8 Picturesque Hikes In Rhode Island That Lead To Stunning Scenic Overlooks
Beautiful hikes can be found all over Rhode Island! While some are scattered across the coast and offer beautiful oceanic views, others are found in the more northern areas of the state with densely forested scenery. Regardless of where you hike, there are some trails that offer perfect overlooks to enjoy the surrounding landscapes. The following eight are some of the best hikes in Rhike Island that should definitely not be missed.
1. Ocean View Loop at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown
The Ocean View Loop is without a doubt one of the most beautiful trails found in the state. Offering stunning views of the Atlantic, this loop is just 1.5 miles in length and definitely beginner-friendly. Hikers also have the option of extending their trek by also completing the connected trail in the refuge. This refuge offers some of the best scenic hikes in Rhode Island.
Wolf Hill Forest Preserve offers several gorgeous trails to choose from! While there is no bad choice, Mercer Lookout found on Mercer Trail is a perfect place to enjoy a glimpse of the Providence skyline matched with beautiful hills and forest. It's one of the best scenic overlooks in Rhode Island. This trail is a bit rugged and hikers are warned to look out for some difficult terrain.
This hike is definitely on the more difficult side compared to many others on this list but offers several gorgeous overlooks to view Ell and Long Ponds. Find this scenic hike in the rural town of Hopkinton.
This urban lookout is found in Neutaconkanut Park in Providence. Within the park is several miles of trails through densely forested areas, meadows, fields, and more.
This beautiful park in Cumberland offers several miles of trails through a beautiful field and forest. The Diamond Hill Trail offers a high-altitude view of the surrounding scenery that is lovely on a clear day.
One of the best hikes in Rhode Island is at Lime Rock Preserve. The trail at this preserve is a 1.8-mile loop with stunning scenic views of the former reservoir. It's also a perfect hike to enjoy the changing seasons with many rare plants and a beautiful backdrop of lush trees.
Beavertail State Park offers four acres of gorgeous rocky landscape as well as a field. There are several short and stunning walking trails to enjoy beautiful cliffside views of the Atlantic. It offers some of the most scenic hikes in Rhode Island.
This 6.7-mile hike is named one of the loveliest trails in Arcadia Management Area. There are lovely overlooks throughout this trail to enjoy the scenery.
Arcadia Management Area Midway Parking, Parking lot, Exeter, RI 02822, USA
Have you ever been on any of these best hikes in Rhode Island, each of which leads to an incredible scenic overlook? Let us know in the comments if you have.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Rhode Island
April 08, 2022
Melissa M.
What are some of the best overlooks in Rhode Island?
Located on the East Side of Providence, Prospect Terrace Park offers some of the best city skyline views. Take in the breathtaking scenery as you sit on a bench or walk around. Heading into Cranston, you can take the 1.5-mile 295 Cavern Overlook Trail which is steep in some areas but worth the views when you get to the top.
What are the most kid-friendly hikes in Rhode Island?
There are some easy hikes under one mile that just about anyone, including children, can take. From the Dundery Brook Boardwalk Trail in Little Compton to the Red Trail at Mowry Conservation Area in Smithfield, you can find out more about these and several additional trails in this post.
What are the best wildlife refuges to visit in Rhode Island?
If you have not yet been to one of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island refuges yet, you should make plans to visit one or more. With 13 wildlife refuges around the state, there’s plenty to explore!
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