Life is busy and sometimes it’s hard to fit in all of the things we want to do into a single day. If you’re short on time but still need your nature fix, you want to go hike the best hikes in Rhode Island. Here are eight hikes under one mile that will treat you to the sights and sounds of the outdoors without taking up hours of your time. Take a break and get outside even if it’s only for a little while.

1. Whale Rock Trail, Narragansett
Whale Rock Road, Whale Rock Rd, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
Facebook/The Nature Conservancy in Rhode Island
Stroll down the boardwalk at Whale Rock Trail to land yourself at a beautiful unspoiled beach. The path is just 1/2 mile long and is worth every minute spent in this serene area. Find Whale Rock Trail off of Cormorant Point Rd., Narragansett, RI 02882.
2. Lathrop Wildlife Refuge, Westerly
Audubon Lathrop Wildlife Refuge, 102 Shore Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Google Images/Andrew DeWolfe
Enjoy the gentle 1/2-mile trail at Lathrop Wildlife Refuge. This short hike has a big payoff with exceptional views of Winnapaug Pond at the end. Bird watchers love the wildlife that soars across the water. Hike the trail at 102 Shore Rd., Westerly, RI 02891.
3. Geddes Bowen Preserve, Cumberland
Veronica Geddes Bowen Nature Preserve, 69 Angell Rd, Cumberland, RI 02864, USA
All Trails/Kat User
The Geddes Bowen Preserve is small but offers two short trails for that much needed outside time. Catch sight of the great blue herons and red-tailed hawks that call this area home. Find this natural oasis on Stone Bridge Dr., Cumberland, RI 02864.
4. Mowrey Conservation Area, Smithfield
Mowry Conservation Area, 41-199 Old Forge Rd, Smithfield, RI 02917, USA
TripAdvisor/Karen D
Enjoy a choice of two hikes under one mile at Mowrey Conservation Area. Wander through the picturesque hemlock and pine forest along a babbling stream. You'll love the fairy tale setting at this woodland spot. To find this short but sweet hike, look for the entrance sign and park along Old Forge Road between Farnum Pike (Route 104) and Log Road.
5. Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge, North Kingstown
Audubon Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge, Davisville Rd, East Greenwich, RI 02818, USA
Google Images/Andrew DeWolfe
Embark on a relaxing and easy 1/2-mile hike along the Hunt River. This little-used refuge is a great place for reflection and solitude. Visit the trail on Davisville Rd., East Greenwich, RI 02818.
6. Jerimoth Hil, Foster
Jerimoth Hill, Foster, RI 02825, USA
TripAdvisor/schmutaki
Take a trek to the highest elevation in the state at Jerimoth Hill. A short 0.3-mile walk will take you to the top of Rhode Island with only a little elevation gain. Join the others who have marked this spot by adding a stone to the collection. Find the trail off Route 101, Foster, RI 02925.
7. Osamequin Nature Trails and Bird Sanctuary, Barrington
Osamequin Nature Trails and Bird Sanctuary, 1580 RI-114, Barrington, RI 02806, USA
TripAdvisor/mersee
The Second Bird Trail at this sanctuary is a 1/2-mile trek on flat land. This coastal area has some of the most stunning marshland in New England. Refresh yourself along the shore by taking this trail. Find the sanctuary at 2 Kyle Cir., Barrington, RI 02806.
8. Hunts Mills, East Providence
Hunts Mills Museum, 27 Hunts Mill Rd, Rumford, RI 02916, USA
Google Images/Pearl Paugh
The red-blazed trail at Hunts Mills is the longest hike on this list at 0.8 miles. Enjoy walking amongst flowering shrubs until you reach the edge of Ten Mile River. Take in the small waterfall for an uplifting view. Enjoy the trail at Hunts Mills Rd., Rumford, RI 02916.

Have you ever taken any of these hikes under one mile? Which one was your favorite? Do you have any short trails you’d like to share? For an easy flat path that is great for walking or biking, check out this abandoned railroad trail.

 

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Best Hikes in Rhode Island

SKS | March 23, 2022

Scenic Hikes in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is a small state with a population of just over 1 million and an area of just over 1,200 square miles. Within this small state, there are hikes with incredibly scenic views that you will have to see to believe. Here are some of the hikes with the most scenic views in Rhode Island.

Clay Head Trail

Clay head trail can be found on Block Island, off the coast of Rhode Island. This trail is 3.5 miles but is quite flat and is a relatively easy hike. This hike will take you through the island forest for the first half of the hike, before you spend the second half, walking along the island coast, staring out into the great ocean in front of you. While this is a popular trail, if you time it right, you may get the entire trail to yourself, which is a great opportunity to relax and just soak in the views.

Beavertail Trail, Beavertail State Park

Beavertail Trail can be found in Beavertail State Park in Narragansett, Rhode Island, and will take you down to the ocean cliffs for some incredible views. In the winter, the cliffs get covered in ice and are quite beautiful, and in the summer, these cliffs are a great place to just sit and watch the waves. Your dog will also love this hike and is welcome but must be kept on a leash.

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge Trail

Located in the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, this 2.4 mile loop trail outside of Newport, Rhode Island is a great place to walk along the ocean while listening to the crashing waves. This wide trail will take you to an observation platform and two observation towers where you can get an even better view of this incredible east coast beach landscape.

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