhead, and benches are located along the Bluebird Trail.
Hunts Mills
(Fire Tower)
East Providence, RI
The red-blazed trail starts near the gazebo by the Hunt House and leads through the Terrace Garden, with seasonal blooms like mountain laurel. It descends to the Ten Mile River, passing Sunset Rock and Otter Rock, where otters are often seen. The trail continues past remnants of a fire training area and leads to the Hunt House, where a circle of granite blocks marks a former carousel site. It ends at the Hunts Mills Dam and waterfall. Dogs on leashes are welcome, and a scavenger hunt is available. The John Hunt House, home to the East Providence Historical Society, is open on the second Sunday of each month from March to December.
Jerimoth Hill
(Highest Point in RI Marker)
Foster, RI
Jerimoth Hill, standing at 812 feet, is the highest point in Rhode Island and offers an easy, short walk from the road. Located off Rt. 101/Hartford Pike, just east of Pole 212, you'll find a well-marked trail leading to the official summit. While there are no views due to the forested surroundings, make sure to sign the trail logbook at the summit. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and owners must clean up after their pets. A fun scavenger hunt is available along the trail, adding an interactive element to your visit.
Long Pond Woods
(The Cleft)
Hopkinton, RI
Long Pond Woods in Hopkinton, RI, is one of the most challenging hiking destinations in the Audubon Refuge system, offering a stunning, rocky landscape with steep terrain. The 220 acres provide exceptional views of Long Pond, and dense groves of mountain laurel, rhododendron, towering oaks, and hemlocks create a beautiful setting. Trails meander along Long and Ell Ponds, connecting to a larger system that extends into Connecticut. Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of Hooded Warblers, Turkey Vultures, and Barred Owls, among others. Don't forget to participate in the scavenger hunt along the trails for an interactive experience. Please note that dogs are prohibited on the trails.
South Farm
(Sauna)
Charlestown, RI
The South Farm Preserve, a 118-acre site, features two fields with perimeter trails and woodland trails at the southern end. The preserve, originally a working farm, includes a restored sheep barn, a sauna firebox, and remnants of an old house and garden near Old Coach Road. A historic cemetery, dating back to the 1800s, is also on the property. Birds and butterflies thrive in the fields, which are left uncut until later in the year. The preserve is adjacent to The Nature Conservancy’s 500-acre Pasquiset Pond Preserve. Enjoy a scavenger hunt as you explore the trails! Dogs must be leashed or under voice command, and horses are allowed only on the field perimeter trails. Riders must clean up after their horses.
Sprague Farm
(Elbow Rock)
Glocester, RI
Sprague Farm, covering approximately 1,200 acres, offers miles of scenic trails through forests, fields, and wetlands. Trails pass by stands of Striped Maple, a glacial fen, Atlantic White Cedar wetland, stone walls, and the historic Sprague family cemetery. Acquired by the Glocester Land Trust in the 1990s, the farm features diverse wildlife and was the site of a 2009 BioBlitz where nearly 1,000 species were documented. Popular activities include horseback riding, jogging, geocaching, and casual walks. During the winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available. Enjoy a scavenger hunt as you explore! Dogs must be under control, and horses are permitted with restrictions after rain. Biking is allowed on wide gravel trails.
Best Trails by Water - (Non-Ocean)
Garrison House Acres
South Kingstown, RI
This 26-acre coastal property in South Kingstown offers a one-mile loop trail through diverse habitats, including woodlands, freshwater marshes, open fields, and salt marshes along the Narrow River. The trail passes through a scrub forest and stone wall, then enters a meadow with scenic river views. It also features a small pond, likely used as a cattle watering hole. Named after a fortified house destroyed during King Philip’s War in 1675, the property is ecologically significant and connects to nearby conserved lands, including the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge and Audubon Society preserves.
Haile Farm Preserve
Warren RI
This 26-acre coastal property in South Kingstown features a one-mile loop trail through woodlands, freshwater marshes, open fields, and salt marshes along the Narrow River. The trail passes a scrub forest, stone wall, and scenic meadow with river views, plus a small pond once used by cattle. Named for a fortified house destroyed during King Philip’s War in 1675, the preserve is ecologically important and connects to nearby conserved lands, including the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge and Audubon Society preserves. This network creates a continuous wildlife corridor along Pettaquamscutt Cove and the Narrow River.
India Point Park
Providence, RI
Located in the historic Fox Point neighborhood of Providence's East Side, India Point Park offers stunning views of Providence Harbor and the Seekonk River. The park features paved and stone dust walking paths, a playground with ropes, swings, and a sandbox, as well as a ceremonial dock and a pedestrian bridge connecting the park to the neighborhood. It hosts the city's annual 4th of July fireworks, concerts, and festivals. Historically, India Point was a hub for Providence’s sea commerce and the site of the first Providence train station. Environmentalist Mary Elizabeth Sharpe helped turn the area into a public park in 1974, which is now stewarded by the Friends of India Point Park.
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge
Charlestown, RI
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1970, spans 858 acres of diverse habitats, including grasslands, swamps, and freshwater ponds, with areas on both sides of Route 1. The refuge features six miles of trails, offering views of Ninigret Pond and wildlife such as over 250 bird species. The Kettle Pond area, home to the Kettle Pond Visitor Center, provides forested uplands, seasonal vernal pools, and views of Watchaug Pond. Leashed dogs are allowed on most trails, except the Toupoysett Pond Trail. Amenities include restrooms at the visitor center and nearby Burlingame State Park, which offers camping and a swimming beach.
Roger Williams
Providence, RI
Roger Williams Park, located in Providence's South Elmwood neighborhood, spans over 435 acres and offers a range of recreational amenities, including ponds, gardens, walking trails, tennis courts, ball fields, playgrounds, and the Roger Williams Park Zoo. The park also features historic buildings like the Bandstand, Museum of Natural History, Botanical Center, and the Casino. Created in 1871 from a bequest by Betsey Williams, the park was designed by Horace Cleveland to serve as a peaceful retreat from the industrialized city. With miles of roads and five marked trails of varying difficulty, the park offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors should be mindful of poison ivy and road traffic along the trails.
Woonasquatucket River Greenway
Providence/Johnston, RI
The Woonasquatucket River Greenway Bike Path runs from downtown Providence to Lyman Avenue in Johnston, passing through parks, neighborhoods, and woods. The trail features both on-road and off-road sections, with a 2.3-mile off-road stretch starting at Riverside Park. The Greenway was created to revitalize Olneyville and offers 7 miles of biking, including access to parks like Donigian, Riverside, and Merino Park, which have sports fields, playgrounds, and community gardens. Highlights include murals, a skate park, a BMX track, and a fish ladder. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after.
Best Trails with Ocean Views
Black Point
Narragansett, RI
Black Point in Narragansett, Rhode Island, offers scenic walking trails that showcase the area's stunning natural beauty. The trails wind through coastal landscapes, featuring rocky shorelines, salt marshes, and views of the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers can enjoy peaceful walks through diverse habitats, including wooded areas and beach access points. These trails provide an opportunity to explore the area’s rich wildlife, with plenty of spots to pause and take in the breathtaking coastal views, making Black Point a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Cliff Walk
Newport, RI
The Cliff Walk in Newport is a 3.5-mile scenic trail that stretches along the rocky coast, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Newport’s iconic mansions. The walk starts with a paved section from First Beach to 40 Steps, which is easy to navigate, before becoming more rugged as you head south. Parking can be challenging, especially during the summer, with the best options near First Beach and along Narragansett Avenue. The walk includes seasonal amenities like restrooms and water at key points such as Easton's Beach and 40 Steps. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed and cleaned up after.
Champlin Glacier Park
Westerly, RI
Glacier Park, a 134-acre site in Westerly, showcases a rare glacial landscape with kettles, kames, carved canyons, and glacial erratic boulders. Its moraine ridge offers views of the Lathrop Preserve, Winnapaug Pond, Misquamicut Beach, Block Island Sound, and the terminal moraine. The park features over two miles of trails that explore ridges and valleys, some with steep inclines. Once part of a large farm and later used for military purposes during World War II, it is now permanently protected by the Westerly Land Trust. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed, and waste must be cleaned up. The park has no restrooms or other amenities.
Sachuest Point National
Middletown, RI
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, known for its vibrant birdlife, hosts the second largest wintering population of harlequin ducks along the Atlantic coast. Visitors can see these colorful birds between November and March, along with loons, eiders, and gannets. The refuge offers nearly 3 miles of trails, providing access to salt marshes, rocky shorelines, and diverse habitats, ideal for birdwatching and photography. Elevated observation platforms offer stunning views, and the nearby restored salt marsh at Third Beach is a popular birding spot. The refuge also features fantastic saltwater fishing and a night fishing permit system. The visitor center, open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, provides additional resources. Restrooms are available at the center, but there are no picnic areas or campsites on the property.
Trustom Pond National
South Kingstown, RI
Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, one of Rhode Island's five national wildlife refuges, spans 787 acres of diverse habitats, including fields, shrublands, woodlands, and saltwater ponds. It is home to over 300 bird species, 40 mammal species, and 20 species of reptiles and amphibians. The refuge features Rhode Island's only undeveloped coastal salt pond and provides critical nesting sites for the least tern and piping plover. The Trustom Pond Contact Station, open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, offers resources, while trails remain open year-round. Accessible viewing platforms and trails are available, and restrooms are located at the Contact Station. The refuge lacks picnic areas or campsites.
Best Trails with Historic Sites
Browning Woods
South Kingstown, RI
The 3-mile Browning Trail crosses three parcels, including the 165-acre Browning Woods Farm, purchased in 1999, and two adjacent lots totaling 21.8 acres acquired in 2001 and 2003. These acquisitions were funded by The Nature Conservancy, the RI Department of Environmental Management, and local open space programs. The trail begins at 100 feet above sea level and ascends to nearly 200 feet, passing over a swamp, intermittent streams, and through wooded uplands. Hikers can explore remnants of the Browning homestead and a long-abandoned cellar hole. The land, once part of the original Pettaquamscutt purchase, was protected by the South Kingstown Land Trust, contributing to a larger corridor of conserved land in the area.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge
Coventry, RI
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, donated to Audubon in 2010, spans over 295 acres of diverse habitats, including upland forests, wetlands, streams, ponds, and open meadows. The 11-acre Carr Pond, the refuge's centerpiece, is home to river otters and a variety of freshwater species. Wildlife such as deer, fox, coyote, and red squirrels, as well as birds like Wild Turkey, Hooded Merganser, and Scarlet Tanager, can be seen throughout the property. The refuge offers opportunities for birdwatching, educational programs, and features a self-guided interpretive nature trail with lessons for students. A lakeside cabin is available for rent from May to October.
Miantonomi Park
Newport, RI
Miantonomi Park is a 30-acre city park in Newport, featuring wooded trails and a historic WWI Memorial Tower located atop the highest point in the city. Nestled in the North End, it offers a peaceful retreat for spring birding during migration. The park is historically significant, having served as a Native American meeting site and a lookout during the American Revolution, with remnants of earthen redoubts still visible along the trails. Visitors can enjoy a picnic area, playground, and open field. The tower is occasionally open in summer for panoramic views of Newport.