Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Rhode Island Like Never Before
Rhode Island is a perfect place to be during the 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, hayrides, 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.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
The road trip begins in the northern part of the state, travels to Washington County, and ends up in Kent County in East Greenwich.
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.
2. Sprague Farm, Chepachet
Pine Orchard Road, Pine Orchard Rd, Glocester, RI 02814, USA
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.
3. George B. Parker Woodland, Coventry
Audubon George Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, 1670 Maple Valley Rd, Coventry, RI 02827, USA
Traveling down 102 from Sprague Farm to Parker Woodland offers a lovely foliage drive to yet another mostly forested area. The more than six miles of trail are some of the most lovely in the state.
4. Big River Management Area, West Greenwich
Nooseneck Hill Road, Nooseneck Hill Rd, West Greenwich, RI, USA
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.
5. Arcadia State Park, Exeter, Richmond, West Greenwich, Hopkinton
Arcadia Management Area, 260 Arcadia Rd, Hope Valley, RI 02823, USA
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.
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.
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.
8. Goddard Memorial State Park, East Greenwich
Goddard Memorial State Park, 1095 Ives Rd, East Greenwich, RI 02818, USA
From Trustom Pond you can follow Route 1, or the more scenic Route 1A, to East Greenwich where you'll find Goddard Memorial State Park. Goddard, which you can drive through, or hang out for an afternoon of easygoing 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.
What do you think of this road trip to see the best fall foliage 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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