The Ocean State is famous for its miles of sandy shoreline but along the coast isn’t the only spot with a significant stretch of sand. Tucked away in the middle of the state is a miniature desert — at least that’s what the locals call it. This natural area is an unexpected gem for outdoor enthusiasts. To see one of the most unique landscapes in the state, start making plans to hike Rhode Island’s desert.
Located within the 8319-acre Big River Management Area, Rhody’s desert consists of rolling sand dunes that offer a wonderful hiking opportunity.
Google Images/Kristen Tikkanen
Visible from Interstate 95, thousands of people drive by this natural preserve every day without realizing that it’s a fantastic area to explore.
Google Maps
While Big River Management Area is most well-known for its woodland paradise, it’s well worth forsaking the forest for an afternoon to explore the desert.
Google Images/Steve Clark
Enjoy wandering the sandy expanse under the open sky. If you’re lucky, you might spot local wildlife like fox, deer, and owls.
Google Images/Dan Rutledge
Make no mistake, this area is not just a flat tract of sand. There are hills to climb if you want to grab the best views.
Google Images/Chris
Not only are the hills fantastic for hiking. They are also spectacular for sledding during the wintertime.
Google Images/matthew kramer
The next time you’re looking for a different kind of adventure head to Rhode Island’s desert to hike the most unique landscape around.
Google Images/Andrew DeWolfe Find parking for this underrated hiking spot off of Division Street in West Greenwich.
Have you ever visited these sand dunes in Rhode Island? Scattered throughout our small state are lots of great areas to explore. Start this spring off with a short adventure by taking one of these scenic hikes under one mile.
Google Images/Kristen Tikkanen
Google Maps
Google Images/Steve Clark
Google Images/Dan Rutledge
Google Images/Chris
Google Images/matthew kramer
Google Images/Andrew DeWolfe
Find parking for this underrated hiking spot off of Division Street in West Greenwich.
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Address: Big River Management Area, West Greenwich, RI 02817, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Outdoor Adventures in Rhode Island October 04, 2022 Katie Feldkamp What are some of the most beautiful hikes in Rhode Island? When choosing a hike in Rhode Island, you are never limited to the type of scenery you want to take in. From forest to ocean, we have rounded up some of the most beautiful hikes in Rhode Island. Some of the most gorgeous views can be found hiking in Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge on Aquidneck Island. Hiking along the coast will treat you to a variety of wildlife and habitats. For some people, the thrill of the hike is to get to the overlook. We have rounded up several of the best hikes with scenic overlooks in Rhode Island that are sure to take your breath away. Where are some of the best beaches in Rhode Island? A favorite pastime for many beachgoers is collecting seashells that the ocean has left on the shore. One of the best places to find unique seashells and sea glass in the Ocean State is at Crescent Beach. You don’t have to limit your beach time to only the summer months. Locals often enjoy spending time on these beautiful Rhode Island beaches in the winter. No matter the time of year, sometimes you want a beach that is less crowded. We have found a handful of hidden beaches in Rhode Island that provide beautiful scenery that feels hidden just for you. What are the best outdoor adventures in Rhode Island? What the Ocean State lacks in size, it makes up for in adventure. There is no shortage of outdoor adventures in Rhode Island for you to experience. Adventure doesn’t have to equal expensive. From kite flying to tidal pools, there are plenty of free outdoor activities in Rhode Island for people of all ages. While many people may quickly think of the ocean when it comes to water activities, there are also several waterfalls in Rhode Island that you will want to see for yourself. The waterfalls don’t require any hiking, but check out this hike on the Powder Mill Ledges Trail, which takes you to a foot-powered railroad car adventure!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Outdoor Adventures in Rhode Island
October 04, 2022
Katie Feldkamp
What are some of the most beautiful hikes in Rhode Island? When choosing a hike in Rhode Island, you are never limited to the type of scenery you want to take in. From forest to ocean, we have rounded up some of the most beautiful hikes in Rhode Island. Some of the most gorgeous views can be found hiking in Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge on Aquidneck Island. Hiking along the coast will treat you to a variety of wildlife and habitats. For some people, the thrill of the hike is to get to the overlook. We have rounded up several of the best hikes with scenic overlooks in Rhode Island that are sure to take your breath away. Where are some of the best beaches in Rhode Island? A favorite pastime for many beachgoers is collecting seashells that the ocean has left on the shore. One of the best places to find unique seashells and sea glass in the Ocean State is at Crescent Beach. You don’t have to limit your beach time to only the summer months. Locals often enjoy spending time on these beautiful Rhode Island beaches in the winter. No matter the time of year, sometimes you want a beach that is less crowded. We have found a handful of hidden beaches in Rhode Island that provide beautiful scenery that feels hidden just for you. What are the best outdoor adventures in Rhode Island? What the Ocean State lacks in size, it makes up for in adventure. There is no shortage of outdoor adventures in Rhode Island for you to experience. Adventure doesn’t have to equal expensive. From kite flying to tidal pools, there are plenty of free outdoor activities in Rhode Island for people of all ages. While many people may quickly think of the ocean when it comes to water activities, there are also several waterfalls in Rhode Island that you will want to see for yourself. The waterfalls don’t require any hiking, but check out this hike on the Powder Mill Ledges Trail, which takes you to a foot-powered railroad car adventure!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When choosing a hike in Rhode Island, you are never limited to the type of scenery you want to take in. From forest to ocean, we have rounded up some of the most beautiful hikes in Rhode Island. Some of the most gorgeous views can be found hiking in Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge on Aquidneck Island. Hiking along the coast will treat you to a variety of wildlife and habitats. For some people, the thrill of the hike is to get to the overlook. We have rounded up several of the best hikes with scenic overlooks in Rhode Island that are sure to take your breath away.
Where are some of the best beaches in Rhode Island?
A favorite pastime for many beachgoers is collecting seashells that the ocean has left on the shore. One of the best places to find unique seashells and sea glass in the Ocean State is at Crescent Beach. You don’t have to limit your beach time to only the summer months. Locals often enjoy spending time on these beautiful Rhode Island beaches in the winter. No matter the time of year, sometimes you want a beach that is less crowded. We have found a handful of hidden beaches in Rhode Island that provide beautiful scenery that feels hidden just for you.
What are the best outdoor adventures in Rhode Island?
What the Ocean State lacks in size, it makes up for in adventure. There is no shortage of outdoor adventures in Rhode Island for you to experience. Adventure doesn’t have to equal expensive. From kite flying to tidal pools, there are plenty of free outdoor activities in Rhode Island for people of all ages. While many people may quickly think of the ocean when it comes to water activities, there are also several waterfalls in Rhode Island that you will want to see for yourself. The waterfalls don’t require any hiking, but check out this hike on the Powder Mill Ledges Trail, which takes you to a foot-powered railroad car adventure!
