Posted in Rhode Island
August 07, 2018
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 before the weather starts to change. 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.
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 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. Learn more about this beautiful hike here.
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. Find out more about this beach trail here.
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 hay field 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 here.
Enjoy two trails with a combined length of 2.8 miles at the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. Sights of migratory birds will leave you awestruck while the water views are soothing through and through. This just might be one of the most beautiful trails in Rhode Island. Learn more about the wildlife refuge here.
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 here.
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. Learn more about this trail here.
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. You can find more information on the Bay Walk here.
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 here.
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, this hike has endless photo opportunities. Find out more about this lovely walking path here.
Which of these great hikes 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.
