Living in New England might mean having to deal with unpredictable weather and long winters, but every fall it suddenly becomes worth it! Autumn gives way to gorgeous changing foliage with vibrant shades of reds and orange, fantastic seasonal attractions like apple and pumpkin picking, hay rides, ghost tours, and so much more. One of the very best fall activities to enjoy is most certainly hiking through our beautiful old forests to catch the gorgeous changes in scenery. Knowing where to go to make the most of this time of year is important, so here's a list of 10 of the best hikes in Rhode Island!

1. Weetamoo Woods, Tiverton

Weetamoo Woods, a lovely lush forested area in the East Bay area of Little Rhody, is among the best hikes in Rhode Island. It offers fantastic interconnected trails and gorgeous scenery. Choose between three different trailheads and seven acres of combined trails.

2. Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter

Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge is a charming refuge that offers diverse habitats and wildlife, a waterfall, historic cemetery, and so much more! Find it off route 102 in Exeter.

3. Arcadia Management Area, Richmond, Exeter, Hopkinton, and West Greenwich

The 14,000 acres making up this amazing state recreational area offer countless trails to experience the most of fall. Each trailhead at Arcadia Management Area offers something a little different, but just as wonderful.

4. Glen Rock Reservoir, South Kingstown

The walking trails surrounding the reservoir near historical Kenyon's Grist Mill offer beautiful scenery and easy-to-navigate terrain. If you're feeling extra adventurous, we suggest renting a kayak and taking it through the Queen's River to see the foliage by kayak.

5. Lincoln Woods, Lincoln

Lincoln Woods, one of the most scenic hikes in Rhode Island, is situated within a fantastic state park that is a perfect place for a casual stroll through the woods. It offers 627 acres of beautiful forest, a massive and beautiful pond, and other exciting features.

6. Fort Nature Refuge, North Smithfield

Fort Nature is a small, but stunning preserve in North Smithfield. It is conveniently located off Route 5 and so worth visiting.

7. Lime Rock Preserve, Lincoln

Walk through a gorgeous forested bed of bright orange and yellow leaves at the fantastic Lime Rock Preserve in Lincoln. In case you're a city dweller, it's also just 10 minutes from Providence so you can experience the fall without traveling far. It is also one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Rhode Island.

8. Goddard Memorial State Park, Warwick

If you search for "scenic hikes in Rhode Island," Goddard Memorial State Park will certainly rise to the top of the list! When here, you can choose a hike around breathtaking small streams painted with the fallen leaves, stroll along the beach, or walk through the field! Goddard Park offers so many beautiful choices off Ives Road in Warwick.

9. Ell Pond Preserve, Hopkinton

Offering one of the most scenic hikes in Rhode Island is the spectacular Ell Pond Preserve. You'll also experience eye-catching Red maple and Atlantic white cypress lining the trail at this beautiful kettle hole area of Hopkinton.

10. Bowdish Lake, Glocester

Hiking around Bowdish Lake is a perfect way to take in the changing foliage. Staying for the weekend at the Bowdish Lake Camping Area is also highly encouraged!

Have you been to any of these wonderful places? Which ones were your favorites? We'd love to see your photos and hear about your experiences!

If you're looking for other amazing things to experience in The Ocean State, check out this awesome lighthouse road trip itinerary.