Take This Epic Road Trip To Experience Rhode Island’s Great Outdoors
×
Natalie Clunan
Author
It’s the perfect time of year to get outside and enjoy the weather. Rhode Island is chock full of wonderful parks and beaches where you can soak in the sunshine and stretch your legs. Not sure where to get started? The Great Outdoors Road Trip will take you on a two-day adventure ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Get ready to be wowed by the Ocean State’s natural beauty.
We'll start off our journey at the Norman Bird Sanctuary. The 325-acre property boasts varied habitats and seven miles of low-key trails. Truly a hiker's paradise, this gem on Aquidneck Island is the perfect place to get started.
Advertisement
Climb to new heights on the Hanging Rock trail that offers unrivaled water views. Or choose a smoother path on the universal boardwalk trail through the forest to Red Maple Pond. Whichever hike you choose, you'll be immersed in a beautiful natural setting that's a photographer's dream come true.
Advertisement
Time to give your legs a rest and do some exploring by water. Narrow River Kayaks offers rentals of kayaks, canoes, and SUPs to you can get out on the river and start your adventure.
Short paddles include heading out to the beach at the mouth of Narrow River or going to explore the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge at Pettaquamscutt Cove. Even novices can handle the smooth waters of the Narrow River and enjoy all of the scenery it has to offer.
Related Stories
Take This Unforgettable Road Trip To 5 Of Rhode Island’s Least Visited State Parks
The Ultimate Rhode Island Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 6 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State
Spend Three Days At Three State Park On This Weekend Road Trip In Rhode Island
Burlingame State Park offers the perfect pitstop for an overnight stay. Over 3,000 wooded acres around Watchaug Pond offers 700 campsites. Pitch a tent, park an RV, or even rent a cabin a spend the night under the stars at this woodland oasis.
If you aren't quite ready to call it a day, take advantage of the beautiful hiking trails. You can also head down to the pond for a refreshing dip or rent a canoe and do some more exploring on the water.
The 8319-acre Big River Management Area has a lot to offer outdoor lovers. Get those hiking shoes on and get ready to start exploring.
Advertisement
Miles of hiking trails in the forest are one option for your visit. But try something a little different and take a walk through Little Rhody's desert. Hilly sand dunes offer a whole new experience and the views from the top are worth the climb!
The last stop on our Great Outdoors Road Trip is the under-appreciated Snake Den State Park. While it doesn't often garner a lot of attention, the 1,000-acre undeveloped property is a pure pleasure to explore.
Take to the trails and check out the astounding stone formations. Or you can spend some time on the working farm at the park. This little natural treasure is also one of the best places in the state to view the fall foliage.
So who are you taking with you on this Great Outdoors Road Trip or are you going at it solo? If you have some extra time after kayaking the Narrow River, take this quick detour to hike a brief but beautiful boardwalk trail.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.