New England autumns are world-famous and for good reason. Most Rhode Islanders anxiously anticipate autumn’s arrival all year long, awaiting that vibrant foliage. And while some traditional events and activities will have to wait until next year, going on some nice scenic drives in Rhode Island is never canceled. Here are a few routes that are absolutely enchanting this time of year:

1. Newport and Ocean Drive
doclexus / TripAdvisor
Brenton Point State Park, Ocean Drive, Newport, RI 02840, USA
karzupka / TripAdvisor
The Ocean Drive Historic District is only about a 10-mile trek, but every bit of it is breathtaking, especially in the fall. The winding drive offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Newport Mansions, and the stunning Cliff Walk. This is one of the best scenic drives in Rhode Island.

Take a look at this video by @livinginri:
2. Blackstone Valley
Shaun C. Williams / Flickr
Blackstone Valley Place, Blackstone Valley Pl, Lincoln, RI 02865, USA
Blackstone Valley, Rhode Island / Facebook
The beautiful Blackstone Valley is well known for its rich, colorful leaves and historic landmarks. This drive takes you down Route 14 West (from I-295) and Route 12 over the Hope Dam and is one of the most magnificent drives to see fall colors in Rhode Island.

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3. Route 138 through Hope Valley and North Kingstown
Peter Rintels / Flickr
Rhode Island 138, RI-138, Portsmouth, RI, USA
Peter Rintels / Flickr
Is rural farmland more your style? Route 138 takes you through the Hope Valley and North Kingstown, past the University of Rhode Island. It's one of the best fall color drives in Rhode Island.
4. Conanicut Island
QuentB / TripAdvisor
Conanicut Island, Jamestown, RI 02835, USA
flr9003 / TripAdvisor
Conanicut Island (also called Jamestown Island) is a delightful place to visit any time of year. Driving the roads of this island town will provide you with views of Narragansett Bay, rolling fields, historic homes, and its village center. And it's all sprinkled with beautiful fall foliage. This is one of the most breathtaking Rhode Island fall color drives.

Take a look at this aerial video of Jamestown by @bryanflanagan5612:

When it comes to Rhode Island scenic drives, you really can’t go wrong this time of year – it’s all getting more colorful by the day. This season is a real stunner in New England, and it’s definitely a great time to explore your own backyard. And if you’d rather have an itinerary mapped out for you, just follow the path of our Rhode Island fall foliage road trip.

Before you embark on a Rhode Island road trip, check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for all your essentials!

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Rhode Island Scenic Drives

Tori Jane | September 07, 2022

Where are some of the best destinations for fall foliage in Rhode Island?  

Some of the best places to view the incredible fall colors in Rhode Island include the many stunning state parks like the following:

  • Goddard Memorial State Park
  • Rocky Point State Park
  • Colt State Park

 

What are some fun things to do in the fall in Rhode Island?  

Here are some fun things to do in the fall in Rhode Island: 

  • Take one of these epic autumn hikes in Rhode Island, either.
  • Embark upon an amazing scenic autumn Rhode Island drive.
  • Head to any of the delightful family-friendly pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and fall festivals you’ll find in almost every small town in Rhode Island.

 

It’s a magical, memorable time of year, and we think you’ll fall in love with this beautiful state all over again once you’ve experienced it in the fall.  

What are some beautiful fall drives in Rhode Island to add to my bucket list? 

Some of the most beautiful fall drives in Rhode Island include the following:

  • Route 4 Southbound to the Rhode Island Beaches, a 29-mile drive showcasing some of the most beautiful scenery in the state made even more stunning by the brilliant foliage.
  • Route 114 is a 28-mile jaunt from eastern Rhode Island to Newport.
  • The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor will take you all the way to Massachusetts (and is worth every mile).  

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