This Waterfront Vacation Rental Is the Perfect Home Base for Rhode Island’s Best Hiking Trails

Rhode Island may be a relatively flat state, but we still have hundreds of hikes ranging from easy to challenging. One of the best spots for hiking is the Arcadia State Management Area, which covers 14,000 acres and includes the towns of Richmond, Exeter, Hopkinton, and West Greenwich. It could take days to cover a fair amount of its 100 miles of trails, so how about renting a vacation home nearby? That way, you'll have a home base for some of the best hiking trails in Rhode Island!

The Ocean State may have close to 400 miles of coastline with hundreds of homes along the shore, but there are also waterfront homes inland. Set on the peaceful banks of the Wood River, on an idyllic animal sanctuary in Richmond, is a large farmhouse with six bedrooms. This rural vacation property is a mere six miles from the Arcadia State Management Area, where you can hike or mountain bike for hours on end during the day and then return for peace and relaxation.

The charming red farmhouse on the grounds of the River Haven Sanctuary is an Airbnb Guest Favorite with 5-star reviews. Guests have described the property as "mind-blowing," "the perfect family vacation," and a "perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and comfort." If that's not enough to convince you to make a reservation ASAP, perhaps its amenities will.

Your stay includes use of a pool, a hot tub, a game room, and a pool house. After a day of hiking, a dip in the pool or hot tub is the perfect way to relax. And the home's riverside location allows you to launch a kayak or paddleboard and explore the area by water or spend hours fishing.

This vacation home has six bedrooms, 15 beds, four bathrooms, and can accommodate more than 16 guests. Perhaps a nature getaway with a large family or group of friends is in order. After all, this is the perfect home for large groups.

Make meals in the large updated kitchen while you socialize with fellow guests who may be lounging in the living room. The open-concept living space certainly makes it easy for everyone to spend time together. If there are kids in your group, you'll love that this home has a kids' playroom complete with books, toys, and games.

The sanctuary property is 30 acres, and while you'll have access to the farmhouse and pool house, the barn and caretaker's cottage are private. However, you are encouraged to schedule a private tour in order to see the rescued animals living here.

If you plan on hiking or mountain biking along the vast system of trails at Arcadia State Management Area, you must check out Stepstone Falls. A 2.7-mile trek on the Ben Utter Trail will get you to the small but mighty waterfall, where you can reflect on its natural beauty.

A more challenging hike, the 6.4-mile Mount Tom Trail begins at the Wood River and leads to a viewpoint. As this trail isn't well-marked in certain areas, your best bet to find your way is to download AllTrails+ to your phone. With this tool, you can also search for connecting trails within Arcadia for an even longer hike if you desire.

There's no doubt that the Arcadia State Management Area has some of the best hiking trails in Rhode Island. Book your stay at the waterfront farmhouse on River Haven Sanctuary in Richmond for a wonderfully relaxing home base with incredible amenities and adorable rescue animals. There's no other vacation rental like this in the state.