Connor's Farm Conservation Area is by far, one of my favorite places for hiking in Rhode Island…read more Described as a hidden gem within the state, the main trailhead for this area is nestled in a nice neighborhood in Smithfield. If you are looking for a little bit of elevation, this is your place. I traipsed around here for approximately 2 miles and enjoyed every moment of it. Ponds, birdhouses, brooks, glacial rock formations, caves, overlooks, beech groves, a wild cranberry bog, stone bridges and so much more. The trails are marked by color - red, green, blue, and yellow. It is very easy to stay on trail here as everything is very well marked and their are signs at most intersections identifying where you are on the map. It is the one hike I've taken lately where the maps at the trailhead were actually stocked! This land was once part of the Connors family farm (surprise!). The trail system was built by the Boy Scouts in the 90s. My favorite view was from the top of the boulder field. Do expect some strenuous sections but its worth it! Beautiful in the spring/summer!

Nice place for a quiet, peaceful lunch and meditation, or hike. Not very long or strenuous. Limited…read moreparking.

Easy 1 hour out and back hike. Some spots slippery with ice on ground. Hiking boots recommended…read moreduring the winter. Fantastic scenery. Easy to see the gorge with more views if you go off trail a bit.

Great spot, great views. Fun to explore, family had a blast here. Looking forward to see it in…read moreevery season.

If you're looking for a peaceful outdoor escape in Central Mass, Blackstone River & Canal State…read morePark is a hidden gem. Spring is the perfect time to visit. The trees are just starting to bud, the landscape has that first hint of green, and--best of all--the bugs haven't shown up yet. Add in a warming sun, and it's ideal for a long, relaxed walk. The canal and scenic trails along the Blackstone River are great for walking, running, or biking. If you take your time, you'll spot plenty of bluegills in the water, and occasionally bass or carp. You'll also see fishermen scattered along the canal and river, adding to the laid-back, local feel. What really stands out is how quiet it is compared to other state parks. Unless there is an event, there are no large crowds, and little noise--just open space and nature. Perfect for a casual stroll, a bike ride, fishing, frisbee, a picnic, or just clearing your head.

A slightly secluded walkway. Paved and straight, it's good for a quick little run/walk. There…read morewere about a dozen people walking in the area I was in when I was there even with it being late afternoon, so I would imagine its even busier during peak times.

I love love love this particular hike. I would characterize the trails as intermediate with rocky…read moreareas that require you to pay close attention to what you are doing. The trails are clearly marked but I recommend you take a photo of the smaller trail maps posted throughout the mountain for reference. Because the area is so large with many loop- arounds, having a map photo will prove very helpful. There area several areas near the top with beautiful scenic overlooks you just won't want to miss. This is a dandy hike!

This is a beautiful mountain not far from the Connecticut border. We've been here a few times since…read morediscovering it and really enjoy it. It's a gradual incline at first but still gives you a good workout and is steeper then it looks! Down the road there is another little preserve area with a lake that is perfect for an easy run without too much hill. Very beautiful area and perfect for a late summer and/or fall hike!

The Steere Hill farm Conservation Area and Phillips Farm is an absolutely gorgeous piece of land…read more It's one of those places that feels like several different hikes all rolled into one. Hundreds of acres of wetlands, wide-open fields, miles of trails, and nesting grounds for birds. The open fields here are definitely the highlight. Complete with historic cemetery, picnic areas, benches to soak in the view and listen to nature. On my last visit the lupine, wide variety of wildflowers, and steady summer breeze made me linger longer than I usually do when I'm trying to pack the miles in. The history is abundant here with old foundations, stone walls, abandoned hay balers and manure spreaders, former orchards, beech tree groves, areas where livestock roamed, and so much more. The trails were incredibly well marked. Their online trail map is precisely marked. Wildlife was abundant and included a possum, frog, birds, dragonflies, grasshoppers, and countless butterflies. Some sections were more popular than others so I had a mix of alone time paired with hiker encounters. I put in about 8.5 miles with very little repeating which is a nice perk when you're looking to increase mileage and have something interesting to look at while doing so. The trails are well maintained and fairly wide. Definitely check this place out!

I'm always on the look for a new trail running spot. This spot is a well maintained, multi faceted,…read moreinterwoven trail system. You can do shorter 2.5 ish miles or extend it to your pleasure. A nice mix of grass and gravel trails. Not too flat, not too hilly. Some spots offer supreme views of this part of the state. It even has a portapotty on the trail! Lace up and head out!

History on your own backyard! Remains of farms, homesteads and amazing trails are awaiting you…read more Don't miss this easy trail area with miles of area to take in. Parking area provided and trails are well marked

Foundations cemeteries…read more and history Sprague Farm is a roughly one thousand acre hiking area that served for generations as a farm and agricultural center. It is now owned by the town of Glocester and has been allowed to revert back to it's natural state. Even though the trees and plants are all grown back many signs of it's agrarian past are still present. Lots of stone walls and cool old foundations, many of them massive are still around and give a hint of what the area was like hundreds of years ago. Some huge trees are growing from the edifices, giving quiet testimony that the places have been abandoned for a long, long time. I'm not sure if any organized archaeological digs have ever been done but the sheer number of foundations and rusty old metal thingies just hanging around suggests that this would be a fascinating place for some digging and research. The area is also a haven for wildlife. Numerous deer, foxes, fishers, and a large number of birds including cool hawks and owls can be seen by the careful and quiet observer. Even the huge pilated woodpecker has been reported seen in these woods. Recently nests of the black-throated blue warbler, long thought to be extinct have been found. The hiking itself is quit easy with no difficult or dangerous climbs or cliffs. Just a nice pleasant place to quietly walk, look and explore, with interesting things around every corner or hill. Just poking around all the old foundations will consume several hours. A cool old Sprague family cemetery is also located way out in the middle of the woods. It served the family for generations. The area supplied generations of farmers a great place to grow their food and to live and prosper. Once the people left the trees, plants and critters have once again taken over the land with a vengeance.

this is a cool spot to go on a walk. there's some places where the trail breaks off and there's…read morealso a loop path around the water which is rly nice! would recommend

This place is awesome!! Great trails but we technically only hiked for a half hour but beautiful…read moreand lush with trees and it wraps around a beautiful lake with kayak launching spots. I parked in the private lot that was next to the gated playground. Playground was small but had great stuff.

Wonderful morning on trail to frog pond. 22 bird species including Great Blue Herons, Wood Ducks…read moreand swans along with Downy and Red Bellied Woodpeckers. This place is a special gem. Sheryl was esp. helpful. So glad we stopped!

Great flat trail reservation with lots of little critters for the young ones(frogs, snakes,…read morebeetles,..) and a few small ponds for the kids to throw rocks into. We caught a majestic hawk as we paused to take a deep breath in (w/o our masks for a few seconds). It reminded us of how nature puts a pause to time and that trees indeed heal the weary soul. Our 6 yr old made some good memories here.