Life is busy… But we all know we need to take time out for ourselves. There’s no better place for a little escape than surrounded by nature. When you’re ready to cast the hustle and bustle of everyday life aside, this river trail in Smithfield, Rhode Island will do the trick. Get ready for a magical river walk that will transport you straight into the pages of a storybook.

Enter the 44-acre shady sanctuary of Mowry Conservation Area and leave the world behind. This quiet hemlock forest is just the escape you need.
TripAdvisor/Karen D
The popular Rhode Island trail can get busy at times. However, you'll still feel a million miles away from it all.
Cross the arched footbridge over the river to enter this woodland oasis. This undisturbed haven is home to squirrels, chipmunks, songbirds, deer, and more.
TripAdvisor/Emmjaie
Since the trail is rated easy, consider bringing the little ones along. Dogs are also allowed on this picturesque path, although your pup must remain on a leash.
The river is an angler's gold mine. Trout are more than plentiful in the winding and gurgling stream.
Google Images/Sarah Desrosiers
Be prepared for a few steep sections along this Rhode Island river trail. A pair of good shoes is ideal. Keep an eye out, too, for dog droppings that people have failed to pick up. If you're taking your pup, be sure to clean up after him.

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Discover two short trails within the preserve. Combined together they create a hike that's just a little over one mile.
TripAdvisor/Emmjaie
Keep all of the usual warnings in mind. Wear and bring bug spray as the trail can get quite buggy during the warmer months. The trail gets muddy after a rainfall, and you might face icy conditions in the winter.
A warm-weather expedition into the preserve is well shaded providing a welcome escape from the heat. There are plenty of scenic spots where you can enjoy a picnic.
Google Images/Matt Smith
Bring along the sunscreen, and don't forget a camera. No matter when you visit, you'll be treated to breathtaking scenery.
During the winter months, the woodland turns into a winter wonderland. Mowry Conservation Area is beautiful no matter what the season.
Google Images/Ricky B
The conservation area does not have a parking lot. However, street parking is available.
Take this enchanting river trail in Rhode Island to be transported to a tranquil world where you can leave your everyday worries behind for a while.
AllTrails/Christopher LeBlanc
Address: 41-199 Old Forge Road, Smithfield, RI 02917. You can get the map right here.

Have you ever explored this captivating river trail in Smithfield, Rhode Island? What did you think? Share your photos and experiences in the comments section below or in our Rhode Island Nature Lovers Group on Facebook. For more unique places to explore, check out this soothing slide waterfall in Coventry, Rhode Island, or this breathtaking overlook in Middletown, Rhode Island.

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Beth Price-Williams | May 16, 2023

What are some kid-friendly hikes in Rhode Island?

The magical river trail through Mowry Conservation Area in Smithfield, Rhode Island, is just one trail the whole family will love. Here are several other kid-friendly trails in Rhode Island (most are under a mile):

  • Rodman’s Hollow on Block Island is short, sweet, and absolutely perfect. Stroll along the path that’s dotted with wild blueberries, and drink in stellar views of the Atlantic.
  • The Melville Park Blue Trail in Portsmouth clocks in at under a mile and has a few surprises – footbridges and a tiny waterfall – the whole family will love.
  • The short .03-mile path to Jerimoth Hill in Foster will take you to a placard that marks the highest point in Rhode Island.
  • Avondale Farm Preserve in Westerly is a favorite, and it features a short but sweet trail that’s perfect for those with strollers, bikers, and hikers.

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Featured Addresses
Mowry Conservation Area, 41-199 Old Forge Rd, Smithfield, RI 02917, USA