9 Low-Key Hikes In Rhode Island With Amazing Payoffs
Calling all nature lovers! It’s time to get outside and take some great hikes while the weather is favorable. No one is thinking about snow right now, but it will be here far before we want it to arrive. These nine hikes vary in length and scenery to give you a taste of everything you love about the great outdoors. They are some of the best hikes in Rhode Island.
1. Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Charlestown
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Charlestown, RI 02813, USA
The Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge has three different hikes to try but our favorite is the Charlestown Runway Trail. Enjoy a scenic hike that leads straight to an abandoned WWII airstrip. The trails are easy to navigate and offer a stunning natural oasis. They are some of the most scenic hikes in Rhode Island. Learn more about this beautiful hike in our previous post.
2. Whale Rock Trail, Narragansett
Cormorant Point Road, Cormorant Point Rd, Point Judith, RI 02882, USA
For a short hike that leads to a magical rocky beach take the Whale Rock Trail. The 1/2-mile boardwalk trail winds through greenery and then opens up to a beautiful beach. Soak in the scenery or have a picnic before you make your way back down the boardwalk. It's also one of the best trails to take if you're looking for easy hikes in Rhode Island. Find out more about this beach trail in our previous post.
3. Tillinghast Pond Loop Trail, West Greenwich
Tillinghast Pond Management Area, 50 Plain Rd, West Greenwich, RI 02817, USA
For a longer getaway into nature take the 2.3-mile Tillinghast Pond Loop Trail. The trail wanders around the pond's edge and through a hayfield for different scenery along the way. Take this trail in the fall for a fabulous display of color when the leaves start to turn. Learn more about the Tillinghast Pond Loop Trail in our previous post.
4. Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, RI 02842, USA
Enjoy two trails with a combined length of 2.8 miles at the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. The sights of migratory birds will leave you awestruck while the water views are soothing through and through. These just might be some of the most beautiful trails in Rhode Island. Learn more about the wildlife refuge in our previous coverage.
The hike to Jerimoth Hill, Rhode Island's highest elevation is just a short 0.3-mile trek. It's a journey that you take mostly to say you've done it. Even though you'll reach the top of the state, there's no climbing involved in this short stroll. Learn more about Jerimoth Hill in our previous post.
At under one mile, the trail through Rodman's Hollow is a nature lover's paradise. Wildflowers, wild berry bushes, and wildlife are all found in this scenic preserve. The big pay-off is the sweeping views from the cliff at the end of the well-traveled path. It's one of the most scenic trails in Rhode Island. Learn more about this trail in our previous article.
The 2.5-mile walk around the perimeter of Fort Adams is full of waterfront views and coastal breezes. Soak in the history of this military fort while enjoying the grounds. It's one of the most fascinating scenic hikes in Rhode Island. You can find more information on the Bay Walk in our previous coverage.
8. Brenton Point State Park, Newport
Brenton Point State Park, Ocean Drive, Newport, RI 02840, USA
This longer hike will take you along the seawall where you can soak in the shoreline views. Continue on further and you'll stumble upon the ruins of the abandoned stables of the once-thriving estate, The Bells. Nature is slowly reclaiming the building, but it is hauntingly beautiful in its own way. Find out more about this abandoned ruins hike in this post.
9. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum, Bristol
Though not a traditional hike, exploring the gardens at Blithewold Mansion certainly gives you a chance to stretch your legs. There is beauty lurking around every twist of the path just waiting to be admired. Don't forget your camera as this hike has endless photo opportunities. Find out more about this lovely walking path in our previous post.
Which of these best hikes in Rhode Island have you taken? What are some of your other favorite trails that should be added to this list? Join our Rhode Island Nature Lovers group on Facebook to see photos of other Ocean State spots to enjoy the outdoors.
Address: Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Charlestown, RI 02813, USA
Address: Cormorant Point Road, Cormorant Point Rd, Point Judith, RI 02882, USA
Address: Rodman's Hollow, New Shoreham, RI 02807, USA
Address: 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI 02809, USA
Address: 90 Fort Adams Dr, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Address: Jerimoth Hill, Foster, RI 02825, USA
Address: Tillinghast Pond Management Area, 50 Plain Rd, West Greenwich, RI 02817, USA
Address: Brenton Point State Park, Ocean Drive, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Address: Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, RI 02842, USA
What are the best wildflower hikes in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is such a gorgeous state no matter what time of year, but especially in the spring and summer when the wildflowers are in bloom. If you would like to go on a hike to spot wildflowers, take the Cumberland Monastery Trail along which you will see plenty of colorful flowers in bloom. If you take the 295 Overlook Trail during the spring, you may be treated to wildflowers along the way as you trek towards the overlook.
Which state parks should I visit in Rhode Island?
With over 20 state parks, the Ocean State has plenty of ways to spend time outdoors. But which state parks may be considered “the best?” Well, each has plenty to offer visitors but a state park like Beavertail in Jamestown is coastal and offers gorgeous maritime scenery. Enjoy camping? Burlingame State Park in Charlestown is the place to go. You can read about additional state parks in this post.
Address: Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Charlestown, RI 02813, USA
Address: Cormorant Point Road, Cormorant Point Rd, Point Judith, RI 02882, USA
Address: Rodman's Hollow, New Shoreham, RI 02807, USA
Address: 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI 02809, USA
Address: 90 Fort Adams Dr, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Address: Jerimoth Hill, Foster, RI 02825, USA
Address: Tillinghast Pond Management Area, 50 Plain Rd, West Greenwich, RI 02817, USA
Address: Brenton Point State Park, Ocean Drive, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Address: Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, RI 02842, USA
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