The Breathtaking Small Town State Park in Rhode Island That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

Living in a place for a while allows us to get comfortable. We create a routine, have our favorite restaurants and shops, and become part of a community. But with that comfort sometimes comes a bit of complacency. We’re so used to and comfortable in our surroundings that we forget to stop and appreciate all that Rhode Island has to offer. Next time you’re planning an adventure, do something different. Explore this small-town state park in Rhode Island as if it were your first visit; you might just see everything around you with a whole new perspective.

Set your GPS for the Breakneck Hill entrance of Lincoln Woods State Park, where you’ll cross over a covered bridge into the park, a charming introduction if it’s your first visit to this Rhode Island gem and a gentle reminder of the beauty that awaits no matter how many times you’ve visited. At 627 acres, the cozy Rhode Island state park is one of those idyllic destinations where you can get your nature fix whether you only have an hour or two or you want to disappear into the woods until the sun sets.

What you can do at the park depends on what time of the year you visit, but you’ll probably want to bring a camera and, if you’re visiting during the warmer months, plenty of sunscreen and bug spray. The park’s focal point, at least in the summer, is the sand beach that leads into the typically warm water of Olney Pond. Bring your beach gear; stretch out on the sand, and slip into the water when you want to cool off. If you don’t feel like packing a picnic or your visit is on the spur of the moment, grab a bite to eat at the seasonal concession stand. The park, which also beckons boaters and kayakers, has bathrooms that are open seasonally.

To get to know this natural gem, though, follow one of the three scenic hiking trails that meanders through the park. At just 2.9 miles, the Les Pawson Loop Trail earns an easy rating and will lead you over a fairy-tale footbridge, past an old cemetery, and to the pond while the easy 3.1-mile Lincoln Woods Trail promises the unique opportunity to scramble over boulders. If it’s a challenge you’re after, you’ll find it on the nearly seven-mile Upper Pond MTB Loop, a moderate trek that requires sturdy shoes and boasts interesting rock formations.

Lincoln Woods State Park, which welcomes leashed pups, is open year-round, so don’t discount a visit once the snow starts to fall. Bring ice skates and glide around Olney Pond, as the conditions permit, or follow one of the trails on foot or horseback.

Start planning your adventure by checking out the official website of Lincoln Woods State Park, or head over to the Facebook page of Rhode Island State Parks.

Have you been to Lincoln Woods State Park, a small-town state park in Lincoln, Rhode Island? What’s your favorite activity at this pretty park? Let us know in the comments! Why not make your visit to Lincoln, Rhode Island, an overnight stay or a weekend getaway? Check into a local Vrbo, so you can spend more time exploring the outdoors, including nearby Chase Farm.