Don’t you just love springtime in Rhode Island? With the warm weather and sunny days upon us, you’ll want to start enjoying some much-needed time in the great outdoors. If you’ve spent way too many hours on the couch during the winter, you’ll want to ease back onto the trails. At less than one mile each, these 10 short scenic hikes are just the thing you need to kick off your spring! They are also some of the best hikes in Rhode Island.
- Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, Bristol
Google Images/Ruobing Xia The 0.8-mile trail at the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge is completely handicap accessible. The wooden boardwalk leads through the lush marsh and out towards the Narragansett Bay. The trail ends at a stunning overlook where you can take in the expansive water views. This wildlife refuge is an ideal place to go if you’re looking for easy trails in Rhode Island. Find this lovely boardwalk trail at 1401 Hope St., Bristol, RI 02809.
Visit the Audubon Society of Rhode Island website for more information on the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge. 1401 Hope St, Bristol, RI 02809, USA
- Paradise Valley Park, Middletown
Google Images/Qiushi Lin Paradise Valley Park has just about a 1/2 mile of trails to explore. Hike through fields or alongside the babbling stream to enjoy the spring weather. Find the lovely park at 43 Prospect Ave., Middletown, Rhode Island 02842.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Paradise Valley Park in Rhode Island. Paradise Valley Park, Middletown, RI 02842, USA
- Hunts Mills, East Providence
Google Images/Pearl Paugh Waterfall chasing has never been easier. Take the 0.8-mile trail through the woodland to view the Hunt Mills Dam and Waterfall. The spring thaw heightens the impressiveness of this water feature. It’s one of the most scenic hikes in Rhode Island. Find the parking lot for this short trail at Hunts Mill Rd., Rumford, RI 02916.
Visit the ExploreRI.org website to learn more about Hunts Mills. 27 Hunts Mill Rd, Rumford, RI 02916, USA
- Mowry Conservation Area, Smithfield
AllTrails/Christopher LeBlanc Choose between two short trails in this delightful forest each at under one mile. Combine both to make a longer hike that is just a wee bit over one mile. Fairytale footbridges and a gurgling stream create a quiet respite from the outside world. Some of the best hikes in Rhode Island are at Mowry Conservation Area. Find the natural area at 199 Old Forge Rd., Smithfield, RI 02917.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Mowry Conservation Area in Rhode Island. 199 Old Forge Rd, Smithfield, RI 02917, USA
- Dundery Brook Trail, Little Compton
AllTrails/Hope Rymszewicz Explore forested wetlands all from the comfort of a beautiful boardwalk trail. Stretching for just over 1/2 mile, this trail is handicap accessible. And if you’re looking for easy hikes in Rhode Island, this one is perfect. Find the charming boardwalk at 29 Meetinghouse Ln., Little Compton, RI 02837.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Dundery Brook Trail in Rhode Island. 29 Meetinghouse Ln, Little Compton, RI 02837, USA
- Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge, East Greenwich
Google Images/Andrew DeWolfe Located on the Hunt River in southern Rhode Island, this refuge is a gem. Enjoy the 1/2-mile trail with water views, woods, and wetlands. Access the trail at Davisville Rd., East Greenwich, RI 02818.
Visit the Audubon Society of Rhode Island website for more information on the Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge. Davisville Road, Davisville Rd, East Greenwich, RI, USA
- Rocky Point State Park, Warwick
TripAdvisor/WarwickRi2016 Stroll alongside the Narragansett Bay on this one-mile walking path. Paved with asphalt, the trail is easy to navigate and handicap-accessible. It’s one of the most fascinating hiking trails in Rhode Island and you’ll get to see the remains of several amusement park rides that stood here long ago. Find Rocky Point State Park at 33 Rocky Point Ave., Warwick, RI 02889.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Rocky Point State Park in Rhode Island. 33 Rocky Point Ave, Warwick, RI 02889, USA
- Albro Woods, Middletown
Rhode Island Blueways Alliance, Rhode Island Land Trust Council The woodland walk takes you through the forest as you meander alongside the remnants of old stone walls. Enjoy the quiet and beauty of this enchanting 1/2-mile trail. Discover the trailhead at 125 Mitchell’s Ln., Portsmouth, RI 02871.
Visit the ExploreRI.org website to learn more about Albro Woods. 125 Mitchell’s Ln, Portsmouth, RI 02871, USA
- Lathrop Wildlife Refuge, Westerly
Google Images/Andrew DeWolfe Hike through the gorgeous salt marsh at this wildlife refuge. A gentle 1/2-mile trail leads to Winnapaug Pond where you’ll have the chance to check out the local bird population. It’s one of the most scenic hikes in Rhode Island. Explore the nature preserve at 102 Shore Rd., Westerly, RI 02891.
Visit the Audubon Society of Rhode Island website for more information on the Lathrop Wildlife Refuge. 102 Shore Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
- Stillwater Scenic Walkway, Smithfield
TrailLink/lespapp This one-mile scenic wooded trail follows the bed of an old railroad line. Pass along the shore of Stillwater Pond and Capron Pond as you take your hike. Park in the gravel lot off Farnum Pike (SR104/5) between Washington Highway (SR 116) and Stump Pond dam.
Visit TrailLink to learn more about the Stillwater Scenic Walkway. Stillwater Scenic Trail, Smithfield, RI 02917, USA
Which of these short scenic hikes have you taken? Do you have any other best hikes in Rhode Island to add to this list? To enjoy the breezes of the waterfront, enjoy strolling on these six picturesque paths.
Google Images/Ruobing Xia
The 0.8-mile trail at the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge is completely handicap accessible. The wooden boardwalk leads through the lush marsh and out towards the Narragansett Bay. The trail ends at a stunning overlook where you can take in the expansive water views. This wildlife refuge is an ideal place to go if you’re looking for easy trails in Rhode Island. Find this lovely boardwalk trail at 1401 Hope St., Bristol, RI 02809.
Visit the Audubon Society of Rhode Island website for more information on the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge.
1401 Hope St, Bristol, RI 02809, USA
Google Images/Qiushi Lin
Paradise Valley Park has just about a 1/2 mile of trails to explore. Hike through fields or alongside the babbling stream to enjoy the spring weather. Find the lovely park at 43 Prospect Ave., Middletown, Rhode Island 02842.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Paradise Valley Park in Rhode Island.
Paradise Valley Park, Middletown, RI 02842, USA
Google Images/Pearl Paugh
Waterfall chasing has never been easier. Take the 0.8-mile trail through the woodland to view the Hunt Mills Dam and Waterfall. The spring thaw heightens the impressiveness of this water feature. It’s one of the most scenic hikes in Rhode Island. Find the parking lot for this short trail at Hunts Mill Rd., Rumford, RI 02916.
Visit the ExploreRI.org website to learn more about Hunts Mills.
27 Hunts Mill Rd, Rumford, RI 02916, USA
AllTrails/Christopher LeBlanc
Choose between two short trails in this delightful forest each at under one mile. Combine both to make a longer hike that is just a wee bit over one mile. Fairytale footbridges and a gurgling stream create a quiet respite from the outside world. Some of the best hikes in Rhode Island are at Mowry Conservation Area. Find the natural area at 199 Old Forge Rd., Smithfield, RI 02917.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Mowry Conservation Area in Rhode Island.
199 Old Forge Rd, Smithfield, RI 02917, USA
AllTrails/Hope Rymszewicz
Explore forested wetlands all from the comfort of a beautiful boardwalk trail. Stretching for just over 1/2 mile, this trail is handicap accessible. And if you’re looking for easy hikes in Rhode Island, this one is perfect. Find the charming boardwalk at 29 Meetinghouse Ln., Little Compton, RI 02837.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Dundery Brook Trail in Rhode Island.
29 Meetinghouse Ln, Little Compton, RI 02837, USA
Google Images/Andrew DeWolfe
Located on the Hunt River in southern Rhode Island, this refuge is a gem. Enjoy the 1/2-mile trail with water views, woods, and wetlands. Access the trail at Davisville Rd., East Greenwich, RI 02818.
Visit the Audubon Society of Rhode Island website for more information on the Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge.
Davisville Road, Davisville Rd, East Greenwich, RI, USA
TripAdvisor/WarwickRi2016
Stroll alongside the Narragansett Bay on this one-mile walking path. Paved with asphalt, the trail is easy to navigate and handicap-accessible. It’s one of the most fascinating hiking trails in Rhode Island and you’ll get to see the remains of several amusement park rides that stood here long ago. Find Rocky Point State Park at 33 Rocky Point Ave., Warwick, RI 02889.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Rocky Point State Park in Rhode Island.
33 Rocky Point Ave, Warwick, RI 02889, USA
Rhode Island Blueways Alliance, Rhode Island Land Trust Council
The woodland walk takes you through the forest as you meander alongside the remnants of old stone walls. Enjoy the quiet and beauty of this enchanting 1/2-mile trail. Discover the trailhead at 125 Mitchell’s Ln., Portsmouth, RI 02871.
Visit the ExploreRI.org website to learn more about Albro Woods.
125 Mitchell’s Ln, Portsmouth, RI 02871, USA
Hike through the gorgeous salt marsh at this wildlife refuge. A gentle 1/2-mile trail leads to Winnapaug Pond where you’ll have the chance to check out the local bird population. It’s one of the most scenic hikes in Rhode Island. Explore the nature preserve at 102 Shore Rd., Westerly, RI 02891.
Visit the Audubon Society of Rhode Island website for more information on the Lathrop Wildlife Refuge.
102 Shore Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
TrailLink/lespapp
This one-mile scenic wooded trail follows the bed of an old railroad line. Pass along the shore of Stillwater Pond and Capron Pond as you take your hike. Park in the gravel lot off Farnum Pike (SR104/5) between Washington Highway (SR 116) and Stump Pond dam.
Visit TrailLink to learn more about the Stillwater Scenic Walkway.
Stillwater Scenic Trail, Smithfield, RI 02917, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Rhode Island April 17, 2022 Melissa M. Are there any waterfalls in Rhode Island? While the Ocean State is relatively flat, there are several waterfalls you can find. Take our Ultimate Waterfalls Rhode Trip In Rhode Island and discover several falls like Ponaganset Falls in Scituate, Robin Hollow Pond Falls in Cumberland, and more. What are the most kid-friendly hikes in Rhode Island? Want to take the kids on a hike? Here are some Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Rhode Island That Are 1 Mile And Under. Hiking is a great way to bond with the family, enjoy nature, and get some exercise and fresh air! Where can I go camping in Rhode Island? One of the best places to go camping, mostly because it’s right by the ocean, is Fisherman’s Memorial State Park in Point Judith. With nearly 200 campsites and endless views, this will be your favorite campground.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Rhode Island
April 17, 2022
Melissa M.
Are there any waterfalls in Rhode Island? While the Ocean State is relatively flat, there are several waterfalls you can find. Take our Ultimate Waterfalls Rhode Trip In Rhode Island and discover several falls like Ponaganset Falls in Scituate, Robin Hollow Pond Falls in Cumberland, and more. What are the most kid-friendly hikes in Rhode Island? Want to take the kids on a hike? Here are some Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Rhode Island That Are 1 Mile And Under. Hiking is a great way to bond with the family, enjoy nature, and get some exercise and fresh air! Where can I go camping in Rhode Island? One of the best places to go camping, mostly because it’s right by the ocean, is Fisherman’s Memorial State Park in Point Judith. With nearly 200 campsites and endless views, this will be your favorite campground.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While the Ocean State is relatively flat, there are several waterfalls you can find. Take our Ultimate Waterfalls Rhode Trip In Rhode Island and discover several falls like Ponaganset Falls in Scituate, Robin Hollow Pond Falls in Cumberland, and more.
What are the most kid-friendly hikes in Rhode Island?
Want to take the kids on a hike? Here are some Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Rhode Island That Are 1 Mile And Under. Hiking is a great way to bond with the family, enjoy nature, and get some exercise and fresh air!
Where can I go camping in Rhode Island?
One of the best places to go camping, mostly because it’s right by the ocean, is Fisherman’s Memorial State Park in Point Judith. With nearly 200 campsites and endless views, this will be your favorite campground.
