18 Best Hikes In Rhode Island: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails To Visit In 2024

While the smallest state in the country is relatively flat with the highest point at 811 feet (Jerimoth Hill in Foster), there are hundreds of hiking trails throughout. There are coastal trails, hikes through wildlife refuges, and hiking through the forests. Hiking is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in nature and see the natural beauty that our state has to offer. If you want to explore the smallest state on foot, here are some of the best hikes in Rhode Island:

Best Hikes in Rhode Island

If you enjoy beautiful views while getting fresh air, the Ocean State has plenty of areas for that. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Rhode Island you’re going to love!

Cliff Walk, Newport, RI 02840, USA

pabradyphoto/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

• Location: Newport
• Mileage 7-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: Metered parking for this trail can be found on several side streets off of Bellevue Ave. as well as on Memorial Blvd. at Easton's Beach and at the end of Narragansett Ave. at Forty Steps. However, there is no fee for parking between November 1 and April 30. There is very little shade along the way so be sure to wear sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring plenty of water especially if you're hiking the Cliff Walk's entirety.

Newport's Cliff Walk is a long winding pathway that meanders between the rocky coastline and the famous Newport Mansions. While most of the trail is flat, there are a few areas you'll need to take extra precautions. However, this trail is utterly picturesque and your jaw will drop at some of the coastal and Gilded-age mansion views. Take a look at what makes this area so picturesque when you watch the drone footage below:

Wolf Hill Forest Preserve, Waterview Dr, Smithfield, RI 02917, USA

Tommy Larsen/AllTrails

• Location: Smithfield
• Mileage 4.4-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: This is a popular trail that is best to hike between March and October. It's rocky and steep in certain areas so be sure to wear sturdy footwear. Parking is found on Waterview Drive by the Smithfield Police Station or in the small parking lot at the Conservation Center on Waterview Drive.

One of my favorite hikes in my hometown of Smithfield is the World War II Memorial Loop. Located at Wolf Hill Forest Preserve, you'll encounter an abandoned Boy Scout camp from the 1940s as well as a rock quarry and a memorial at a World War II bomber crash site. From the Boy Scout campsite, you will have a good view of the Providence skyline in the distance on a clear day.

Advertisement

Emilia Peña-Disla/AllTrails

• Location: Coventry
• Mileage 4-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: The best time of year to hike this trail is between March and December. This is a popular trail for hiking, birding, wildflowers, and wildlife. Parts of the trail are rocky, so keep that in mind. It takes almost 1.5 hours to complete. Dogs are allowed on leash. This area closes occasionally for hunting (dates vary each year).

Located within the 8,300-acre Big River State Management Area, this loop trail is kid-friendly, one that the whole family can enjoy! And you'll love the views of the two ponds along the way.

Advertisement

Best Short & Easy Hikes in Rhode Island

Not all hikes in the Ocean State are several hours long. In fact, some of the loveliest hikes are short and easy. If you’re looking for more of a casual stroll than a strenuous hike, check out some of the best short and easy hikes in Rhode Island.

Stepstone Falls, West Greenwich, RI 02817, USA

Elizabeth Cappel/AllTrails

• Location: West Greenwich
• Mileage 2.7-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This trail begins at Fall River Road and ends at Plain Road. You'll be led through the forest and along Wood River. Stepstone Falls is not too far up the trail. Parts of the trail are rocky, so plan accordingly.

If you love waterfalls, the Stepstone Falls via Ben Utter Trail is for you! Located within the Arcadia State Management Area, this trail is perfect for kids, birding, wildlife viewing, and snowshoeing in the winter.

John H. Chafee Rome Point Preserve, 1344 Boston Neck Rd, North Kingstown, RI 02852, USA

Danielle Foreman/AllTrails

• Location: Saunderstown
• Mileage 2.5-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: The parking lot for this trail is located along Route IA. It leads to the rocky coastline and you'll have views of the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge. Leashed dogs are allowed and it's family-friendly.

Rome Point Trail in Saunderstown is another hike that most people as well as kids can enjoy. You can find this trail at the John H. Chafee Nature Preserve on the coast.

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, 769 Sachuest Point Rd, Middletown, RI 02842, USA

Robin Behringer/AllTrails

• Location: Middletown
• Mileage 2.4-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This trail is ideal any time of year. Easy enough for kids but do not bring your dogs as they are not allowed. The trail is stroller and wheelchair-friendly. There's no shade along the way so apply sunscreen. There's a parking lot off of Sachuest Point Road with two accessible parking spots. Benches along the route allow for rest if needed.

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most beautiful places in Rhode Island for hiking. With coastal views, wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife, it's a wonderful family-friendly trek. You may even encounter deer along the way and there's a coyote pack that lives here but they are monitored. Curious to see more? Check out this stunning footage of Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge:

Hardest Hikes in Rhode Island

Now that we’ve covered some of the best easy hikes, it’s time to discuss a few of the hardest hikes in Rhode Island. Up for a challenge? Whether it’s the length or elevation gain you’re after, check out these more strenuous hikes in the Ocean State.

G64R+58, Hopkinton, RI 02833

Kevin Bruff/AllTrails

• Location: Hope Valley
• Mileage 16-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: The best time to enjoy this trail is between March and October. For those who want to trek its entirety, be sure to come prepared with hiking boots, water, snacks, and whatever else you think you'll need. While a popular trail, it's quiet during certain times of the day. Parts of the trail are rocky and there's an overall elevation gain of 1,325 feet. Dogs are allowed on leash.

This 16-mile trek is located in the 1,002-acre Rockville Management and Public Fishing Area. Along the way, you'll encounter tree tunnels, bodies of water, historic sites, and rocks to climb over. It's certainly not a boring hike but not a hike for the faint of heart either. If you're able to do this hike, be sure to set aside enough time and take in the stunning views along the way.

West Greenwich, RI 02817, USA

Meggean Ward/AllTrails

• Location: West Greenwich
• Mileage 16.8-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This hard hike gives an elevation gain of 1,043 feet and will take nearly 6 hours to complete. This area is subject to seasonal hunting closures. Mountain bikers also frequent this trail.

This hike through Big River State Management Area has a little bit of everything -- woods, ponds, streams, waterfalls, an old pump house, a labyrinth, and more. There's nothing boring about this hike as there's just so much to see along the way.

Advertisement

Lisa Gregory/AllTrails

• Location: Wood River Junction
• Mileage 16.5-mile point-to-point trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: This lengthy trek takes nearly 6 hours to complete so take everything you'll need with you. Overall elevation gain is 1,005 feet. Dogs are allowed on leash. Parts of the trail are rocky, overgrown, and muddy while other parts are along the road, so keep that in mind. Be sure to take bug spray with you to ward off mosquitos.

This hike takes you through Wood River Junction, a village in the town of Richmond in Washington County. Whether you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, or birdwatching, this is a great trail system for a variety of activities.

Related Stories

This Off-The-Beaten-Path Trail In Rhode Island Is The Perfect Place To Escape

The Rhode Island Trail With A Meadow, A Footbridge, And A Lake You Just Can't Beat

The Rugged And Remote Hiking Trail In Rhode Island That Is Well-Worth The Effort

Best Waterfront Hikes in Rhode Island

With over 400 miles of coastline, the smaller state in the country has its fair share of stunning waterfront hikes. If you love to be by the water like I do, here are some of the best-rated waterfront hikes in Rhode Island:

Rockville management area / blue pond trail, G64R+58, Hopkinton, RI 02833, USA

Jennifer Gil/AllTrails

• Location: Hope Valley
• Mileage 4.5-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: The parking lot is located on Stubtown Road. It can be tricky finding and staying on the trail as it's not well-marked in certain areas so be sure to download the map from AllTrails+ before you go. This trail has an overall elevation gain of 469 feet. No dogs are allowed.

Located within the Rockville Management and Fishing Area, the Long Pond Woods Trail is an adventure through the woods and to a pristine lake you'll absolutely love. While this trail is rated as moderate, it's still kid-friendly. It's a popular area for birdwatching and hiking so you'll most likely have company on your trek.

Lincoln Woods State Park, 2 Manchester Print Works Rd, Lincoln, RI 02865, USA

Morton Smith/AllTrails

• Location: Lincoln
• Mileage 3.1-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Lincoln Woods State Park is located off of Route 146 and Route 123. Leashed dogs are allowed in the park. There is no fee to enjoy the park.

Located at Lincoln Woods State Park, the Lincoln Woods Trail is a fantastic scenic and family-friendly hike that can be done throughout the year. I went here numerous times during my childhood and have fond memories of it. It's such a pretty trail that leads through the woods and by Olney Pond. You'll also see plenty of boulders and possibly some rock climbers on this trail. This is a great park for picnicking and swimming, too, so feel free to bring lunch and your swimsuit.

Napatree Point Conservation Area, Fort Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA

Dean Felicetti/AllTrails

• Location: Watch Hill
• Mileage 3.2-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Located at Napatree Point Conservation Area, this easy trail is popular for birdwatching as well as hiking and it's perfect year-round. Dogs are allowed on leash except between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. from May 2 through Labor Day.

Take a hike by the sea along the Napatree Point Conservation Area Trail in the Watch Hill neighborhood of Westerly. With ocean views, it's one of the best Rhode Island hiking trails.

Best Winter Hikes in Rhode Island

While winter may not seem like an ideal time for hiking, some prefer trekking along the trails during the cold months as there’s a sense of calm, peace, and solitude. If this sounds like something you’d love to do, here are some of the best winter hikes in Rhode Island.

Lisa Gregory/AllTrails

• Location: West Warwick
• Mileage 1-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Parking for this trail is located in a lot on Factory Street and includes a couple of accessible spots. The paved trail can accommodate most strollers and wheelchairs and the average width of the trail is 8 feet. Dogs are allowed on leash.

Along the south branch of the Pawtuxet River, this easy trail eventually leads to the Royal Mills dam and its waterfall. You'll also see a former mill that's been repurposed as an apartment building.

Advertisement

Waterman Pond, Coventry, RI 02827, USA

Waterman Hill Road, Waterman Hill Rd, Coventry, RI 02827, USA

Linda & Butch Marold/AllTrails

• Location: Coventry
• Mileage 0.8-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This trail is great for both hiking and birdwatching. Kid-friendly due to its easy rating and the fact that it's under a mile. No dogs are allowed. You'll find parking at the intersection of Plainfield Pike.

Waterman Pond is a lovely body of water in the Greene area of Coventry. Part of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, the 28-acre Waterman Pond Wildlife Refuge has only one trail that leads to Sisson Pond.

Ninigret Park, 5 Park Ln, Charlestown, RI 02813, USA

jayne lindo/AllTrails

• Location: Charlestown
• Mileage 1.3-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This kid-friendly hike will take you through a variety of ecosystems and the opportunity to view birds and other wildlife.

Grassy Point Trail provides an easy hike through Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge in Charlestown. Not only will you see wildlife and plenty of birds who are here for the winter but remnants of the former Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Landing Field that became obsolete in 1970. There's nothing boring about this hike as there's so much to see, both natural and manmade. And it's most enjoyable during the winter.

Best Hikes Near Providence

Our capital city of Providence is also home to some fantastic hikes. There’s the area around Roger Williams Park Zoo not to mention the Providence Riverwalk that provides city dwellers a great place to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and scenery. While in Providence, check out the following hikes:

Legion Memorial Drive, Legion Memorial Dr, Providence, RI 02909, USA

John DeVault/Alltrails

• Location: Providence
• Mileage 1.7-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This easy trail has an elevation gain of 229 feet and is popular so you'll most likely encounter other hikers along the way. Dogs are allowed on leash. As sections of the trail aren't well-marked, download the map from AllTrails before starting.

Want to see Providence as you've never seen it before? Take a trek along the Neutaconkanut Hill Park Loop to the top of the hill and get a bird's eye view of the city below. This trail is located at the Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy which boasts fields, forests, and a trail as well as recreational facilities.

Providence River Walk, US-44, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Brithnie Estime/AllTrails

• Location: Providence
• Mileage 2.4-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This flat paved trail is accessible to wheelchairs, mobility equipment, and strollers and is 6 feet wide. Dogs are allowed. Parking can be found at a lot off Bridge Street at the trail's south end and there are two accessible parking spots there.

If you've lived in Providence or visited the city, chances are you've taken a stroll along the iconic Providence River Walk. This happens to be one of my favorite walks in the state with its jaw-dropping views and easy access to other parts of the city. The walkway runs along the river and there are several road crossings so keep that in mind.

Temple to Music, F C Greene Memorial Blvd, Providence, RI 02910, USA

Brianna Anderson/AllTrails

• Location: Providence
• Mileage 0.5-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Take the Yellow Diamond Trail from the parking lot at Roger Williams Park. This trail isn't as popular as some in the area so you may have it all to yourself.

This short and easy trail at Roger Williams Park will give you views of the park's lovely Temple to Music. This historic building had its very first performance in 1924 and hosts performances by the Rhode Island Philharmonic to this day. It's such a lovely building in the park and it's worth taking a short hike to see it.

How would you like to take one of the best hikes in Rhode Island? What are some of your favorite trails in the state? Did any of your favorites miss the list? Let us know in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! And, before embarking on your next outdoor adventure, be sure to check out our hiking essentials packing list.

For even more hikes in RI, check out our list of easy trails in Rhode Island that are less than 3 miles.