Scenic Rhode Island Walks

Scenic RI Walks

Walking is an incredible low-impact and heart-healthy way to get exercise. It makes it even better when the scenery is gorgeous! Skip the track or the treadmill and indulge yourself in the beauty of these Rhode Island locations.

Whether you’re ready to crunch some fall leaves, are bundled up for winter, or basking in the spring and summer sun, my family and I have hit these trails in Narragansett and Newport year after year and they’ve never ceased to amaze me.

Narragansett

Rome Point - The John H. Chafee Nature Preserve is a 2.4 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located on Rt 1A in between Wickford Village and the Jamestown Bridge. The trail is good for all skill levels, offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Loop goes down to the water where seals can often be spotted and families hanging out with picnic lunches. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This is a favorite of ours, with our dog Simi leading the way!
Black Point - Black point is a 2.1 mile trail that runs along the ocean, and is accessible from Ocean Road, just north of Scarborough State Beach. Dress appropriately - this one is beautiful but breezy!
Canonchet Farm - This out and back, easy trail, branches off to a pond, field and coastal marsh. Located across from Narragansett Beach at the Pier, Canonchet Farm is a nature preserve and park, and hosts livestock, a Country Museum, an historical cemetery, and a caretakers home. Great for walking, mountain biking and even better for X-Country skiing or snowshoeing!
South County Bike Path - Presently, the path is 7 miles in length but when completed, it will be approximately 8 miles. From the Kingston train station, the path follows the easement of the old Narragansett Pier Railroad passing through the villages of Peace Dale, Wakefield, and Narragansett and currently ends near Narragansett Elementary school - approximately .75 miles from Narragansett Town Beach. Well traveled with bikes, runners and roller blades - this was a favorite of ours as the girls were growing up!

Note: Other than the Bike Path, these trails can be wet or muddy so wear the appropriate shoes. If you bring your four legged friends, please be responsible and pick up after them.

Newport

Brenton Point - Occupying the former grounds of one of Newport's grandest estates, Brenton Point State Park affords its visitors one of the most commanding and spectacular views on the East Coast. The park is located at the point of land where Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic, midway along renowned Ocean Drive. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, fishing, or just relaxing with the cool breezes and majestic views of the Atlantic Ocean. A favorite of ours with spectacular kite scenery marveled at by all ages!

Norman Bird Sanctuary - The Norman Bird Sanctuary is a 325-acre bird sanctuary, nature preserve, and museum at 583 Third Beach Road in Middletown, Rhode Island overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Beautiful hiking trails. This is my favorite for a “silent walk”. Note: no dogs allowed.
Sachuest Point National Wildlife - This 242-acre refuge is located in the southeasternmost part of the Town of Middletown. The refuge includes a newly renovated visitor center and over 2.5 miles of nature trails and viewing platforms. The refuge is renowned for the presence of the largest winter population of harlequin ducks on the East Coast and supports over 200 bird species. We have seen snowy owls and peregrine falcons - absolutely spectacular! No dogs please.

Looking for other trails? My go-to site is https://www.alltrails.com. Grab your camera, put on a comfortable outfit, and enjoy the natural beauty of Rhode Island!