Looping around Breakheart Pond in the Arcadia Management Area is this 5-mile trail. Don’t be intimidated by the name—this trail won’t break your heart, but you may break a sweat! Trees will block the wind along the path, which traverses rocky areas and root-covered paths. Take on the uphill trails for a gorgeous view of the pond below.
The best part of a hike in Fort Barton is climbing up past the Revolutionary War fortifications and up to the observation tower for a scenic view of Narragansett Bay. The entire hike, which takes you through 3.5 miles of trails, immerses you in several important scenes from the Revolutionary War, such as the Battle of Rhode Island, which took place in 1777. Once you’re in the woods, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful wildflowers and natural ecosystems, with bridges to take you through portions of wetlands.
The trail at Browning Woods begins 100 feet above sea level and will take you nearly 100 feet higher throughout wooded terrain and farmland. Pass by the remains of the Browning Homestead, a long-abandoned site. The three-mile trail also passes through swamp areas and streams, making it somewhat difficult but full of impressive natural beauty.
Open year-round, Kimball Sanctuary is 29 acres of beautiful space. Take in views of the glistening Watchaug Pond and enjoy 1.5 miles of moderate hiking trails. There is a mixture of both easy and moderately strenuous trails here, so if you’re looking to get your heart rate up, opt for a slightly tougher hike!
This wildlife refuge is the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s largest public property, spanning 1,010 acres. Take in the dense, diverse forests, shimmering waterfall, and even a historic cemetery. There are 10 miles of trails in this area, rated as moderate.
]]>This beach offers a calm inner cove and easy access to the open ocean. Rent a jet ski through Purple Ape, located in Westerly, Rhode Island. Rentals go at $75 for a half hour or $149 for an hour. You must be 18 years-old to ride with a valid driver’s license!
To explore Narragansett Bay, Jamestown, and Newport, rent a jet ski with Adventure Watersports. Riders launch from the Conanicut Marine in Jamestown. Rates go at $175 per hour.
One of the best ways to explore the beautiful town of Newport is by renting a jet ski from Scooter World. Specializing in fun land and sea toys (scooters, bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards), Scooter World offers jet ski rentals at $145 for the first hour and then $100 for every additional hour. They also offer guided/expanded excursions for those who want to see local sights but have less experience!
It doesn’t get any more quaint and gorgeous than Block Island. Boasting 17 miles of beautiful beaches and plenty of water to explore, you can spend the whole day jet skiing off the Block. At the end of the day, stop into local restaurants and attractions to unwind!
Located in Warwick Cove, Greenwich Bay Marina is a great place to get your day of jet skiing started! Brewer boasts an array of yacht yards and marinas all across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, and Rhode Island. You’ll have to bring your own ride, but there are plenty of amenities to get you prepared for a day on the water. There’s a spot to fuel up as well as showers and an on-site restaurant for after your long day riding the waves.
]]>The Arcadia Management Area has it all for the outdoorsperson in your life. Wood River has great canoeing, there’s plenty of fishing and boating allowed, and there are miles and miles of clearly marked trails for hikers! Make sure to share the trails with the horseback riders and mountain bikers who also frequent this park.
While you’re exploring the trails of this wooded preserve, you might stumble across a World War II memorial hidden deep within. It will take about a half hour of walking along the World War II Memorial Trail before you come along this fascinating site, where in 1943 an Army Air Corps airplane crashed, killing three servicemen who are now honored there. Though the trail offers plenty of its own intrigue, you’ll want to stop by Mercer Lookout to catch sight of the Providence city lights in the distance.
Make sure to check out the thriving biodiversity on show at Ninigret Wildlife Refuge. You’ll love visiting in the fall, too, when the woods are exploding with color. At Ninigret, you’ll find over three miles of natural trails featuring interpretive panels, kiosks, and viewing platforms to get a great look at the surrounding wildlife.
This trail is a perfect spot for beginner hikers who aren’t trying to exhaust themselves. You’ll walk along easily navigable, flat trails that will take you to great bird-watching spots. Want more birds? Then add the nearby Norman Bird Sanctuary to your walk.
This charming 2.3-mile pond loop will take you on a beautiful waterside walk. Take a break on a bench or near an observation area, and then get right back up as there are four trails and 2,000 whole acres to explore!
]]>Wrentham State Forest, about 25 minutes from the Rhode Island town of Cumberland, spans 1,024 acres across the towns of Wrentham and Plainville. Trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. There is also a designated loop for off-highway motorcycles. The loop is not too challenging, but be on the lookout for large rocks!
Franklin State Forest, near Franklin, Massachusetts, is located just over 20 minutes from Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Situated in the Forge Hills Area, the forest covers 843 acres. This state forest also presents riders with a designated loop trail for off-highway motorcycles. Fly through the scenic forest and enjoy the moderately difficult, flat trail.
Located in Voluntown, Connecticut, this 24,000-acre forest is the only public area to ride ATV and off-highway motorcycles in the state. Pachaug is just minutes away from the Rhode Island border. The area boasts many miles of trails designated for hikers, snowmobilers, equestrians, and off-highway motorcyclists.
While this location may be a ways out, it is well worth the trek! Located near the towns of Dunbarton and Weare in New Hampshire is the Hopkinton-Everett Trails Area. The trails span for 26 miles and are accessible to ATVs, UTVs (maximum width of 50 inches), and trail bikes. Mud season begins on May 23. Be sure to always check in before you head over there! The trails may close to the public at any time for flood control purposes.
*Note: Age restrictions, special licenses, and other requirements for off highway vehicles vary from state to state. Before heading out on your OHV, please consult your local regulations.
]]>This 860-acre conservation area offers a gradual incline that provides a good challenge for kids. You might even spot a few rock formations along the way—you can read about their history, too, if you’re lucky enough to find the tallest one. Try taking the easy orange trail or the blue loop for a longer hike that takes your walk from two miles to 4.5.
Make sure to pack some sun block for this beautiful hike along the bluffs. This walk includes a stroll along the beach where you might stop and picnic or dig up shells, a staircase along the bluffs, and views of the charming Southeast Lighthouse. Leave plenty of time to catch your ferry back to the mainland at the end of the day, too!
Pack up your binoculars—it’s time to go birdwatching! There are trails galore within the Norman Bird Sanctuary, perfect for hikers of every skill level. The Shady Glade Trail offers a more leisurely walk great for young families. Children under three are free, but others must pay a small fee to hike these trails.
An ideal way to immerse yourself in the vibrant nature of this trail’s surrounding wetlands is from the safety of a boardwalk. Because the Dundery Brook Trail is a boardwalk, it makes it handicapped accessible, too! The incredible forested swamps and wetlands showcase Rhode Island’s natural beauty at its finest. Everyone can enjoy the Dundery Brook Trail.
This Middletown wildlife refuge offers about three miles of beautiful nature trails. The area has a long and storied history, being utilized for farming from the mid-1600s to the early 1900s, and also used as a U.S. Navy site in World War II. The nature trails offer abundant opportunity for incredible wildlife viewing with kiosks and interpretive panels. Children will enjoy every moment of this, and learn something along the way.
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There are approximately 25 miles of trails in the 134-acre Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, including Clayhead Trail, the Fresh Swamp Preserve, Rodman’s Hollow, and more. Established in 1973, the refuge began with the gift of 28 acres 11 miles off the mainland’s coast from the U.S. Coast Guard, so, as you can imagine, it is an important resting stop for migrating birds. In fact, thousands of birds reportedly congregate here every year in an extraordinary birding spectacle. From ruby-crowned kinglets to peregrine falcons, many varieties use this place as an important stopover, and it is not unusual to find loons, shorebirds, and gulls, as well as more exotic varieties, like the say’s phoebe, cave swallow, and the federally-threatened piping plover.
The centerpiece of this 787-acre refuge is Trustom Pond. This saltwater lagoon is separated from Block Island Sound. In addition, travelers will find forested land, fields, shrubland, and freshwater ponds. Miles of trails snake through the area and there are four viewing platforms set up to catch sight of a variety of bird species. At Trustom Pond, you’ll find birds like the willow flycatcher, warbling vireo, blue-winged warbler, black-and-white warbler, American redstart, yellow warbler, bobolink, and orchard oriole.
With 242 acres of coastline peninsula near Newport Beach, Sachuest Point is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Sakonnet River, and Sachuest Bay. With its salt marshlands, craggy shorelines, and observation platorms, there is plenty of opportunity for some excellent birdwatching. If you’re lucky, you just might catch a glimpse of the elusive harlequin duck which is commonly found there from November to April.
This three-mile, moderately-trafficked loop features an elevation gain of only 32 feet, so it is basically flat and accessible year-round. The 1.5-mile spit-of-land was caused by a glacial process known as longshore drift, and it is now a coastal preserve that is known for revealing dramatic sunsets views over the Atlantic, copious birdwatching opportunities, and quiet walks along the beach. On a bright day, you can see the Watch Hill Lighthouse and the Montauk Lighthouse. The Watch Hill Conservancy manages the beach, which is a breeding ground of the federally-protected piping plover, along with other native wildlife, and other notable sites include the 100-year-old remains of historic Fort Mansfield, dunes, and a tidal lagoon.
Established in 1949 as a protected area “for the propagation, preservation, and protection of birds,” the Norman Bird Sanctuary offers woodland, marsh, pond, rocky bluffs, and fields for birding. Although a small fee is charged to walk seven miles of trails through 325 acres, you are all but guaranteed to see bird activity. After all, it is a known site for nesting wood ducks, green herons, great horned owls, willow flycatchers, black-and-white warblers, American redstart, and more. In fact, well over 200 species have been recorded, and you may even see migrant raptors in the fall. Offering camps, public education programs and events like, “Birds and Breakfast,” Norman is an excellent resource for birding.
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The Blackstone River runs from Worcester, Massachusetts to Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and has been a favorite spot for local paddlers for a long time. To avoid whitewater, park at Cold Spring Park in Woonsocket, an area that will be perfectly calm for kids or those new to kayaking.
This scenic river hosts a diverse ecosystem perfect for exploring by paddle. There you’ll find a salt marsh, estuary, bond, and tidal inlet, which play home to varied wildlife from waterfowl, to foxes and deer. Make sure to park along the west side of Route 1 and bring your kayak over from there. If you don’t have one, rent from Narrow River Kayaks.
Located near Block Island Sound, Ninigret Pond makes its name as Rhode Island’s largest saltwater pond. The calm flatwater here makes it perfect for beginners. Ninigret stretches several miles, but take a few breaks now and then to watch the birds fly by, too—you’ll find herons, ospreys, and swans not often seen in other parts of Rhode Island!
Rent out a kayak from Queen’s River Kayaks and hit the water! The river is considered to be one of the cleanest in New England. You’ll love the shade provided by the forested area surrounding the river and the small villages that line the river’s edge.
Let your stress wash away at Wilson Park, a great place to kayak for those just learning. Rent a kayak from the Kayak Centre of Rhode Island, or sign up for a tour or class! Want to try something more than kayaking? They also have stand up paddleboards for rent as well!
]]>Established in 2007, this knowledgeable group, by all accounts, knows how to rig your rod to help you catch what you’re after. Plus, they have a great selection of everything you will need to snag trout, tuna, shark, and more. Find fresh and frozen bait, like sandworms, live eels, clams, crawlers, shiners, and more.
Backed by more than 20 years of service and knowledge Watch Hill can prepare you for your next open-water fishing expedition or relaxing weekend fishing trip. Get custom-made plugs, jigs, flukes, and squid rigs, as well as line, hooks, lures, sinkers, and more. Plus, find fresh and saltwater bait, like eels, mummies, sandworms, crawlers, and green crab.
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At Breachway find rod and reel raffles, apparel, fishing gear, propane, and more. Plus, there is free delivery of all kayak rentals, saltwater and freshwater fishing gear, and tons of local fishing talk. And don’t miss hand-tied flies, live bait, like crawlers, shiners, sandworm, crab, and more at the Breachway.
If ever there was a category for one-stop-shopping on the water, Snug Harbor would make that list. We are talking an inshore and offshore tackle shop, marine supplies, a seafood market, fishing charters, and fresh bait. Get jigs, rigs, and live bait, like eels, sea clams, squid, bunker, mackerel, herring, chum, and fish oil.
Ocean State Tackle is the self-proclaimed largest dealer of Eskimo ice fishing shelters, augers and chisels. Also, they carry ice fishing traps by Heritage Ice Fishing Gear, tip-ups, spare spools, rods from St. Croix, and more. Plus, get the freshest pogies around, striper plugs, and squid jigs.
This live bait and tackle shop specializes in handmade in bucktail lures and teasers for all sorts of bottom fishing. Also find local knowledge, tons of fish talk, a variety of local baits and jigs, as well as sea worms, clam tongue, green crabs, worms, shiners, and tackle and gear made primarily for fishing in the bay.
Established in 2013, get worms, squid, pogies, mackerel, crabs and more, as well as custom rods, reels, jigs, rigs, lures, knives, and more. Plus, find on-site rod and reel repair services and tons of fish talk. It seems the fish in the bay just can’t get enough of Bristol bait. Just check out their Facebook page to see some whoppers.
We’re talking the freshest saltwater and freshwater bait, from live eels, mummies, sandworms, nightcrawlers, frozen bunker, and mackerel to herring, and local squid, and fresh bunker. Plus, find spearing, tie rods, Shimano and Penn reels, pro terminal tackle, and more.
Founded in 1972, Quaker Lane is open year round to meet your every seasonal need. They offer a full line of fishing, canoeing, and kayaking products, as well as fishing instructions, live bait and tackle, rod and reel repairs, and guided sport fishing expeditions. What’s more, get your saltwater license right here.
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Fort Adams State Park sits above Newport Harbor and offers a panoramic view of the picturesque bay below. Although in its heyday the fort played an important military role, it now provides an array of more recreational activities, like fishing, boating, rugby, and more. The fort itself is the second largest bastioned fort in the U.S., and it was designed to be the most heavily armed, garrisoning 2,400 troops and holding three tiers of guns—468, to be exact—to be sighted out over the water with a 360-degree seaward view. The idea was to offer a responsible defense for the important trading port of Newport and continue to repel those pesky Brits, and, while the U.S. Army continued to actively use of the site until 1953, it was eventually granted to the State of Rhode Island in 1965.
As far as hiking, as you might imagine from a fort site on the beach, it is mostly flat, although you might clamber over some sea rocks from time to time. Just follow the Fort Adams Bay Walk, a 2.2-mile loop around the fort, and enjoy many of Newport’s last hidden treasures. First, a short stroll down the trail, you will see a strange-looking mansion poking up from the turbulent Atlantic at the other end of the bay. To the north, catch a glimpse of the Rose Island Lighthouse, and, to the south, see Castle Hill and Beavertail Lighthouses.
Offering 360-degree views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay, the scenic overlook atop the walls of the fort has got the be the best spectacular vista in the house. See miles out over the Atlantic in all directions, these views were critical strategic advantages in wartime. There were also some interesting and crucial architectural elements having to do with vantage point as well, including bastions, which were medieval castle towers and crownworks, a land defense element meant to protect from cannon fire.
The barracks at Fort Adams make an ideal place to crash in the event you cannot see the entire site in one day (which is entirely possible). Ideal for any scout, student, or family outing, overnight stays are allowed inside this 19th-century fortress or in a tent on the lawn. Sleep like the soldiers as most of the overnight facilities have been finished in everyday style to look like an army barracks.
Did you know that President Eisenhower built a summer home on the site that is now Fort Adams State Park? Formerly known as the Commandant's Residence the house was built in 1873 by one of the renowned Newport architects of the day, George Champlin Mason. Eisenhower himself called it his “Summer White House,” and today the sprawling Victorian overlooks Newport and Narragansett Bays. The opulent home offers self-guided tours and is available to rent for weddings and other occasions.
This 30-minute guided tour explores the Fort’s Advanced Southern Redoubt. Find out what makes Forts Adams “the most complex coastal fort in the United States.” Explore tunnels and underground stairs, embrasures and loopholes, and historic jail cells. Find openings in the fort’s exterior wall designed to allow defenders within the walls only to be mercilessly fired upon through small holes in the wall.
This BYOB chicken joint in Newport is a must-visit after your tours at Fort Adams end! Unwind and enjoy delicious fried chicken with seasonal sides and biscuits. For the kids, order the “Little Clucker,” which comes with chicken tenders, tator tots, and applesauce.
If you want to find an overnight accommodation that’s a little bit cozier and more comfortable, head to the Almondy Inn. Choose from a variety of classically New England suites with a wealth of luxurious amenities. The Captain’s Quarters suite features two master suites with private bathrooms, high-ceiling living areas, a fireplace, a kitchen, and two balconies overlooking Narragansett Bay and Newport Bridge.
]]>Right at the boundary of Richmond and Hopkinton, the Wood River offers great fishing spots whether you are standing on shore, kayaking, or working out of a canoe. Fishermen here typically find great trout, among other types of fish.
Come on a dewy morning or a foggy sunset to Watchaug Pond, nestled at the edge of Burlingame State Park. Use the boat ramp to launch your boat into the water from your car, or stay on shore and fish from the rocky crags on the side. You’ll quickly fall in love with this spot. Need some gear or a boat before for your adventure? Stop in at Breachway Bait & Tackle in Charlestown, Rhode Island. Here, they have salt and freshwater fishing gear as well as apparel and kayak and canoe rentals.
Head out to Lincoln Woods State Park for a beautiful, wooded forest retreat that also boasts a popular fishing destination. Olney Pond consists of 126 acres of fishable space, which will give you and your fellow fishermen plenty of room to spread out. If you’re in need of some bait, Ocean State Tackle in Providence is your best bet!
The 39-acre Carbuncle Pond is located in the Nicholas Farm Management Area. This idyllic location is well-loved among anglers and has a boat launch for those looking to get out onto the water. You will find a healthy population of trout in this pond.
This 480-acre reservoir is one of the largest in Rhode Island. At the north end of the pond, fishermen will find a few sizable coves but the majority of the pond is wide open. The pond is almost two miles long and is stocked with trout several times a year.
]]>This independent retail store has been offering running, hiking, and cold-weather camping items since 1994. Get specialized footwear and gear from a variety of outdoor brands and enjoy a friendly, knowledgeable staff who are passionate about all things outdoors. With an unwaning commitment to its New England customers, the community, and the environment, Denali is a homegrown original.
This second generation, family-owned business has been serving Rhode Island and the surrounding area since 1985. With 14,000 square-feet of space, they offer a massive inventory of outdoor gear, featuring hiking, hunting, camping, canoeing, fishing, and kayaking equipment. Plus find hiking and outerwear products from the North Face, Merrell, Woolrich, Osprey, and more.
Founded in 1998, Helly has its hometown roots in Newport. Their friendly staff offers expert advice on selecting the best gear for your outdoor explorations, so much so that they test Helly Hansen gear in the outdoors themselves. So, whether you are skiing, sailing, hiking, or camping, you’ll know you have a tested Helly Hansen quality product to take into the wild with you.
Established in 2012, Jamestown offers men’s, women’s, and kid’s clothing. Featuring jackets, hats, and gloves from Patagonia and Carve Designs, they also offer kayak, bike, and paddleboard rentals. Explore all of the nooks and crannies of Jamestown island in any weather with products from Jamestown Outdoors.
The “foul weather gear experts,” Team One has what you need to explore the world in any condition. Get tested outerwear products by Gill and Helly Hansen outerwear. Plus find trousers, gloves, hats, tech gear, sunglasses, watches, backpacks, dry bags, and more. Don’t let the coastal weather stop your hike—visit Team One.
Born in 1989 and based out of the necessity to create hard-working apparel and gear for hard-working blue-collar people, the Duluth Trading Company now features footwear, outerwear, shirts, pants, underwear, belts, backpacks, and stuff for the workshop. They might not have everything for your hiking trip, but what you find you will have for a lifetime.
]]>A second generation family-owned business established in 1985, URE is dedicated to providing outdoor gear for hiking and camping equipment, canoes, kayaks, guns and ammo, fishing gear, and work clothing. They carry a whole slew of brands such as Merrell, Patagonia, Smartwool, and more. Plus, get SCARPA hiking boots, one of the top picks from Outdoor Gear Lab. You’ll also find cookware, local area maps and guidebooks, propane canisters, and more.
Denali represents a family of independent retail stores that dapple Southern New England. Since 1994, they have focused on fulfilling running, hiking, camping, and general cold-weather needs by carefully selecting clothing, footwear, and other gear from a wide array of the best outdoor brands. The store has a friendly, knowledgeable staff that will put the customer first. Some featured clothing brands are Patagonia, Marmot, Arc'teryx, Under Armour, and Life is Good.
At this world-class outdoor gear store, find tents, backpacks, hydration gear, sleeping bags, and so much more for your next camping adventure. Shop the famous Thermoball line of winter jackets, among other warm and cozy outerwear. Plus, check out this Hyper Cat sleeping bag or the Summit Series Mountain 25 Tent for two. Celebrate over 50 years of exploring with the North Face today.
This well-known New England retailer might be better recognized in somewhere like Maine, but luckily they are in the Ocean State too. Offering a variety of outdoor apparel and footwear, plus sporting and camping gear, you'll find headlamps like the Black Diamond Storm or top-of-the-line backpacks from Osprey. Whatever you need, you’ll find it at L.L. Bean.
This retail chain carries some of the best outdoor and camping gear on the planet at the best prices. It is a sure shot when it comes to sheer volume of products and helpful and knowledgeable service. Find footwear, outerwear, kayaks, headlamps, climbing gear, bikes, and more. Plus, check out top-rated tents from Big Agnes and Nemo, among others, and winter jackets from Marmot and the North Face.
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This campground fosters a tight community. The grounds are family owned, and the owners work hard to keep the facility—which includes a pool—safe and clean for all visitors! Younger children will enjoy the small playground, and adults and kids alike can gather for a game on the bocce ball court! The grounds are pet-friendly, too.
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Since 1945, Holiday Acres has been curating a relaxing environment for the whole family. There’s always a fun activity planned for families, and you and your kids can take advantage of the facility’s horseshoe pits, pool table, huge field, and boating house!
This 80-acre campground is maintained by the Westwood YMCA on the Quidnick Reservoir. Enjoy activities like fishing, sailing, basketball and archery, or enroll your child in swim lessons or a day camp! There’s even a golf course just three minutes away, making Westwood the perfect place to spend time with the family.
This is no pond! In fact, Worden is one of Rhode Island’s largest freshwater lakes. Take a dip and spend the rest of the day lounging around on the campgrounds—with clean bathrooms and a beautiful natural setting, it’s an ideal place to relax!
Find your perfect campsite within the 50 acres of tall pines that surround Whispering Pines. The camp offers a swimming pool, miniature golf, row boats, and a fishing pond, in addition to a snack bar open during the summer and a recreation hall. Join fellow campers for a pancake breakfast offered between July and September every year!
]]>You’ll approach the Melville Ponds Campground along gravel roads and soon enter into a shady RV camp. Though the camp is small, it’s great for kids. You might even notice plenty of fun wildlife such as birds and frogs!
In operation for nearly five decades, Wawaloam Campground deems itself “the place to stay for family fun.” At Wawaloam, you’ll find 300 sites situated on 100 acres of rural farmland. There are full hook-ups, 50-amp services, and more. For fun, you’ll find a 4,000-square-foot splash park, a swimming pool, playground, mini golf, and a double flume waterslide.
Escape into the woods at Oak Embers Campground in West Greenwich. There is plenty to keep the whole family entertained here, including: a pool, play area, horseshoes, train rides, volleyball, a game room, basketball court, and more. There’s also nearby hiking trails, boating and canoeing opportunities, biking, golfing, and fishing. The fun never stops at Oak Embers.
You’ve got all the amenities you’ll need at Ashaway, including a great pool, free showers, and hot tub. Be sure to check out their activities schedule, which includes events such as train rides, family hayrides, and bingo. Bringing along a furry friend? Not to worry—this site is pet-friendly!
This RV park is a quiet and peaceful location with a knowledgeable staff who will help guide you around the island! Amenities include a laundry room, full hook-ups, water and electric, as well as a dump station. You’ll be in a perfect location to access the nearby Cliff Walk, too!
]]>Even in the midst of winter, you might still be able to enjoy the rough granite along Lincoln Woods. Though this small rock is set within walking distance of walking trails and picnic areas, you’ll still get a good challenge from all of the friction along the stone’s face.
This impressive lone stone of granite pops up just where you wouldn’t expect. Located in the Arcadia Management Area, Lost Boulder offers a good variety of heights and great slopes. It’s a great texture for climbing—if you can find it out in Arcadia, that is.
Another great spot located in the Arcadia area, you’ll enjoy attempting several routes to get to the top of this 29-foot firewall. The wall has been attempted by hikers since back in the 80s, when the state’s rock-climbing scene was dominated by the Rhody Loadies. Beginners or kids might appreciate a few of the slabs facing west, but this is a fun rock when approached from all directions.
Take a climb up this 50-foot cliff that spans about 60 feet in width. Watch out for the mica and quartz that sharply stand out from the mostly-pock surface. Climb wherever you want—but know that the rock does tend to be tough on the fingers. For more intense climbing, head further south on the rock, or go bouldering on some of the smaller rocs that lie around the main cliff.
Take Route 6 west from Providence to end up at this nature preserve. You’ll head past the pond to find the cliffs best for climbing. Take a climb between 15 and 35 feet in height. Be prepared to encounter a bit of loose rock along some cliffs. These are some of the toughest routes in Rhode Island, which is why they are so popular among serious climbers.
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