I Took a Coastal Hike Through Napatree Conservation Area in Rhode Island and Barely Saw a Soul

We all have those moments when we just crave some quiet and solitude. Granted, I am somewhat of an introvert so I seek moments to be alone, meditate, breathe, and just be. Spending time in nature is also one of the best ways for many of us to recharge. One of the most peaceful hikes I have been on is at Napatree Conservation Area in Rhode Island's Watch Hill. Even at the height of tourist season, it's possible to barely see a soul on this coastal hike.

For the past couple of summers, my mother has booked the family a few rooms at the Ocean House in Watch Hill, an upscale coastal neighborhood within the town of Westerly. Every day, I would head out to explore either the hotel's property or the town of Watch Hill with a main street lined with boutiques, tourist shops, and other establishments along with a small marina, a yacht club, and Napatree Point tucked away behind it all.

I believe that one of the reasons why Napatree Point is such a peaceful place is that it is so hidden away from the main drag in town. In fact, you have to walk through a narrow parking lot past the Watch Hill Yacht Club and its beach cabanas in order to reach the trailhead.

As there is no designated parking to visit Napatree Point, you will have to park on the main street (Bay Street) in one of the town's public parking lots. You can find out more on the Watch Hill Fire District website.

The Napatree Point Conservation Area Trail starts with an ascent up a sandy hill. When you get to the top, stop for a moment to take in the scenery. You'll also be able to see how many others are walking along the beach as well. From my experience, most people head straight for the water and don't actually hike the trail in its entirety.

By the way, this 3.1-mile loop hike is mostly in the sand so prepare yourself for that. You may even want to walk barefoot for a little while along Napatree Point Beach which tends to be easier than wearing shoes.

While I did have two well-behaved teenage boys (my son and his best friend) accompany me on this hike, it was so quiet. I think we ran into only two people on the beach as we headed to the point. The fact that we barely saw a soul made this one of the most peaceful hikes I had ever been on!

At low tide, the small waves even seemed quiet as they lapped against the shore, and the occasionally piping plover chirped a warning as we passed by. Napatree Point is home to a population of piping plover, a species that is considered "near threatened," and there are areas roped off for their nesting areas. You'll see them along the shoreline chasing waves and looking for food as you explore Napatree Point.

As you approach the point (Napatree Point is a small peninsula, after all), you'll notice how rocky it is. And the rocks seem to get bigger the closer you get to the point. Instead of going to the very end as we didn't want to slip on the rocks, we found a small trail that cut through the dunes to the other side of the point. Once we got to the other side, we were able to see the marina, yacht club, and downtown Watch Hill again. While we saw a few more people on this side of Napatree Point, it was still so peaceful. This is a hike I recommend to anyone who needs a bit of alone time and some peace. It was like medicine for my soul!

Napatree Conservation Area in Rhode Island is a true hidden gem for both nature lovers and beachgoers. It's a special place that will relieve some stress as you walk along the sand and breathe in the salty ocean air. And the best part? You may barely see another soul.

Download the AllTrails+ app for further information on the Napatree Point Conservation Area Trail.