Rhode Island isn't exactly known for its waterfalls. After all, we have earned ourselves the nickname "The Ocean State." That being said, there are plenty of picturesque cascades in Rhody. You just have to know where to look for them. For a fairly easy, beautiful, refreshing hike, just take the Ben Utter Trail to Stepstone Falls.
The Ben Utter Trail is a nice, easy, 2.7-mile hike you'll find in the Arcadia Management Area near West Greenwich.
There are several trails that will take you to Stepstone Falls, but this one is definitely the most scenic.
Start at the Ben Utter Trailhead, which you'll find on Austin Farm Road.
Follow the yellow and blue blazes. The trail will soon fork, and you can go either way -- but if you keep right, you'll stay closer to the river.
You'll pass a few more junctions before you come to Stepstone Falls, which sits near the halfway point.
Rhode Island has a very limited number of natural waterfalls, and this is one of them.
Stepstone Falls is actually a series of gentle cascades falling over overhanging ledges.
Dropping 10 feet over about 100 feet of distance, the water often creates a flat, curtain-like appearance.
The tallest drop, which is a mere three feet, is the most photogenic.
That being said, you'll want to see the waterfall from several different angles.
When you've had your fill of the falls, continue on to reach the gravel Falls River Road.
You'll come to a pretty picnic pavilion before ending your journey, which happens to be a perfect place to have lunch.
The Ben Utter Trail is truly an underrated hike.
It's open year-round, although it can get quite muddy. You're always welcome to bring your well behaved dogs along for the fun as long as they stay leashed.
Have you ever hiked this picturesque trail?
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