This Rhode Island Trail Is the Hidden Gem Perfect for a New Year Reset

A deep breath of fresh air often quickly dissolves my stress, especially when I’m hiking. Each step promises something different – a glimpse of local wildlife, the stillness of a pond, and leaves clinging to tree branches before floating to the ground. In the winter, particularly after it snows, the scenery takes on a magical aura that we can best appreciate on a scenic journey on this little known hiking path in Rhode Island.

Even if we’ve followed the same trail more than once, we can usually be assured of one thing. No two journeys will be the same as we discover something new, perhaps a patch of wildflowers or mushrooms popping out of the ground, each time. That’s certainly true for the 6.9-mile DuVal Trail, a moderately challenging hike in South Kingstown that generally takes around 90 minutes to complete.

Parking is available in a lot on Post Road, past Moonstone Beach Road. If this is your first time in the area, download AllTrails+, which provides additional information on parking, current weather conditions, and trail maps. Or, plug “DuVal Trailhead” into your GPS for directions.

Although the trail earns a moderate rating, some hikers consider it on the easier side. How you find the trail depends on your experience and skill level, but prepare for a few challenges, including some hilly sections and, in the warmer months, a lot of bugs. Still, it’s kid-friendly, and leashed dogs are allowed. (Off-leash is permitted in certain areas.)

No matter how many times you follow this trail, you’re sure to spot something new. Keep an eye out for hidden fairy houses and headstones at an old cemetery. As you meander along the path, you’ll climb log stairs, go under a tiny tunnel of trees, and arrive at a shimmering pond, likely to be icy on a cold winter day. Look for the small overlook, too, that boasts stunning views of Block Island.  

Even if you’ve already knocked out your first hike of the year, add the DuVal Trail to your to-do list. While the scenery is magical after it snows, the trail also promises jaw-dropping beauty during the remaining seasons, including lush green and blossoming flowers in the spring and summer and brilliant shades of gold, red, and orange in the autumn.

Do you have a favorite little-known hiking path in Rhode Island? Share it with us by nominating it, and we might highlight it in an upcoming article.

If you’re ready for more fun after your hike, explore more of South Kingstown, notably Wakefield, a picture-perfect day destination in Rhode Island. Trying to fit a full itinerary into a single day, though, can be challenging, so consider booking a local Vrbo and turning your day trip to Wakefield into a weekend getaway.

Find your next favorite Rhode Island getaway using Only In Your State's Travel Planner!