Posted in Rhode Island Nature, Waterfalls March 25, 2022 by

5 Easy-Access Rhode Island Waterfalls That Are Perfect For A Summer Adventure

Summer is beach season here in the Ocean State, but those who call Rhode Island home know that it’s about so much more. Rhode Island’s waterfalls aren’t the towering cascades you’ll find in other states, but each one comes with its own unique history, and they often make for some great day trips. These are five of our favorites, and best of all, each one is easily accessible! If you arrived here by searching for something like are there any nice waterfalls near me?, and you’re literally anywhere in Rhode Island, the answer is yes, definitely! Check some of them out:

1. Slater Mill Dam
arturofranz / TripAdvisor
Kent D / TripAdvisor
Located in Pawtucket, the Old Slater Mill Historic Site is a famous spot that dates back to the 19th century. In fact, some would even say this area is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. And while you can take a tour of the mill, it's just as fun to sit and watch the broad waterfall, a part of the dam that used to create power for a cotton spinning mill. Learn more about Slater Mill Dam on the official National Park Service website.
Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark, 67 Roosevelt Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860, USA
2. Shannock Falls
schmutak / TripAdvisor
schmutaki / TripAdvisor
This cascade is located in Shannock, a historic mill village located along the Pawcatuck River in the towns of Richmond and Charlestown. The waterfall is quaint, but it's beautiful, and it's so fun to spend time in the Shannock Historic District. It might be man-made, but it's one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Rhode Island.
Shannock, Richmond, RI, USA
3. Stepstone Falls
Michelle Young / alltrails.com
Austin Cooke / alltrails.com
You'll find Stepstone Falls at the end of a relatively short hiking trail near West Greenwich. The trail is located in the Arcadia Management Area, and it's considered an easy and fun hike for the whole family. Come see why it's one of the best waterfalls in Rhode Island.
Stepstone Falls, West Greenwich, RI 02817, USA
4. Hunt's Mill
David Tarantelli / alltrails.com
Jenn Myers / alltrails.com
Located in Rumford, this short 0.7 mile trail leads to a peaceful and picturesque waterfall. An amusement park was once located here, but now it's simply a museum and these trickling falls. It's also one of the best hidden gems in Rhode Island even some locals don't know about!
Hunts Mill Road, Hunts Mill Rd, East Providence, RI 02916, USA
5. Cascade Brooks Falls
Ricky B / Google
Paul Barrette / Google
Located inside the Ken Weber Conservation Area, this humble waterfall is considered one of the prettiest in Rhode Island. This 12-foot-tall cascade often flows in the shape of a horse's tail, and it's stunning in any season. It's also the tallest waterfall in Rhode Island!
Ken Weber Conservation Area At Cascade Brook, Greenville, RI 02828, USA

Will you be chasing any waterfalls this summer? Do you have other plans? We hope this answered your inquiry about are there any waterfalls near me?, because let’s be real here: anywhere in Rhode Island is close to everything in Rhode Island!

You can tell us all about your favorite Rhode Island adventures by using our nomination page.

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Waterfalls Near Me

March 30, 2022
Tori Jane

What are some of the best waterfall hikes in Rhode Island?

As if Rhode Island weren’t beautiful enough, it just had to go and have bunches of amazing waterfall hikes, too. Well, here at Only In Your State, we’re big fans of a good waterfall hike, and we know of all the best ones in Rhode Island. Some of our favorite waterfall hikes in Rhode Island include the Fort Barton/Sin and Flesh Brook Trail, in Tiverton; it’s an easy, 2.1-mile trek through some truly lovely surroundings, including a waterfall surprise. The Bates Loop in West Greenwich is another excellent hike with waterfalls in Rhode Island; it’s about the same length as the previously mentioned trail, at 2.2 miles long, and it’s also pretty easy. The Tippecansett Trail at the Arcadia State Management Area is another good one, and so is the Hunt’s Mill Trail in Rumford. Need some ideas for your next waterfall trip in Rhode Island? Check out this previous article full of the best waterfalls in Rhode Island.

What are the most amazing waterfalls in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island may not be ultra-mountainous or filled with caverns and huge cascades, but it’s still got a fair share of wonderful waterfalls to “fall” in love with! Many are man-made, many are natural, but all are breathtaking. Some of our favorites include Cascade Brook Falls, in Smithfield; if you ask a local what they think the prettiest waterfall in Rhode Island is, chances are, that’s the one they’ll mention first. It’s 12 feet high and certainly something to behold! The Stepstone Falls in West Greenwich is a stunning, multi-tiered waterfall featuring, well, “stepstones.” Some of the best waterfalls in Rhode Island are ones at dams, like Hunt’s Mills Falls, Wyoming Dam, and Round Top Brook, in Burrillville. Who says you can’t experience waterfalls in our little tiny slice of paradise? As long as you know where to look, you most certainly can.