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NatureNational & State Parks

6 Under-Appreciated State Parks In Rhode Island You’re Sure To Love

Discover six lesser-known state parks in Rhode Island that offer unique natural attractions and recreational activities.

Updated Jan 17, 2022

Written by 

Jeana DeLaire

It's no secret that Rhode Island is a small state with big offerings. Natural attractions are at the top of the list of great places to visit in the state! While there are a few state parks that tend to get most of the glory, other parks and management areas are equally worth visiting. These 6 state parks to visit in Rhode Island have gone relatively unnoticed, and you'll want to check them out.

1. Pulaski State Park, Glocester

A paved path leads to a serene lake surrounded by trees, with a small building nearby and a clear sky above.
Yelp/Paul M.
A person stands on a wooden bridge over a small stream, surrounded by trees and rocky terrain.
Yelp/Paul M.

Found at 151 Pulaski Road in the charming town of Chepachet is this wonderful park. This gorgeous natural escape is set on 1000 acres of beautiful forest amidst George Washington Management Area. There are many different hiking trails to choose from, and even a pristine swimming hole. To learn more, visit the website for Pulaski State Park.

2. Haines Memorial State Park, Barrington

Sign for Haines Memorial State Park in Rhode Island, featuring information about the farmers market hours.
Yelp/Brian S.

Just a few miles south of Providence in Barrington is Haines Memorial State Park. Baseball fields, picnic areas, and boating facilities all make this place so worth exploring. Find it off Haines Park Road. To learn more, visit the website for Haines Memorial State Park.

3. Rocky Point, Warwick

A large, weathered goalpost stands in a grassy field under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Yelp/Anne C.
A serene sunset over a calm lake, with a silhouetted dock and soft pink and purple hues in the sky.
Yelp/Kim U.

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. Check out the website for Rocky Point State Park to learn more.

4. World War II Veterans Memorial State Park, Woonsocket

A pathway leads through a park with trees and colorful foliage, featuring a monument in the distance.
Wikipedia

This 14 acre park occupies an area of the city of Woonsocket known as the "social flatlands." Textile mills once operated in this part of the city and the park is now known for its annual Autumnfest celebration on Columbus Day Weekend. Find this park on Social Street in Woonsocket. Visit the website for World War II Veterans Memorial State Park to learn more.

5. John H. Chafee Nature Preserve, North Kingstown

A wooded area with tall trees and fallen leaves, revealing a glimpse of a lake in the background.
Yelp/Cathy L.

This nature preserve occupies a sprawling forested area in the small town of North Kingstown. Enjoy lovely hiking through historic New England forests at its location on Boston Neck Road off Route 1A. Visit the website for John H. Chafee Nature Preserve to learn more.

6. Arcadia Management Area

A dog walks along a dirt road surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage and trees.
Flickr/Tim Spindler

As the state's largest and most magnificent recreational area, great hiking trails are not only diverse, but also magical. The whopping 14,000 forested acres have dozens of trail options. I suggest exploring them all! To learn more, check out the website for Arcadia Management Area.

What are your favorite state parks to visit in Rhode Island? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. And if you want to visit even more spectacular places, these nine state parks in Rhode Island will knock your socks off.

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