As it seems apparent that we will need more than 14 days of hikes in Rhode Island, I decided to split my list into two. If you missed 14 days of hikes in Rhode Island, be sure to check it out. If you are looking for some easier ways to get outside in Rhode Island, enjoy my list of the best walking trails in Rhode Island. Next week, I will publish a post of the best places to see the sunset in Rhode Island. Subscribe to be sure not to miss it.
Table of Contents
Best Walking Trails in Rhode Island
1. India Point Park
201 India St, Providence
First, I am not recommending you use the playground here. I would recommend that you don’t. But this park on the waterfront of Providence has sidewalks and a beautiful view of the broken down piers, which I find quite appealing. If you still play Pokemon, there are a lot of them here.
2. Cliff Walk, Newport
Memorial Boulevard
The views of both the ocean and mansions make this one of Rhode Island’s best. Read all about it here.
3. Along the Water, Narragansett
State Pier 5 on Ocean Road to Narragansett Town Beach on Boston Neck Rd
This paved sidewalk travels along the water under the famous arches of the Coast Guard House and by the town beach. This is an easy 1-mile walk.
4. Fort Wetherill, Jamestown
3 Fort Wetherill Rd
Grafitti at Fort Wetherill
This is a short hike up onto a 100-ft granite cliff overlooking Fort Adams across the Narragansett Bay. It is fun because Fort Wetherill is decaying and covered in graffiti. Do not climb the ladders, as they may be contaminated.
The view from Fort Weatherill
5. Rocky Point Park, Warwick
33 Rocky Point Ave
This white arch was brought to Rhode Island following Chicago’s World’s Fair. There were originally 11 arches around the amusement park.
Rocky Point Park was an active amusement park, complete with cottages for workers and numerous rides along the coast of Warwick that functioned for over 100 years. It fell into disrepair after closing in the 1990s when the owners went bankrupt. The recently took over the land, building a mile-long paved path along the shore and through grasslands. Remenants of amusement rides are still around, as well as historical placards. This walk has many unexpected treats.
6. Oakland Beach, Warwick
889 Oakland Beach Avenue
Oakland Beach is a perfect spot to watch a Rhode Island sunset and has many species of birds to watch.
Most people know Oakland Beach for the famous clam shack, Iggy’s. Oakland Beach is also a great place to take a walk. You can walk along the beach or seawall or explore the wetlands and more secluded beach behind Iggy’s on the paved nature pathway.
Salter Memorial Grove Park, Warwick
Narragansett Parkway north of Pawtuxet Village
It was hard for me to decide whether this should go into this post orthe best hikes in Rhode Island. This is a flat walk on a stone pathway, then on a stone jetty on Narragansett Bay. It is about a mile long. Although the whole walk is flat, the ground is very uneven since it is made of rocks and stones. Be sure to head out and back in low tide, or you will have to wade through the water to get back onto the jetty. This is a popular spot for fishing and provides spectacular views of the port of Providence and Pawtuxet Village.
Fort Adams Bay Walk, Newport
80 Fort Adams Drive
This two-mile paved walk takes you along the peninsula on which Fort Adams sits and provides panoramic views of Newport and its famous bridge. It can be a bit confusing to follow. When you reach the Eisenhower House, walk through the parking lot to continue on the Bay Walk.
All of Rhode Island’s bike trails are also fabulous places to take a walk. Check out my list of the best bike paths and greenways in Rhode Island.
Enjoy your time outside in Rhode Island. Did I miss your favorite Rhode Island nature walk? Please let me know in the comments.
Newport looks beautiful. I was hoping to do an East Coast trip this fall for the changing of the leaves. Fingers crossed it will happen. Have bookmarked this a resource!
Fall is my favorite time here! Let me know if you are able to come.
Right now, stuck close to home in a large city, I must admit that I am craving a good long walk. So I thought that I might take a virtual one in Rhode Island with you! The cliff walk in Newport looks beautiful. I can see why this is one of Rhode Island’s best. When it warms up, a walk along the beach at Narragansett would fit the bill quite nicely. Although a walk on Oakland Beach with local clams may also be an option. Certainly looks like some good options. With lots of room for social distancing too!
I pray you get out soon.
The colour of those ocean waters has me wishing I was by the sea! Oakland Beach looks like a stunning place to see the sunset too! You know what, a couple of these places like Fort Adams and the jetty walk remind of a few places in Australia! I’m curious though, why do you recommend against using the play park at India Point?
Just while we are worried about Corona please shouldn’t been on playground equipment.