Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but we are blessed with five national wildlife refuges! One of the most beloved of these is the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, 858 acres of pristine environments that run the gauntlet from grasslands to marshes. The park has a variety of hiking trails that show off many habitats and all kinds of wildlife!

With over five miles of trails, there's something for everyone at Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge! You'll see native flora and fauna of all kinds as you explore the pathways.
Jamie McAnulty/AllTrails
One of the most popular trails in the refuge is the Grassy Point Trail, a 1.3 mile path near the east entrance.
Margaret D/AllTrails
Interestingly enough, the trails circle an area that used to be the Charlestown Naval Auxilliary Landing Field! It's hard to believe that such luscious wetlands were a bustling military base less than a century ago.
Oldandrickety/TripAdvisor

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The Charlestown Naval Auxilliary Landing Field, nicknamed "Charlietown," closed down in 1970 and the land was transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Joseph Gelinas/AllTrails
The area now serves as an important protected area for local plant and wildlife species, as well as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
The trail systems within the refuge are very popular with birdwatchers. The variety of ecosystems within the refuge ensures that hundreds of different species call Ninigret home.
John H/AllTrails
Warblers and bluebirds are common in the springtime, and visitors also report frequent sightings of owls and majestic great blue herons.
The Toupoysett Pond Trail is a short trek on the west end of the refuge. The trail cuts around a vernal pool, a unique type of wetland that does not usually contain fish.
Betsy Graham/AllTrails
The lack of fish predators means that insect and amphibian species not normally seen in more traditional marshes are likely to thrive in areas such as this.
The trails at the park are stroller and wheelchair accessible, making this a fantastic trip for the entire family!
Surupa Basu/AllTrails

Have you hiked the trails at Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge? What’s your favorite species you’ve seen there?

For maps and updated information about trail closures, check out the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service page.

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Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Charlestown, RI 02813, USA