Best Waterfalls In Rhode Island: 11 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
×
Melissa Mahoney
Author
While the Ocean State is known mainly for, well, the ocean and Narragansett Bay, we do have bodies of water inland. These bodies of water include the Providence River, Scituate Reservoir, and Trustom Pond. We even have several waterfalls sprinkled throughout our great little state. Have you seen any of our waterfalls in person? Well, as someone who grew up here and has done quite a bit of hiking throughout, I am surprised by the number of falls we have access to. Without further adieu, here are the best waterfalls in Rhode Island:
[tableofcontens]
Tallest Waterfalls In Rhode Island
Rhode Island does have waterfalls but we are not known for having tall waterfalls. But that’s okay! The waterfalls we do have are still stunning and impressive on their own.
1. Cascade Brook Falls, Ken Weber Conservation Trail
Ken Weber Conservation Area At Cascade Brook, Greenville, RI 02828, USA
At just 12 feet tall, Cascade Brook Falls is the tallest waterfall in Rhode Island. Located within the Ken Weber Conservation Area in my hometown of Smithfield (for those who don't know, Greenville is a village within Smithfield), you'll have to take an enjoyable 1.1-mile loop trail to see the falls.
In my youth, I worked for an environmental organization and Ken Weber would often visit our office. It was wonderful getting to know such a talented nature writer and journalist. He wrote several books including Weekend Walks in Rhode Island: 40 Trails for Hiking, Birding & Nature Viewing. If you live in Rhode Island and don't yet have this book, it's a great one to have in your collection!
2. Horseshoe Falls, Charlestown
Shannock Road, Shannock Rd, Charlestown, RI, USA
Also known as Shannock Falls after the historic village of Shannock in Charlestown, Horseshoe Falls is an impressive sight due to its unique horseshoe shape. The cascade is approximately 10 feet. No matter what time of year you visit, it's awe-inspiring. However, visitors prefer coming here during autumn due to the stunning display of colorful leaves surrounding the waterfall. Picture perfect!
Advertisement
Best Waterfall Hikes In Rhode Island
Let’s go for a hike! After all, it’s often the best way to discover a waterfall in our small but amazing state. Hikers can find lovely waterfalls along the following hiking trails:
3. Stepstone Falls, West Greenwich
Stepstone Falls, West Greenwich, RI 02817, USA
If you want to see Stepstone Falls, the best way to do that is via the Ben Utter Trail. Located in the Arcadia State Management Area in West Greenwich, this 2.7-mile trail is one of the best waterfall hikes in Rhode Island. Austin Farm Road is where you'll find the trailhead and after following the river for a time, you'll eventually see Stepstone Falls, a series of small waterfalls with a 3-foot cascade as its tallest point.
Advertisement
4. Hunts Mill, East Providence
Hunts Mill Road, Hunts Mill Rd, East Providence, RI 02916, USA
Located on the grounds of the historic John Hunt House, one of the oldest homes in the area, the hike to Hunts Mill is an easy 0.7-mile trek. While the waterfall here is manmade, it's no less beautiful than a natural one. Another thing of note about the property it's on is that an amusement park once stood here! You'll be able to see remnants of an old carousel amidst other historical buildings as you make your way to the waterfall.
5. Barden Reservoir Loop, Foster
Barden Reservoir, Rhode Island, USA
While there is a way to see the waterfall without hiking, you may want to try the 4.5-mile Barden Reservoir Loop. Along the trail, you'll hike past historical cemeteries where Civil War veterans are buried, a fascinating feature for you history buffs out there. There's also a farm you'll pass and, at certain sections of the trail, there are road crossings, so be sure to exercise caution. When you get to the spillway, you'll see the waterfall known as Ponagansett Falls. This is the point where you'll see more people who decided to access the waterfall without hiking.
Related Stories
Plan A Visit To Stepstone Falls, Rhode Island's Beautifully Blue Waterfall
With A Waterfall And Boardwalk, The Little-Known Vin Gormley Trail In Rhode Island Is Unexpectedly Magical
The Ultimate Rhode Island Waterfalls Road Trip Is Right Here – And You’ll Want To Do It
6. Belleville Pond Trail, North Kingstown
Belleville Pond, North Kingstown, RI 02852, USA
The easy 4.6-mile hike at Belleville Pond is another one that leads to a manmade waterfall. Located at Ryan Park in North Kingstown, the beautiful trail will eventually lead to a spillway with a lovely waterfall. There's plenty of scenery around the park including Belleview Pond. You'll want to spend a few hours here, although the hike itself only takes around 90 minutes.
Accessible Waterfalls In Rhode Island (No Hiking Required)
Don’t want to hike to a waterfall? Don’t worry! Not all of us are hikers. If you want to see a waterfall without a hike, here are some of the most accessible waterfalls in Rhode Island:
7. Harrisville Falls, Burrillville
Harrisville, Burrillville, RI 02830, USA
Harrisville Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Rhode Island. While manmade, its also among the most beautiful waterfalls in the state, and measuring 150 feet across with a cascade of 30 feet, it's one of the biggest waterfalls in Rhode Island. Located by the Waterfall Cafe & Martini Bar, a popular establishment in town, you can view the waterfall as you dine.
8. Kenyon's Grist Mill Falls, West Kingston
21 Glen Rock Rd, West Kingston, RI 02892, USA
If you've ever wanted. to discover hidden waterfalls in Rhode Island, here's one for you -- the waterfall at Kenyon's Grist Mill in West Kingston. Found along the Queen's River in the village of Usquepaugh, this historic 1886 Kenyon's Grist Mill is still in use and has a gift shop you can visit. While you're here, take a walk on the property and discover the lovely hidden gem waterfall!
Advertisement
Best Waterfalls near Providence
While our state is small and it seems like everywhere in Rhode Island is near Providence, here are a few waterfalls that are closest to our capital city:
9. Albion Falls, Lincoln
Albion Falls, Lincoln, RI 02865, USA
Another hidden gem waterfall in Rhode Island, Albion Falls is a manmade waterfall created with the construction of the Albion Dam at the Albion Mill in Lincoln. The water is from the Blackstone River. While the historic mill has since been transformed into housing, the waterfall has remained and is a reminder of the area's industrial past.
10. Slater Mill Dam, Pawtucket
Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark, 67 Roosevelt Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860, USA
Looking for "waterfalls near me?" Well, among the most famous Rhode Island waterfalls is certainly the one you'll find at Slater Mill Dam. This impressive waterfall is historic as it was created during the construction of Slater Mill during the Industrial Revolution. Powered by the waters of the Blackstone River, Slater Mill was a very successful cotton mill. Today it is a historic site where you can tour the mill and its grounds and view the waterfall. It’s one of the best day trips you can take in Northern Rhode Island.
11. Robin Hollow Pond Falls, Cumberland
Robin Hollow Pond, United States
Located along the Rhode Island/Massachusetts border in Cumberland is Robin Hollow Pond where you'll find a spillway with a pretty little cascade. As it's such a lovely area, it's worth a road trip to see it in person.
Which of the best waterfalls in Rhode Island have you visited before? Do you prefer hiking to a waterfall or do you prefer to see one without a hike? If you prefer trekking along hiking trails to see a waterfall, make sure to download the AllTrails+ app as your guide.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.