Rhode Island
Nature

Take These 8 Walking Paths In Rhode Island For A Casual Stroll Through Gorgeous Scenery

Published Mar 12, 2017

Written by 

Jeana

We all know Rhode Island is filled with gorgeous hiking trails. Just in case you want a few suggestions, check out our article on awesome hiking trails in the state! Though these places are always great options, sometimes you might just be in the mood for a casual stroll through nature without having to worry about rugged footwear. If you're looking for a paved, or at least well maintained path through gorgeous scenery, try these 8 wonderful paths in Little Rhody!

1. Blackstone River Greenway

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Wikipedia

Of course, number one on this list simply must be the Blackstone River Greenway. This 48 mile bike and walking path begins in Worcester, Massachusetts and ends in Providence, Rhode Island. You can pick it up and enjoy a relaxing walk at any point along the route.

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2. Cliff Walk, Newport

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Flickr/m01229

This 3.5 mile walking path offers some of the most breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay. You can find access points on Bellevue Avenue, Ledge Road, Marine Avenue, Ruggles Avenue, Sheppard Avenue, Webster Street, and Narragansett Avenue.

3. Riverwalk, Providence

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Flickr/midwinter

The Providence Riverwalk is a gorgeous walking path offering amazing views of the city and the Providence river. Watching the sun setting over the city skyline might just be one of the very best views in state! Find the walkway in Waterplace Park at 1 Financial Way in Providence.

4. City Park, Warwick

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Yelp/Brian S.

This stunning city park is packed with wonderful attractions including a dog park, beach area, basketball court, baseball fields, and so much more. The 3 plus mile paved walking and biking path that goes through the park is a perfect place to spend an afternoon.

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5. Rocky Point Park, Warwick

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Yelp/Andrea R.

This lovely park pays tribute to the beloved amusement park that once stood here. The walking path is an easy going walk through some memorabilia with lovely oceanic views. Find it off Rocky Point Avenue in Warwick.

6. Blackstone Boulevard, Providence

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Yelp/Meg S.

Found off Blackstone Boulevard in Providence, this several acre walking path is a perfect escape into nature amidst its urban location. Enjoy the well maintained park and brisk walk year-round.

7. Lincoln Woods State Park, Lincoln

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Yelp/Brian S.

Located in Blackstone Valley is the beautiful park known as Lincoln Woods. Equestrian and hiking trails, a freshwater beach, and even outdoor ice skating in the winter makes this a park worth visiting. The walking path goes through a lovely section of the park that makes the visit just so worth it. Find the park at 2 Manchester Print Works Road.

8. Audobon Society, Smithfield

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Yelp/Carly B.

Found at 12 Sanderson Road, the Audobon Society is a nonprofit organization that focuses on environmental advocacy and education. The walking path and boardwalk found here offers beautiful views and diverse wildlife.

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For more on the Blackstone River Greenway, including access point locations and more, visit www.blackstoneherritagecorridor.org.

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Nature

The Wildlife Refuge in Rhode Island Where You’ll See 300 Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

Bring your binoculars for a day of bird-watching and hiking at this wildlife refuge, home to 300 bird species, in South Kingstown.

Published Oct 19, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Spending time outdoors, especially if there’s a chance of spotting wildlife, is one of my favorite ways to destress. Seeing a deer peeking out from behind a hiding spot; hearing squirrels running up trees, and listening to the birds are instant stress reducers. One of the best places to see wildlife, especially for bird-watchers, is this wildlife refuge in Rhode Island that’s home to 300 bird species.

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Reconnect with nature at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, a 787-acre oasis that promises a quiet retreat, whether you cast a line into the pond from Moonstone Beach; explore on a scenic trail, or relax on a bench as you soak up the scenery. Whatever your plan, make sure you allot some time for bird-watching. The wildlife refuge is home to an estimated 300 species of birds and more than 60 types of mammals and amphibians, so chances are pretty good you’re going to spot a lot of birds and animals.

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All Trails/Scott Jensen

Consider bringing binoculars for an up-close view of piping plovers, Cooper’s hawks, wood ducks, mallards, and song sparrows. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a bald eagle. Perhaps the best way to see the birds and wildlife, including river otters and wood frogs, is to follow one of the easy trails. Educational placards are placed throughout the wildlife refuge, offering more information about bird species and restoration efforts, and there are several wooden observation decks.

The shortest of the trails, Farm Field Loop Trail, tallies just .06 of a mile and is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Meander along the scenic trail through a meadow and along a tree-lined path that leads to Farm Pond, where lily pads float. If you need a breather, relax on a bench that overlooks a meadow, and keep an eye out for snapping turtles, birds, and dragonflies.

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All Trails/Rebekah Marin

If you have more time, set off on the 2.5-mile Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge Trail, which leads to one of the observation decks. The predominately flat trail, also with benches along the way, wanders past fields, mushrooms and wildflowers, and to the pond. The wildlife refuge can get buggy in the warmer months, but it’s a popular destination year-round.

While the wildlife refuge is kid-friendly, you’ll have to leave your pup at home. Dogs are not permitted. Find more information on Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge on the official website of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

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Before you explore Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, make sure you have everything you need for successful bird-watching, including binoculars and a camera. Keep your adventure going by visiting Shepherd’s Run, a winery and inn in South Kingstown, Rhode Island.

If you know of any other amazing bird-watching spots in Rhode Island, let us know. For more Rhode Island content delivered straight to your email, scroll down to the bottom of the page to sign up for the Rhode Island newsletter.

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Nature

The Magnificent Pond in Rhode Island That’s Located a Short Stroll From the Parking Lot

Follow a short and sweet trail that leads to one of the best ponds in Rhode Island, an idyllic spot to relax, boat, and kayak.

Published Sep 28, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Sometimes shedding the stress of the day requires little more than a quick break. Other times I want to get outdoors and escape from it all – the noise, the responsibilities, the little annoyances that seem to balloon as the day wears on. We’ve all had those days where we want to shut off the noise but our energy levels are nil. Fortunately, we’ve got plenty of ways to let that stress go, including with a stroll on this short and sweet path to a beautiful pond in Rhode Island.

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Some days just call for a chill adventure that allows us to spend some time lost in nature, enjoying the fresh air, and appreciating the pretty scenery. Breakheart Pond Loop via Hicks Trail, a short and sweet path that tallies just over 1.5 miles, doesn’t require a whole lot of time, about half an hour on average, but promises an abundance of natural beauty, including white pine trees, laurel, and even a tiny cascade or two. The easy trail meanders through Arcadia State Management Area, so it unsurprisingly gets busy at times. Expect to run into others out hiking, walking their dogs (all dogs are welcome if they’re leashed), or snowshoeing if there’s snow on the ground.

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All Trails/TCRN67 Carlton

If it's the views you're after, you don’t have to follow the entire trail. Slide into one of the parking spots in the small lot, which has less than a dozen spaces, and take a short stroll to the water’s edge. Flanked by white pine trees that mirror off the water, the 44-acre pond is popular with boaters and kayakers. If you plan to explore by boat, you’re only allowed to do so in a non-motorized or an electric boat.

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All Trails/James Medeiros

However, if you are up for the adventure of following the Breakheart Pond Loop via Hicks Trail, go prepared. The area can get buggy, so insect repellant is a must, and water shoes are a good idea, especially if you’re heading out after it rains. Don’t expect too many changes along this predominately flat path that loops around the pond. The elevation gain is just under 60 feet, making it an easy walk even for the kiddos.

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All Trails/Tricia Brewster

Have you been to Breakheart Pond in Rhode Island? What did you think? Was the trail easy? Would you follow it again? Let us know in the comments! If you prefer a challenge and want to explore Arcadia State Management Area some more, set off on the moderately difficult 13.4-mile North South Exeter to Carbuncle Pond Trail. Or check out AllTrails for more of the best trails in Rhode Island.

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