You’ll Love Searching For Fungi At The Unique Snake Den State Park In Rhode Island
By Beth Price-Williams|Published March 10, 2023
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Rhode Island’s natural landscape and its sheer beauty never ceases to amaze, does it? No matter how we explore, whether on a scenic hike or a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood, we’re sure to encounter that natural beauty. Vying for the title of the most unique state park in Rhode Island, Snake Den State Park is brimming with beauty and a few surprises.
With a name like Snake Den State Park, you might think that this 1,000-acre state park in Johnston earned its moniker from the abundance of snakes that live on the property.
While you’ll find several snake species, including water snakes and garter snakes, in the state park, the snake den to which the name is referring is, in reality, a “canyon-like stone fissure.”
The state park, which dates back to 1969, is undeveloped, so you’ll have the unique opportunity to admire and explore the natural landscape that’s brimming with flowers in the spring and is home to local wildlife.
You’ll also see Dame Farm, a working farm, on the property.
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To search for some of the fungi, including mushrooms, that dot the property, follow one of the scenic walking trails. The shortest and easiest of the four trails clocks in at just 1.7 miles.
Drenched in natural beauty, Snake Den Loop Trail can get quite muddy, so be sure to wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Don’t be surprised if you run into other hikers as the picturesque path is quite popular.
Keep an eye out for fungi, including mushrooms, as you stroll along the path. More than 100 different types of fungi – from truffles to chanterelles – are found at Snake Den State Park.
If you’re up for more of a challenge, consider setting off on the Snake Den State Park Orange Trail. The 7.7-mile trail is perfect for searching for fungi, too.
Have you been to this state park in Rhode Island? What did you think? Did you stumble across a lot of fungi? Share your experience in the comments! Did you know you can go fossil hunting in Rhode Island? Yep! Check out this epic adventure that will take you to a fossil beach in Rhode Island.
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