Posted in Rhode Island Hiking, Nature December 01, 2021 by Melissa Mahoney

There’s Nothing Quite As Magical As The Tunnel Of Trees You’ll Find At King/Benson Preserve In Rhode Island

For those of us who live in the smallest state in the nation, we are lucky to have the incredible, breathtaking scenery we do. Between sandy beaches, gorgeous waterways, parks, islands, and nature preserves, natural beauty abounds throughout the state. If you find yourself in Saunderstown, head to the King/Benson Preserve for a hike to experience a magical scene like nowhere else in Rhode Island.

Located in Saunderstown and managed by both The Nature Conservancy and Narrow River Land Trust, the King Preserve and Benson Preserve protect the Narrow River estuary.

Visitors can take the three-mile King Benson Preserve Trail loop system around the properties. You'll travel along cart paths, past stone walls, over streams, and along the Narrow River and a beach.

The wetlands and woodlands here create a home for a diversity of wildlife including coyotes, mink, and racoons. Numerous bird species are also found here, making it an ideal preserve for birdwatching.

Along a section of the trail, you'll encounter a dense carpet of ferns. While this is enchanting on its own, there's something even more magical along the way.

As the trail loops past the Narrow River, you'll encounter Spruce Row lined with spruce trees on both sides of the path.

The rows of trees create the effect of an enchanting tree tunnel as you walk through.

While every part of the King/Benson Preserve is magical, there's just something about this tree tunnel that will take your breath away. So, walk slowly and take it all in. There's nothing quite like this tree tunnel anywhere else in the state.

Have you ever hiked along the trails at the King/Benson Preserve to see the tunnel of trees? If so, please share your experience and any photos you have in the comments. For trail information, visit AllTrails and for more information on the King and Benson Preserves, visit The Nature Conservancy website.

You can read about another scenic trail, Osprey Point Trail at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, in this post.

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Address: King/Benson Preserve, 2203 Boston Neck Rd, Saunderstown, RI 02874, USA