Rhode Island Hikes…The Perfect Seasonal Stroll

 Hiking in Lil’Rhody

Fort Nature Refuge: North Smithfield

With more than two hundred acres of calm countryside, Fort Nature Refuge is a particularly relaxing and isolated spot, and is particularly well-suited to bird watching. With no motorized vehicles, hunting, fishing, or camping allowed, Fort Nature Refuge offers one of the most peaceful, untouched hiking trails in the state. It’s also a particularly nice place to watch the leaves change.

Greenway: Block Island

Block Island is one of the most beautiful places in the state, but it’s subject to the whims of weather even more so than the rest of the state. In the winter, the island pretty much shuts down. In the summer, it’s swarming with tourists. In the fall, however, the weather is still nice, the trees still have some leaves left, and the island isn’t overwhelmed. So check out the Greenway, a seven mile trail taking you from forest to shore and everywhere in between.

Cliff Walk: Newport

The Cliff Walk, much like the Greenway, is icy cold in the winter and boiling in the summer but, in the times in between, it’s a pleasant, if windy, way to spend an afternoon. The Cliff Walk is a three and a half mile stone path right along the shoreline. If you want a view to remember, this is the place to go.

Lincoln Woods State Park: Lincoln

This is a massive park with miles and miles of hiking and biking trails and some of the best foliage around. Take a hike through the deep woods of Lincoln, or hike along the shore of Olney Pond.

Osamequin Nature Trails: Barrington

Located right across the water from Hundred Acre Cove, Osamequin is a bit chilly, so while you may want to bundle up, it will certainly be worth it. Osamequin has some of the best biodiversity out of any of these hiking spots and, and you’ll be able to witness first-hand the forest and its inhabitants preparing themselves for the oncoming winter.

Trustom Pond:  South Kingstown

Located in Matunuck, this refuge offers 787 acres of wildlife habitats which include fields, shrublands, woodlands, fresh and saltwater ponds and sandy beaches and dunes. There are about 300 bird species, more than 40 mammal species, and 20 species of reptiles and amphibians that live at Trustom Pond.  Listen to the sound of the ocean as you take in the beautiful sights and sounds of fall!

Arcadia State Park:  Richmond, Exeter, Hopkinton, and West Greenwich

Arcadia State Park ranges over 14,000 scenic acres.  There are miles and miles of well marked hiking trails and gravel roads.  Many ponds, streams and rivers flow through the area.  This is a multi-use location so be sure to take note of hunting seasons and follow regulations.

 And more:

Audubon’s Wildlife Refuge Network
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge
Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge
Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge
Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge
Fort Nature Refuge
George B. Parker Woodland
Kimball Wildlife Sanctuary
Lathrop Wildlife Refuge
Lewis-Dickens Farm
Long Pond Woods
Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge (open only during Audubon programs)
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
Touisset Marsh Wildlife
Waterman Pond