Rhode Island’s waterfalls are not towering, loud cascades, but that doesn’t make them any less beautiful. Stepstone Falls, which is actually a series of waterfalls in the Arcadia Management Area, is an absolutely gorgeous place where the falls happen to be natural, a rarity in the Ocean State. Plan a visit and see for yourself..

The Arcadia Management Area is Rhode Island’s largest recreational area, spanning over 14,000 acres.
Justin Schwab / alltrails.com
The area is mostly forested, and it's perfect for fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, just to name a few.
To reach Stepstone Falls, you'll take a beautiful three mile trail next to a river.
David Chovan / alltrails.com
The walk to the falls is almost as pleasant as the falls themselves.
You'll hear the waterfalls before you see them.
Justin Schwab / alltrails.com
The falls create a gentle sound that transforms the hiking trail into a completely serene experience.

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The falls drop 10 feet over a series of 100 feet.
Michelle Young / alltrails.com
They may not be massive in height, but they're perfectly peaceful. And the tallest drop, at three feet, is quite photogenic.
The water flows over a broad, flat ledge, which creates a long curtain-like appearance.
Krista Honey / alltrails.com
This is the perfect reward for a little hike through nature.
Rhode Island doesn't have the mountainous terrain the other states in New England do. The highest point of the state is only 812 feet above sea level.
Helaine Hager / alltrails.com
With such a smooth landscape, it makes sense that Rhode Island has a limited number of natural waterfalls.
Stepstone Falls is beautiful, but the water flow will depend on the season.
Jack McLane / Flickr
The best time to see it is spring, but anytime after a rainfall is also ideal.

Interested in hearing the roaring sounds of this cascading waterfall? Check out this YouTube video by the Story of the Yawgoog Trails:

Have you ever been to the stunning Stepstone Falls? If so, tell us about your experience in the comments below.

And if you’re searching for more fun outdoor adventures, here’s a previous article about hiking trails in Rhode Island that lead to fairytale footbridges.  

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

WATERFALLS IN RHODE ISLAND & RELATED INFO

Melanie J. | May 17, 2023

What are some more waterfalls in Rhode Island?

The Ocean State is not known for waterfalls, but we do have some that are worth seeing. Here are 10 of the best waterfalls in Rhode Island:

  • Ponaganset Falls, Clayville
  • Blackstone Dam, North Smithfield
  • Harrisville Falls, Burrillville
  • Roundtop Fishing Area, Burrillville
  • Kenyon Mill Falls, South Kingston
  • Albion Falls, Lincoln
  • Slater Mill Dam, Pawtucket
  • Pawtuxet Falls, Pawtuxet Village
  • Robin Hollow Pond Falls, Cumberland
  • Woonsocket Falls Dam, Woonsocket


Be sure to read our previous article with more information about these incredible waterfalls in Rhode Island. 

What are some of the best hiking trails in Rhode Island?

If you’re searching for outdoor adventure, here are some of the best hiking trails in Rhode Island that we recommend:

  • Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Charlestown
  • Beavertail State Park, Narragansett
  • Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge Trail, Exeter
  • Weetamoo Woods Trail, Tiverton
  • Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, Bristol
  • Hunts Mills, East Providence
  • Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge, East Greenwich
  • Rocky Point State Park, Warwick
  • Cliff Walk, Newport
  • Clay Head Trail, Block Island


Here’s an article highlighting some more of my favorite hiking trails in Rhode Island.

What are the best state parks in Rhode Island?

Burlingame State Park is the largest and one of the best state parks in Rhode Island. But here is a list of 10 more state parks that are worth visiting:

  • Beavertail State Park, Jamestown
  • Brenton Point State Park, Newport
  • Colt State Park, Bristol
  • Fort Adams State Park, Newport
  • Goddard Memorial State Park, Warwick
  • Lincoln Woods State Park, Lincoln
  • Rocky Point State Park, Warwick
  • East Matunuck State Beach, South Kingstown
  • Beavertail State Park, Jamestown
  • Fishermen's Memorial State Park, Narragansett


Don’t forget to check out this previous article providing more information on some of the best state parks in Rhode Island. 

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Stepstone Falls, West Greenwich, RI 02817, USA