Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Rhode Island Like Never Before
Rhode Island is a perfect place to be during fall! If you’re looking for things to do in fall in Rhode Island, there’s no shortage of excitement. Not only is the state filled with fantastic farms and orchards offering pick your own pumpkins and apples, hay rides, and corn mazes, there are also dozens of fun fall events. Most would agree that the best part about autumn in New England is the breathtaking foliage, but it’s important to know where go to in each state to see the leaves changing. Come and experience the best fall foliage in Rhode Island on this gorgeous road trip.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The road trip begins in the northern part of the state, travels to Washington County and ends up in Kent County in Warwick.
This 627 acre state park is situated around Olney Pond in Lincoln. Here, you'll find some of the most spectacular fall colors in Rhode Island. Whether driving through the park or parking to enjoy a fantastic hike through the foliage, this is the perfect place to begin the road trip. Address: 2 Manchester Print Works Road, Lincoln, RI 02865.
Sprague Farm found in the small town of Chepachet boasts more than 1,000 acres of forestland and diverse wildlife. Many of the land's hiking trails offer vistas that are ideal for taking in the beautiful changing leaves. Address: Pine Orchard Road, Chepachet, RI 02814.
Traveling down 102 from Sprague Farm to Parker Woodland offers a lovely foliage drive to yet another mostly forested area. The more than 6 miles of trail are some of the most lovely in state. Address: Maple Valley Road, Coventry, RI 02827
Big River Management area, found on Nooseneck Hill Road is a massive state management area offering dense forestland in West Greenwich. Taking a drive through this part of the state is a perfect way to take in some of the most beautiful trees in Little Rhody. Address: Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich, RI 02817.
5. Arcadia State Park, Exeter, Richmond, West Greenwich, Hopkinton
Arcadia is the state's largest recreational area at roughly 14,000 acres in size. Gorgeous and radiant foliage abounds here and there are several trail options if you choose to hike. For breathtaking fall colors in Rhode Island, come to Arcadia State Park. Address: 260 Arcadia Road, Hope Valley, RI 02823.
Traveling down route 138 after leaving Arcadia will bring you to Burlingame State Park and Campground in Charlestown. Hiking around Watchaug Pond and taking in the beautiful foliage around the water makes for a lovely autumn site. Address: 1 Burlingame State Park Road, Charlestown, RI 02813.
This closed lagoon in South Kingstown known as Trustom Pond is surrounded by beautiful wildlife and is a perfect place to drive by en route to the final destination on your Rhode Island foliage road trip. Address: Trustom Pond, South Kingstown, RI 02879.
From Trustom Pond you can follow Route 1, or the more scenic Route 1A, to Warwick where you'll find Goddard Memorial State Park. Goddard, which you can drive through, or hang out for an afternoon of easy going hiking, is a wonderful and centrally located place to end the foliage road trip. Stroll along the beach and breath in the crisp autumn air with a backdrop of dense forestland, or hike through the woods and encounter streams painted with the fallen leaves and feel good about living in New England during the season. Address: 1095 Ives Road
Warwick, Rhode Island 02818.
What do you think of this fall foliage road trip in Rhode Island? The state offers so many places to enjoy the season! Where is your favorite fall hike? If you’re still wondering where to see fall colors in Rhode Island, check out these seven short and sweet autumn hikes.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Fall Foliage In Rhode Island
August 13, 2019
Elisa Regulski
What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Rhode Island?
The leaves in Rhode Island will begin turning beautiful colors in late September. However, the really vibrant colors won’t start appearing until mid October. When planning your autumn adventures, it’s important to keep these dates in mind. That way, you can experience this state’s peak beauty.
Where are the best places in Rhode Island to see fall foliage?
Roger Williams Park, located in Providence, is a wonderful place to experience Rhode Island’s fall colors. The idyllic rose garden and rolling hillsides make this place look like something from a fairy tale. The Newport Cliff Walk Mansion is another stunning place to visit during autumn. The breathtaking architecture looks even more magnificent when the trees turn colors.
What are the best Rhode Island hikes to take in the fall?
For optimal fall views, head over to Weetamoo Woods in Tiverton. This area has three different trails that weave through some truly magical forest views. People also love hiking through Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge in Exeter. This stunning destination is home to several wildlife species, a shimmering waterfall, and a historic cemetery.
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Jeana is a freelance writer, musician, and student. She is in the Providence based acoustic duo Tammy & Jeana, and the folk act known as Great Gale. Jeana commutes to Northeastern University in Boston where she is pursuing an M.S. in Organizational Communication. As a long time Rhode Islander who was born in Warwick, she loves promoting the state's wonders.
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