Follow This Abandoned Railroad Trail For One Of The Most Unique Hikes In Rhode Island
Natalie Clunan
Author
Some of the best hikes in Rhode Island don’t involve scrambling up a mountainside. Some are just railroad trails. These paths where railways were abandoned are flat with gentle curves, making for some really easy hikes in Rhode Island.
The William C. O’Neill Bike Path or the South County Bike Path, as many call it, follows the rail bed of the old Narragansett Pier Railroad. This short railroad was developed by a wealthy textile mill owner who used the rails to transport coal to his mills or goods to the marketplace in the late 1800s and early 1900s. From 1921 to 1952, buses nicknamed Micky Dinks were adapted to ride the rails, transporting passengers from inland towns to the beach. Now the defunct railway is a beautiful walking and bike path open to the public. If you are looking for hiking trails near me in West Kingston or Narragansett, this is a great choice!
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Visit the website for the William C. O’Neill bike path for the most up-to-date information on one of the most scenic hikes in Rhode Island.
What are your favorite kid-friendly hikes around Rhode Island? Tell us in the comments below!
Want a more challenging hike in RI? Check out the Long Pond Woods Trail.
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Best hikes in Rhode Island
What are the most beautiful lakes in Rhode Island?
If the ocean isn’t your thing, know that there are also 237 lakes and ponds in Rhode Island. In Exeter, there is the 48-acre Boone Lake. At this artificial lake, you can swim, boat, and fish. However, it is private, so you would need to either be a resident or be renting one of the many homes available along the lake. Edgewood Lake lies in Providence. Activities here include fishing for largemouth bass, boating, and swimming. If you are looking for hiking trails near me in Providence, you can also do the 3.8-mile Roger William Pond Loop trail, which will take you around this lake (and others).
What is the hottest month of the year in Rhode Island?
If you are planning on visiting Rhode Island, know that July is the hottest month of all, with an average high of 82 degrees. The summer, in general, is warm, with some days hotter and more humid, with the temperature rising up into the 90s at the coast and sometimes above 100 degrees inland. Luckily, there are plenty of beaches in Rhode Island to head to when you need to cool off.
What are the top trails in Rhode Island to add to my bucket list?
There are a ton of scenic hikes in Rhode Island. In Middletown, there’s the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. Here, you can take the 2.4-mile coastal hike that goes along (and provides outstanding views of) the ocean. It’s also a great place to see native migratory birds. Carr’s Pond is located in Coventry. Take the four-mile dirt trail, which will afford you views of not only a waterfall, wetlands, and stone walls, but also Tarbox Pond. You can also mountain bike here.