Only did the first part of the trail that leads to the bay. Initially very rocky and easy to roll an ankle. A few side paths along the way. Nice view of the bay and Jamestown bridge. Nice easy trail with no overgrowth. read more

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It's still fun to walk here. Sometimes there's deer running around. Or someone's dog. Good place to bring kids to explore but watch out for dog poop here and there, and turtles, snakes and ticks. There are tons of paths to explore through the woods. The beach is filled with sharp shells and rocks -- dogs might hurt their paws. Cool views of Narragansett Bay and the Jamestown Bridge. We typically see a lot of birdwatchers and families. Walk from the parking lot down the large path until you see water. Then at the beach, take a right and climb over some big rocks and you'll find more beach to walk on as you head towards the Jamestown Bridge. Very easy walk/hike. No bathrooms or trash cans -- so I deducted a star. read more

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Otherwise known as Rome Point, it's a short leisurely 10" walk from the John H. Chafee Nature Preserve's parking lot to the beach, where we were hoping to be lucky enough to spy some harbor seals. But alas, we were not so lucky. Nevertheless, it was nice to pass by old stone walls reminding us that this was once farmland, and best was the stroll along the shoreline at low tide as we made our way southwards towards the foot of the Jamestown bridge. There were a large number of shells tossed up by the winter storm surges: we picked up a couple of nice specimens of clam, whelk, scallop, and oyster shells, but there was an overwhelming and astonishing number of slipper snail shells. Literally midden heaps of them! I don't know if there's been a snail population boom or whether Narragansett Bay's a particularly suitable habitat for them, but there sure were a lot of these little suckers! We also came across a droll whelk shell-festooned tree and added a few more. Though the main trail is short and direct, there are a number of side trails branching off of it and we'll plan to explore those on a future visit. We heard somewhere along the shore, there's the stone wall remains of a house where you can find a logbook and add your deep thoughts and "Kilroy was here" signature. One warning: Do watch out for doggie doo's along the paths! Owners don't seem to pick up and it won't be much fun stepping onto these little landmines. Oh, and no public restrooms or port-a-potties, so do be prepared. read more

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Water woods and seals I usually go hiking here in the colder weather but since the rain finally stopped decided to give it a try today. It's just as gorgeous in the warm weather as it is in the winter. Lots of sail boats out on the water and beautiful views of both Narragansett Bay and the woods. Great stone walls and foundations of buildings that are now just memories. Bugs weren't even too bad considering all the rain we had. A great place to hike and visit anytime of the year. read more

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Had a lovely walk through woods, on wide trail, down to a rocky beach on a quiet cove. Granddaughters loved gathering seashells with few others around. Walk is marred by nearby high tension wires in clearcut right of way, and occasional junk trash. Overall pleasant. read more

Lots of hiking, beach area to walk on, natural Concord grapes growing on the side of the trail for a little snack, occasional deer and snake sightings- this trail perfectly exhibits the best in RI! If you walk the beach to the right and sit on the stone wall you can see the Jamestown bridge! The beach area is pretty rocky with some sandy parts if you want to take off your shoes and put your toes in the sand and water!!!! read more

Rome Point is a small peninsula located within the John H. Chafee Nature Preserve, a 230-acre state-owned conservation area along the West Passage shoreline in North Kingstown. As one of the few remaining undeveloped stretches of shoreline along Narragansett Bay, this site offers outstanding natural character and is renowned for the harbor seal population which seasonally inhabits the emergent rocks east of Rome Point. A nice 1/2 mile walk from the parking area to Narragansett Bay. Rome Point offers the casual walker the chance to experience the Rhode Island coast in a manner probably not too unlike what would have greeted early settlers. Beautiful rugosa roses dot the landscape and there are literally seashells several feet deep. A cool place to explore and enjy the scenery and tranquility. It offers read more

After driving by this parking lot for nearly 20 years to/from Narragansett and always saying to myself "I wonder what's there," a few years back I decided to check it out...thank goodness I did! The Chafee preserve is full of numerous hiking trails that lead out to Rome Point and a rocky beach area with sweeping views of Jamestown, the Jamestown bridge, and Quonset. It's most popular among people who want to hike with their dogs (most off leash), but you can also find some bikers, beach goers, and folks going crabbing/fishing/clam digging. The trails are generally well maintained and while you'll see people, it's not ever very crowded. There is a main trail that takes you straight to the water (less than mile). However, we love the side trails; the left trail (you'll see it about 200 yards in from the parking lot just after an abandoned short stone wall) and it will lead you out to the tip of Rome point (where you'll see cute seals during the spring months); the right trail (a bit further up off the main trail) will take you past some abandoned structures and eventually out to the beach as well. We love coming here with our dog and letting him tire himself out on the trails. Some advice: no bathrooms or trash cans so plan accordingly, parking can fill up occasionally (lot has spots for maybe 20-25 cars) so some folks may win up parking on the main road. Sometimes it can get buggy so having bug spray with you isn't ever a bad idea! Also, all of the paths are rocky or have roots so wouldn't recommend a stroller or wagon if you can avoid it! There is a seal expert, a gentleman who has come for years with his high quality binoculars and keeps a website on the Rome point seals, who if you're lucky enough to meet you'll learn a ton about these cute creatures creatures! read more

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Lovely, mostly level landscape with myriad paths that lead to beach. Encountered many friendly off-leash dogs & owners. Will definitely return. read more

John H Chafee Nature Preserve - Hiking Near Me - North Kingstown, Rhode Island

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This walk from easy parking off of 1A can be simple or complex. Trails lead to the Bay- a beautiful pebble/shell beach looking out at Jamestown and the bridge. If you want a walk in the woods or have small children, take the easy path that goes forward, forward, forward. If you are more mobile and adventurous, take one of the rights or lefts from the main path. Note to parents: kids 3 and over will do fine on the main path to the water but may need to be carried back. The path is not good for strollers unless it is an all-terrain jogging stroller. read more

Great trail leads right up to the beach. It wasn't too busy even on a Sunday morning. We didn't see any seals but it was still a very nice beach walk. read more

Five stars for perpetual green space in RI. Negative five stars for the killer mosquitos. Run away, run away! Get the holy hand grenade!

Great Place to let your Dogs go in for a dip,,anda nice walk to the water...

Absolutely gorgeous location and nice little hike. However, the amount of dogs running around off leash almost ruins the experience. It is not enjoyable to have a strange dog run up behind you while you are walking and sniff your backend while their owner is 100 ft away. Or have three dogs run up to you kicking sand all over you while you are quietly enjoying the beach. Or have a dog run up to your baby while their owner is off hunting for seashells. All of these events are always followed with " he/she is friendly". I love dogs myself, but I don't want a strange dog shaking water all over me, sniffing me or running up behind me. One of my favorite spots in the state is being taken over by the dogs and it's really unfortunate. read more

Five stars for nature preserve. Also negative a million stars because of the people who come here....to be specific the dog walkers. EXPECT to step in dog shit...time and time again. I always want to come back here because its a causal walk...pleasant. Straight shot to a lovely view of the water on a secluded beach. Tiny secret dirt trails in the woods. But the main trail has literal shit stains. The dog walkers are required to pick up the shit by law with a bag but they don't. Even if they do they leave the bag filled with shit on the path or at the entrance..... Wtf.....and that's if your lucky. When not bagged Everyone steps in it. People...families and kids. I work with mentally disabled patrons...I wanted to take them on a nice stroll. Nope again with the shit owners.....they stepped in it and had a melt down. Mind you trying to help a disabled person dodge dump piles along the way just isn't fun. These dog walkers don't own their Responsibility's of their animals..... It contaminates the land..its a hygienic hazard and its just down right gross. Its extremely offensive and immature if you can't clean up after YOUR pet. Don't come here unless you have plastic bags wrapped around your shoes or if your a dog walker bring the bags for your dogs ass droppings so its not stuck to unknowing hiker citizens. read more

Great hiking trails. Main path leads down to the water. Beware, very rocky beach. Not ideal for strollers. Great place to take your dog for a walk. Get there early as parking is limited. read more

I love this park. It is great for an easy, no sweat stroll out to vast views of water, birds, and sometimes (although unfortunately, I have not had the pleasure of this) harbor seals. I have been here now in multiple seasons, this most recent time during Winter. The crunch of snow beneath my feet, the chilling wind coming off of the bay, and the gulls that seemed to be immune to this cold. I also have been in the fall when it was leaves beneath my feet and it was bit warmer. If you are lucky you may just see some seals playing among the rocks and waves. I always cross my fingers as I make my way out to the water. There are several trails weaving throughout the park, and you can check out the interesting, seemingly ancient, structures, rusted cars, and even a memorial to a loved, deceased pooch. I will always enjoy my visits here, as it is beautiful and peaceful. My only gripe is I wish people would follow the leash rules and clean up after their pooches. I love doggies but it is annoying when people aren't responsible pet owners. So go and enjoy nature with out needing to lace up the hiking boots or worrying about huffing and puffing. It's perfect for the whole family. read more