A brisk hike can’t really be topped. We can breathe in the fresh air, drink in the beautiful surroundings, and, if we’re lucky, we might run across a gorgeous waterfall. If you follow one of these best hikes in Rhode Island, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of breathtaking cascades. You have to decide which hiking trails in RI with waterfalls you’ll go on first.

1. Ben Utter Trail – Arcadia State Management Area

Ben Utter Trailhead, Plain Rd, Exeter, RI 02822, USA
All Trails/Marissa Miller
Perhaps one of the best-known waterfalls in Rhode Island, Stepstone Falls sits along the 2.7-mile Ben Utter Trail. The out-and-back trail is considered moderate, predominately due to uneven, rocky terrain and roots jutting up from the ground. You definitely don't want to forget your camera to snap photos of this epic cascade. We love these hiking trails in RI with waterfalls.

2. Carr’s Pond and Tarbox Pond Trail – Coventry

Carrs Pond Road, Carrs Pond Rd, East Greenwich, RI, USA
All Trails/Linda & Butch Marold
Nestled in Big River State Management Area, Carr's Pond and Tarbox Pond Trail clocks in at four miles and usually takes about 90 minutes. The kid- and dog-friendly trail is rated easy and features such scenic beauty as wetlands and rock formations. Arguably, the highlight of the trail is the waterfall. It’s one of our favorite

3. Belleville Pond Trail – North Kingston

Belleville Pond, North Kingstown, RI 02852, USA
All Trails/Melissa Klein
Coming in at just under five miles, Belleville Pond Trail is another popular waterfall hike in Rhode Island. Be prepared for some muddy terrain along this trail that's described as a walk in the woods. The pretty path includes footbridges and the waterfall. We think it’s one of the best waterfalls in Rhode Island.

Related Stories

5 Gorgeous Rhode Island Waterfalls Hiding In Plain Sight With No Hiking Required

5 Gorgeous Rhode Island Waterfalls Hiding In Plain Sight With No Hiking Required

 The Frozen Waterfall At Arcadia State Management Area In Rhode Island Is A Must-See This Winter

The Frozen Waterfall At Arcadia State Management Area In Rhode Island Is A Must-See This Winter

 This Easy Trail Leads To Hunt's Mill, One Of Rhode Island's Most Underrated Waterfalls

This Easy Trail Leads To Hunt's Mill, One Of Rhode Island's Most Underrated Waterfalls

4. Blackstone River Bikeway Trail – Woonsocket

Rivers Edge Parking Area, 195 Davison Ave, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA
All Trails/Lisa Murphy
If you're up for a long, leisurely journey, follow the 18.5-mile Blackstone River Bikeway Trail. The scenic trail travels through Social Park and boasts a ton of gorgeous scenery. You can bike, stroll or hike the trail that includes a picture-perfect waterfall. It’s easily one of our favorite waterfall hikes in Rhode Island.

5. Turner Loop Trail – East Providence

Turner Reservoir Loop Trailhead Parking, 400 Pleasant St, Rumford, RI 02916, USA
All Trails/Gina Alarie
Turner Loop Trail earns props for its beautiful scenery and waterfall. However, you will have to travel on the main road for a bit, so keep that in mind. (Some hikers don't mind while others don't like it.) Hikers assert the trail is well-marked, although it can get muddy. You need to do these

6. Hunt’s Mill Trail – Rumford

Hunts Mill Road, Hunts Mill Rd, East Providence, RI 02916, USA
All Trails/Mariya J.
Hunt's Mill Trail is short, sweet, and easy. Tallying just over a half of a mile, the picturesque path meanders through lush landscape and to a tumbling cascade. Even though it's a short trek, you might want to bring along a picnic. You'll find picnic tables overlooking the waterfall, offering the perfect place to relax with a meal or a snack. This is one of our favorite waterfall hikes in Rhode Island.

Do you agree that these are some of the best hiking trails in RI with waterfalls? Let us know in the comments! Then, plan a visit to see the tallest waterfall in Rhode Island. And don’t forget the hiking boots! We love the ones at North Face.

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

More to Explore

Hiking Trails In RI With Waterfalls

Megan McDonald | December 01, 2023

Does Rhode Island have good hiking?

While small in size, Rhode Island offers a surprisingly rich array of hiking opportunities that cater to casual and more serious hikers. The state's diverse landscape, which includes coastal areas, lush forests, and gentle hills, provides a variety of scenic trails. Notable hiking spots include the Cliff Walk in Newport, combining ocean views with historic mansions; the expansive Arcadia Management Area with its network of trails through varied terrains; Lincoln Woods State Park near Providence, perfect for a quick nature escape; and Beavertail State Park in Jamestown, renowned for its stunning coastal scenery and lighthouse views. 

The Tillinghast Pond Management Area and the East Bay Bike Path offer more serene hiking experiences, while the ambitious North-South Trail presents a lengthier challenge, traversing the state through diverse landscapes. These destinations showcase Rhode Island's natural beauty, making it an unexpectedly delightful destination for hiking enthusiasts.

Where are the best places to hike in RI?

Rhode Island boasts various beautiful hiking spots. Here are some of the best places to hike in Rhode Island:

  • Cliff Walk in Newport: This famous 3.5-mile trail offers a unique combination of natural beauty and historic architecture, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and majestic Gilded Age mansions on the other.
  • Arcadia Management Area: As the state's largest recreational area, covering over 14,000 acres, it offers a network of trails through diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and open fields.
  • Lincoln Woods State Park: Close to Providence, this park features easy-to-moderate trails around Olney Pond and through mixed forests, making it a great option for a quick nature getaway.
  • Beavertail State Park in Jamestown: Known for its breathtaking coastal scenery, including a lighthouse and rocky shores, the park offers easy hikes with beautiful ocean views.
  • Tillinghast Pond Management Area: This area provides peaceful trails through forests and around a picturesque pond, offering a serene hiking experience.
  • East Bay Bike Path: While primarily a bike path, it's also a great place for a leisurely hike, with scenic views of Narragansett Bay.
  • The North-South Trail: Stretching 78 miles, this trail runs from the Massachusetts border to the ocean at Charlestown, traversing various landscapes and offering a more challenging hiking adventure.

 

These trails represent the diverse natural beauty of Rhode Island, from coastal walks to forested paths, making it a delightful destination for hikers.

Related Articles

Explore Rhode Island

Featured Addresses
Rhode Island, USA