This Scenic Hiking Trail In Rhode Island Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination
By Beth Price-Williams|Published March 07, 2024
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
A day trip offers so much promise because we can do whatever and go wherever we want. We can spend a few hours exploring a small town, visit a flower farm, and dine at a bucket list-worthy restaurant; we can go on a leisurely drive and see where we end up, or we can wander along perhaps the best hike in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. Lace up your hiking boots, and discover for yourself why it’s been called one of the best hikes in Rhode Island.
You'll need at least six hours - but plan on an entire day, just in case - for your journey along the Upper Piney, Sawmill, Elephant, Pinto, Ring Road, Venom Trail, a nearly 17-mile trek that meanders through Big River State Management Area.
Popular with hikers, mountain bikers, snowshoers in the winter, and those with dogs, the scenic out-and-back route scores a moderate rating, predominately due to the lack of trail markings and the varied terrain.
If you bring your pup, make sure he is leashed, and pick up after him.
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Before setting off, make sure you've packed all of the essentials - water, snacks, and bug spray. You'll need plenty of bug spray if you hike this pretty path in the warmer months as it can get incredibly buggy.
This wandering trail is idyllic in all four seasons. Try snowshoeing after a fresh snowfall, and make it a point to visit during the height of the fall colors. Since it's an out-and-back, you can hike as far as you want and turn around, if you don't have time for the entire 16.8 miles.
Have you followed this scenic trail, one of the best hikes in Rhode Island? Do you agree it is perhaps the best hike near West Greenwich, Rhode Island? Let us know in the comments! Next time you’re up for an adventure, follow this road trip to the seven wonders of Rhode Island. Before you set off on any adventure in Rhode Island, make sure you have comfy shoes and a camera.