We all love to head down Route 1A in Narraganset, but why not change it up? How about a Rhode Island waterfall road trip that will take you to some of the best waterfalls in Rhode Island? These cascades can be found all over the state in amazing spots ranging from charming small towns to hikes in the forest, and short (but beautiful) walking paths. There are so many reasons to love the natural beauty that surrounds us in this great state, and what better way to enjoy it than by checking out these Rhode Island waterfalls?

In all, the trip will take you to 10 Rhode Island waterfalls. You can check out the customizable itinerary on Google Maps.
Google Maps
1. Ponaganset Falls, Scituate
Ponaganset Falls, Hemlock Rd, Clayville, RI 02815, USA
Facebook submission/Victor Neves
For your first stop, you'll check out the mighty Ponaganset Falls that lead into the Scituate Reservoir. This is an amazing start to this Rhode Island waterfall road trip, and it's such a relaxing place to sit and think about how great our little state really is. Note that the flow can vary dramatically throughout the year, but if you visit when it's been raining, this is quite the spectacle!

Check out this video of the falls in full force:

2. Harrisville Falls, Burrillville
Burrillville, RI, USA
Flickr/LindaDee2006
Keep heading north after visiting your first stop and you'll find this man-made set of falls. They can be found right in the heart of the charming village of Burrillville, which is right on the border with Connecticut and Massachusetts.
3. Round Top Fishing Area, Burrillville
Round Top Management Area, Burrillville, RI 02830, USA
Flickr/Sean
While you're in Burrillville, make sure to take the short drive over to the Round Top Fishing Area, where you'll find yet another Rhode Island waterfall. If you start your trip off early enough you can even squeeze in a few hours of some of the best fishing to be had in the state! This area is also home to one of the most famous ghost stories in Rhode Island.
4. Albion Falls, Lincoln
Albion Falls, Lincoln, RI 02865, USA
Flickr/Iastonein
For our next stop on this Rhode Island waterfall road trip, you'll hit up the Blackstone River in Lincoln. The charming mill town of Albion is home to these wonderful falls that are among the best hidden gems in Rhode Island.

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5. Robin Hollow Pond Falls, Cumberland
Robin Hollow Pond, West Greenwich, RI 02817, USA
Flickr/Matt
Continue moving south on into Cumberland and make a stop by Robin Hollow Pond: you won't be sorry. In addition to admiring the gorgeous waterfall, this is another spot that's great for fishing. The trails here are some of the best best spring hikes in Rhode Island.
6. The falls at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark, Pawtucket
Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark, 67 Roosevelt Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Our next stop is the mighty waterfall at the Old Slater Mills National Historic Landmark. The greenery beside this Blackstone River dam is perfect for a quick snack in the middle of your day of waterfall wonder. If you have the time, make sure to take one of the guided history tours at Old Slater Mills to learn about Little Rhody's part in the Industrial Revolution.

This fascinating place is one of the most interesting historical sites in the state:

7. Pawtuxet Village Falls, Warwick
Pawtuxet Village, Warwick, RI 02888, USA
Flickr/Daniel DeCristo
These "Little Falls" in Pawtuxet Village inspired the name of the charming town that surrounds the water. Did you know that this is the oldest village in Rhode Island? It's such an enchanting spot with so much to see!
8. Kenyon Mill Falls, South Kingstown
South Kingstown, RI, USA
Flickr/LindaDee2006
For your next stop, travel down to South County to visit the gorgeous Kenyon Mill Falls. If you don't take this road trip in autumn, make sure to come back in the fall to see the leaves changing colors here. This place has some of the best fall foliage in Rhode Island.
9. Shannock Horseshoe Falls, Richmond
Shannock, Richmond, RI, USA
Flickr/Rick Payette
This unique horseshoe-shaped dam is found in the quaint little village of Shannock in Richmond. This is another place that's a perfect fall trip in Rhode Island. This Rhode Island waterfall can get pretty powerful when it rains. Check out this video taken after heavy flooding:

10. Stepstone Falls, West Greenwich
Stepstone Falls, West Greenwich, RI 02817, USA
Yelp/Carlos G.
A hike through the forest of Acadia, the state's largest recreational area, will bring you to Stepstone Falls, the perfect final leg of your journey.

How many of these waterfalls in Rhode Island have you seen? Do you know of any others that you think should be on the list? Share your thoughts in the comments!

 

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Rhode Island Waterfalls

Beth Price-Williams | January 26, 2021

What are the best waterfall hikes in Rhode Island?

Can you think of a better way to spend a few hours than outdoors among nature, on a hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall? To reach one of the best waterfalls in Rhode Island, follow the Ben Utter Trail, which meanders through The Arcadia Management Area. The kid-friendly trail spans just 2.5 miles and leads to Stepstone Falls. For an easy hike that leads to another tumbling waterfall, set off on The Hunts Mill Trail. Clocking in at .07 of a mile, the picturesque trail’s highlight is the hidden waterfall that not too many people know about.

What are the best day trips in Rhode Island?

Day tripping is one of the best ways to explore Rhode Island. You can set off on amazing Rhode Island day trips any time of the year. If you’re a fan of both wine and waterfalls, go on the wine and waterfalls day trip that will take you to such picture-perfect destinations as Stepstone Falls, Ponaganset Falls, and Round Top Fishing Area. The Blackstone Valley also makes an ideal day trip destination. Sat on the border of Massachusetts, the area is home to such historic sites as The Slater Mill and Lincoln Woods State Park.

What are the best outdoor activities in Rhode Island?

If you’re looking for things to do outside in Rhode Island, you can’t go wrong with spending a day – or even half of a day – hiking. Rhode Island boasts so many gorgeous hiking trails. The Cemetery Trail in Tiverton, at 3.5 miles, will lead you through an historic cemetery and is particularly pretty when flanked in fall foliage. The Tri-State Loop in Pascoag spans five miles and will take you into both Connecticut and Massachusetts (but only for a few minutes). Other easy and picturesque trails include the Lincoln Woods Trail in Lincoln and Cliff Walk in Newport.

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