The end of summer is a sore subject in Rhode Island, and this one has seemed especially short (but don't they all?). That being said, even the most diehard summer lovers can admit that autumn in New England is truly something special, particularly in the Ocean State. And while you'll find plenty of places in the area to take in the beauty of the fall foliage, we highly recommend heading to Shannock Falls before winter.
The Shannock Historic District is a historic mill village that sits nestled along the Pawcatuck River in the town of Richmond.
The historic core of the village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The area has quite the history.
It was once the site of a battle between the Pequot Indians and the Narragansett Indians over fishing rights. More recently, Lawson M. Cary, Jr. was honored for his efforts to protect the native fisheries and wildlife in the area. The fish ladder you'll see here is dedicated to him.
In the spring and summer, Shannock Falls, which is also known as Horseshoe Falls, looks like this...
... but it won't be long before it starts to look like this.
The area is well-known for its vibrant, rich fall colors. It's utterly awe-inspiring when it's at its peak, which is usually by the end of October.
The dam that backed up the river at Shannock Falls for over 100 years was removed in 2010.
The former dam site is now home to some challenging rapids. It's best admired from afar (and we promise it's easy to admire).
While there's not much to the Shannock Historic District, it's worth visiting in the fall for Shannock Falls alone.
Take some photos and celebrate autumn's arrival, because New England is about to get a lot more colorful... at least for a little while.
Check out this awe-inspiring video to see Shannock Falls at its most furious:
Have you ever been to this quaint waterfall in Shannock, RI? Autumn is definitely the time to check it out! Other than Shannock Falls, what are your favorite waterfalls in Rhode Island? Let us know! And, pro tip: Rhode Island gets chilly in the winter, so consider bringing a light jacket! If you don't have one, our friends at The North Face can help.
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