When people think trails and hiking, they often look north to New Hampshire or west to Colorado. But Rhode Island has a wonderful array of trails and paths that make it worth breaking out the hiking boots. Whether you’re looking for a scenic stroll or to scale boulders, you’ll find the right spot in this list.

Serene

Maxwell Mays
Victory Highway, Coventry

Distance: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy

This is the perfect trail for a newbie to the hiking scene since it has a fairly flat grade. As you walk, you’ll see gorgeous views of Carr’s Pond and a vibrating meadow teeming with wildlife. The only challenges are the occasional roots and rocks that jut out in random places.

Historic

Wolf Hill Forest Preserve
Waterview Drive, Smithfield

Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

This trail traces old farm roads, weaving a path dotted by the remains of a cabin and, on clear days, views of Providence. It also cuts across the site of a World War II plane crash where three servicemen died. Be prepared for a fair amount of challenging uphill climbs.

Natural Wonders

Ben Utter Trail/ Stepstone Falls
Austin Farm Road, Escoheag

Distance: 3.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy

It might be hard to find the entrance to this trail, but it’s worth it if you do. The real magic happens after crossing multiple streams, trekking through unfurling ferns, and passing the remains of an old gristmill. There, Stepstone Falls awaits you. These small, careening falls provide the perfect spot to stop for a rest on your hike.

Adventure

Long and Ell Ponds
North Road, Hopkinton

Distance: 5.7 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

This trail is for the serious hiker. Be prepared to climb over rocks and boulders and scale outcroppings as you traverse this scenic expanse of Yawgoog Valley. Trek by Ell and Long ponds as well as the “Pepsi stream,” whose soda pop-colored current warranted its name.

Coastal

Sachuest Point
Sachuest Point Road, Middletown

Distance: 2.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Sachuest Point is a waterfront trail, with scenic vistas of the Sakonnet River and the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re a bird watcher, keep an eye out for red-wing blackbirds, yellow finches, and egrets. The Flint Point loop portion of the trail is a quiet stroll on beach terrain with blooming beach roses spraying the path. 

Urban

Neutaconkanut Hill
Plainfield Street, Providence

Distance: 0.25 to 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

If you’re from Providence or other nearby urban jungles, you don’t have to wander far for a quality hike. Neutaconkanut Hill has a variety of trails that overlook the city, providing a pleasant walk.

Safety tips for the trail

• Wear orange reflector vests if trails border a hunting area. Maxwell Mays, Wolf Hill, Sachuest Point, and Neutaconkanut Hill are “no hunting” zones. There are deer, small game, and turkey hunting at Ben Utter and at Long and Ell Ponds.
• Carry water and a phone.
• If possible, hike in a group.
• Wear sneakers or hiking boots (for more challenging trails).
• Use tick repellant on clothing, and wear light colors so ticks are easier to spot.
• Use insect repellant on skin that contains 20-30% DEET.