Lincoln Woods State Park is one of those places that makes you forget, at least for a little while, that you're only a few miles from Providence. I live in Kendall Estates, so Lincoln Woods is practically in my backyard, and that proximity is one of the things I appreciate most about it. You don't have to plan an elaborate day trip or spend an hour sitting in traffic to get somewhere that feels like you're actually getting away. Sometimes you just decide you want to go for a walk, head over to the park, and suddenly the noise of everything else seems a little farther away. I've walked here plenty of times, and there is something wonderfully uncomplicated about it. You can come here to exercise, wander around, spend time with the family, bring the pets, or simply find a little peace and enjoy being outside. It's the sort of place where you don't necessarily need an agenda. Sometimes a walk is enough. The lake is obviously a major part of what makes Lincoln Woods special. There are opportunities to swim during the appropriate season, and the park has plenty of space for a good old-fashioned cookout or a day outside with family and friends. Bring the kids, bring the dog, bring lunch, bring a book, or bring absolutely nothing other than yourself. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the park without feeling like you need to spend money once you arrive. What I particularly love is the contrast between Lincoln Woods and the communities surrounding it. Rhode Island is small enough that you can be in the middle of a developed area one minute and surrounded by woods, water, and open space the next. Lincoln Woods gives you that feeling without requiring you to drive halfway across the state. Providence is right there. Lincoln, North Providence, Cumberland, Smithfield, and the surrounding communities are all close by, yet when you're actually inside the park, it can feel surprisingly removed from everything. It's also one of those places that changes with the seasons. The experience of being here in the warmth of summer, when people are swimming and gathering for cookouts, is completely different from walking through when the weather is cooler and the landscape becomes quieter. That's part of the appeal. You can come back over and over and still notice something different depending on the time of year, the weather, or simply your mood. And I think that's ultimately why Lincoln Woods has earned five stars from me. It isn't trying to be anything complicated. It's a beautiful state park that gives people room to breathe. In a state as densely settled as Rhode Island, having a large natural space this close to Providence is something worth appreciating. For me, it's especially convenient because I live so close, but I don't think you need to be a neighbor to appreciate what is here. If you're looking for somewhere to walk, spend time with your family, take the dog, go swimming, have a cookout, or simply get outside and enjoy some nature, Lincoln Woods is an easy recommendation. I've been fortunate to have a place like this so close to home, and I suspect I'll continue taking advantage of it for a very long time. Five stars, without hesitation. read more

Great park- been coming here for years / with dogs, kids, friends etc.. always a great experience- cleaner than most parks/trails around

One of my favorite weekend walking or short hiking spots. They also have a big pond/lake with a small sandy beach that has a lifeguard in the summer. It's very kid friendly and there are tons of families there in a warm day. By the beach there are restrooms, picnic tables and a cafe that serves snacks, fast food and ice cream. You can walk a loop around the water which is very scenic and relatively easy on a paved road. Or you can venture off the road onto the many hiking and mountain biking trails that run through the woods. Bring decent shoes for this as the trails are relatively short but can be steep, rocky and muddy at times. It's beautiful and peaceful but also there are enough people out that a single woman alone could feel safe. Lots of people bring their dogs for walks here. There are also picnic spots with grills and areas where you can boulder and rock climb. Truly a lovely park that has something for everyone! read more

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My favorite place to walk my dogs! I like when the pathway is blocked so cars can't go through. During the summer there is too many young kids just driving round and round blasting their music. It's a cute place to have an outdoor party. read more

I don't consider myself a typical RI'er in that I can hop in my car and do a 2-3 hour drive without blinking an eye, and am not afraid to go more than a couple miles from my home. That said, as a life long RI-er this was one of those places that had been on my 'to-do' list for some time and I finally got around to getting there. Very mixed feelings. First, the amount of dogs off-leash is astounding. There was even one that came charging at me and I drew my pepper spray to prepare to use it, and the owner started freaking out at me. Luckly the dog stopped before I had to. The amount of landmines on the trails and road was absurd as well. It may very well be a nice place to walk and recreate, but if I have to consistently keep my head on a swivel for charging dogs and landmines then its not really worth it for me. That said, there are plenty of nice views and scenery. One could easily spend an entire day here just exploring and milling about. There's even a cemetery in the park as well, if you're into historical sites. So if you don't mind off leash dogs and have to watch every step you may still get some enjoyment out of it. read more

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I love Lincoln woods! I come here frequently to swim in the summer time and take hikes throughout the year. There is parking available all throughout the park. The beach tends to get busy, so I try to arrive early and leave early, but it beats driving down to southern RI. There are lots of nice spots for photography! read more

Lincoln Woods State Park - Parks Near Me - Lincoln, Rhode Island

I haven't been to the park for over 20 years, strangely, especially since I love woods walks and such. I went because it's leaf peeping time and my annual trip to Vermont was washed out due to rain. I was so delighted with the park, it made me think of my hometown in New York Hudson Valley, filled with amazing large boulders, pretty ponds and abundant foliage. I did not walk the area this time (injured my knee) I did get out of the car to get closer to the woods and ponds though. This time of year it wasn't very busy it was on a weekday during working hours. I will be back and ready for a woods walk! read more

I grew up coming here but it wasn't until recently that I started to notice how beautiful and how well maintained this park is. To start, the grass on the field by the main entrance on Front St. is frequently mowed and perfectly green. In addition, each picnic spot has space to park cars and a picnic table, but also creative spaces for larger parties to sit and enjoy a meal. It is pretty clean, with very little litter (they do have a policy to take any trash with you that you brought in). In addition, they have some trails, I would classify them as beginner or intermediate level. They do have a boat ramp which I recently came across and makes for a perfect spot to view the sunset (but the fishing area is also great for this). There is the Frank Moody "Beach" (it's a lake), and its perfect for going in, tanning, or just to hang out with friends and family. They have lifeguards on duty and are strict - I don't think they allow toys in the water and have a marked off space. They also offer kayaking and I think paddle boarding (it might be around $25). There is also a nature center and will offer activities some days but also you can walk in and check out cool stuff daily. There is also another field by the beach where there are usually pick up soccer games in the afternoons but also a wooden canopy in the corner to sit and hangout. You can also walk on the paved roads of the park to one side, while cars drive on the other. I have seen some cool creatures around here such as hawks, deer, fish, birds, chipmunks, and others. read more

Lincoln Woods State Park - Boat ramp sunset viewing area - Parks Near Me - Lincoln, Rhode Island

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This is a great park, not far from downtown Providence. It has a small beach, a pond, many hiking trails, picnic tables, etc. There are two major entrances that allow for easy access to the park. One of the entrances take you through a beautiful wooden covered bridge....very typical of New England. The park could have mosquitos in the warm summer months, so bug spray is recommended...during the Fall, not many bugs around. Enjoy your walk in the park.... read more

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Lincoln Woods is a beautiful, versatile park! We've been here a few times to walk, hike, and run, and we will definitely return in the summer to enjoy the beach area! I love that the park also offers outdoor climbing! There has always been plenty of parking when visiting in the Fall, but I can imagine parking being tight over the summer. My one complaint is the dog poop bags are out of control. I really wish there were trash cans so people could throw out their trash. I also wish people were respectful enough to not leave plastic bags in our environment. read more

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this is a great nature spot in rhode island! you will be pleasently surprised. But i would say maybe not the beach, its a bit small and crowded, and young kids always blasting their k-pop, and it can be triggering. There arent bears here i think, so you dont need bear spray, unless read more

Such a great place to come! Lincoln Woods offers so much - a paved 2.5 mile walking/running loop (with one way traffic must of the way so it's really safe) and several hiking paths in the woods themselves. There's also free parking. You can rent, get lessons, and ride horses. Or, go to kayak school or rent a kayak or a boat. There's also a small sand beach and swimming in a lake - with a life guard there for safety. The lake area has clean restrooms with running water, and a snack bar. There's a teeny nature center too. Oh, you can get a permit for a private barbecue site too (and the sites aren't one on top of the other either)! read more

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A state park that has something for everybody. Parking is free and offered at a number of areas, but I do believe there is a fee to reserve space to set up events/tents. The 2.5 mile paved trail is great. It has some inclines and padded areas to the far left if you prefer to trot on softer grounds. The entire left lane is exclusive to walkers/bikers/joggers while the right lane one way vehicle usage. I was hoping for more trail mileage, but the trails do lead to some beautiful waterways and rock formations. There is a small beach and many hideaway places that I am sure the locals can navigate to quickly. The grounds are well maintained and I did not run into a lot of poopage so that made me happy. The park also has trails for horseback riders. I would definitely go again. read more

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My friend brought us here to see the fall leaves... since California there is no fall we were amazed of all the beautiful fall colors and trees. It was beautiful! Walking (or running) around the lake is great exercise. They block one lane off for pedestrians. We walked the full lake and just admired the beautiful fall weather. There's a beach area, picnic area and some camping areas when the weather is nicer to hang out. One thing I noticed is they don't have trash cans anywhere, so we saw many dog poopy bags everywhere! Rude people who can't even hold their dog shit bags until they can properly throw it away were throwing it in the bush or on tree branches. read more

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Beautiful peaceful park to have a family cookout, beach day ,fish, kayak or simply take in the scenery read more

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Hello my name is Sky, I am a cute and adorable 5 month old puppy... But sometimes I am a little crazy #SiberianHusky read more

Lincoln Woods State Park - Sky - Parks Near Me - Lincoln, Rhode Island

I've been to Lincoln Woods State Park and depending on when you go and where you go within, you could have a very different experience. Overall, this place is beautiful and such a gem in the local area. If you're looking for a great place to walk, this is your place. The woods are so full of lush trees, plants and giant scenic rocks and the walk is quite long and loops around in a perfect circle! There's ample (free) parking and even spots to have your own cookout should you choose. The beach area is nice but is currently under construction right now, so it's a bit unsightly and not as much room as there normally is. There's definitely a lot of people there and many like to play loud music despite the preference of anyone around them. Lots of diversity at the beach in particular with many languages spoken. Keep in mind that there are no trash cans so if you do go to the beach, you must bring your trash back with you, so bringing (secured) plastic bags for your trash can be helpful. They have lifeguards on duty and a designated swimming area which is nice. They also have kayaking and it's a great spot for it. I had brought a kayak of my own here in the past but you can rent one as well. There's a little bit of hiking as well - very easy and not challenging, so there's truly something for everyone here. It's a nice break from the norm and quite clean. Happy to have this place so close by. read more

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I really enjoyed myself while exploring at Lincoln Woods State Park! I was unable to make use of the activities, such as kayaking and horse back riding, offered there. However, it was beautiful to walk along the paths and enjoy the foliage that is so beautiful this time of year. I will be returning as soon as I can to continue my adventures. read more

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Lincoln woods is a preserved spot carved out amidst the buzzing noise of its surrounding cities. Activities abound! -a 2.5 mile loop with markers ever 1/2 mile offers a perfect running/walking course -acres of wooded land with trails meandering throughout are great for hiking and enjoying relatively untouched land -a large pond is ideal for kayaking, boating and fishing -there are also recreational fields and numerous picnic spots Need to get away? Check out Lincoln woods! read more

Lincoln Woods State Park - Mah progeny swimming over to rescue a stranded kayaker stuck on a rock. (True story) - Parks Near Me - Lincoln, Rhode Island

This is such a nice place ... but in typical Rhode Island fashion there are no trash cans. I understand the carry in - carry out thing, and agree with it, but things happen, including people leaving their bags of dog crap on top of a pole or guardrail. Also, WTH with the loud music. I like loud music, but when your music can be heard across the whole area, it's too loud. They need to be asked to turn it down. There are noise ordinances ... freakin' enforce them. read more

I've been coming to Lincoln Woods.. for years! Enjoy walking throughout the beautiful park! read more

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Yet another Rhode Island gem! Whether you're a parent looking for a fun family activity, a fishing enthusiast, or an avid runner, Lincoln Woods State Park is a beautiful, serene place to pass the time. And best of all, it's completely FREE! There is plenty of (free) parking all over the place. Obviously, the beach is pretty small--it's a pond, not the ocean! Unfortunately (right now, at least) there are a lot of weeds in the water, so it feels kind of gross to swim around. But there are lifeguards on duty during the day, so it's still a safe bet for families. Lincoln Woods wouldn't be my first choice for a hiking destination simply because the trails are pretty short and easy. But the 2.5 mile paved loop around the pond is perfect for jogging and biking! There are great views from almost every angle! You can even rent a horse at the nearby Sunset Stables and ride around the trails! One last tip: make sure to check out the cool covered bridge at the 123 / Table Rock Road entrance! read more

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I love Lincoln Woods to walk my French Bulldog around!! It's beautiful place. I wouldn't swim there but it's wonderful to walk and see the views read more

Hosted a birthday gathering at this park on a Sunday and got the last open spot at noon! The sites fill up FAST! It is $2 to reserve a spot but it is quite worth it. There is something for everyone to do at this park, and theres even stables right before you enter. I look forward to another time where we can come and spend the day here. read more

this is a big park. it has many hiking trails, and a beautiful beach. they have a nice fishing area. many picnic tables. and many benches, where you can just sit, and enjoy the view. my dad likes to fish, so we will be back. my dad likes catching fish from a lake. i prefer a supermarket. bye the way i enjoy camping. but i prefer camping in motels, and pretending i am in the woods. anyway, their are many place here to take good pictures. they even have horse back riding. i was impressed be the beautiful beach. read more

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Rocks water and trees Now is a good time to go to Lincoln Woods State park before they hit you with the 6 or 7 dollar parking change. It's also a nice place to kayak if you don't enjoy the roughness of the ocean or bay. There is a nice little launch site down by the boat house and it usually has enough parking. The lake warms up quicker than the ocean but it still is pretty nippy this time of year. Probably a good idea to wear a wetsuit. One thing I noticed the last time I went were all the cool boulders. Some absolutely gigantic ones with cracks and scratch marks. Obviously moved down from up north during the last glaciation. Neat stuff if you are a geek and like rocks. (Actually the boulders are stones and not rocks). read more

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I do endos here on my mountain bike. Also planking in the road (when/if planking was cool). 2.5 mile loop around the Olney Pond for jogging. read more

Lincoln Woods State Park - Planking isn't cool? Did not get that memo - Parks Near Me - Lincoln, Rhode Island

Excellent park, short drive from the city. This park is HUGE and beautiful and I absolutely love and appreciate that. My favorite thing about this park is the versatility. You can camp, you can throw a birthday party or 50, you can bring your kids and swim, you can fish, you can picnic, you can put a boat in the water, you can jog, lead a yoga class, hike, ride bikes, take trails into the woods, stay on the long paved path. There is parking all over and there are lifeguards for the designated swim area during the in-season. People complain about fish being annoying but THIS ISN'T A POOL, IT'S A LAKE! People complain about the geese being everywhere but THIS ISN'T A POOL, IT'S A LAKE! I saw so many baby geese and they were absolutely precious! Not that I like geese, them things are monsters: BEWARE! But if you want a real lake you have to deal with real things like ACTUAL FISH and ACTUAL ANIMALS. That being said, there is goose poop everywhere, wear crap shoes for crap tramplin'. I saw a few rangers picking up trash in my trip around the lake yesterday but the park is large so thinking about just a couple rangers trying to take on the acres of endless poo created by all the animals and the rude ungrateful lazy-people who can't be bothered to pick up after their animals and children? Yeah, I think they might have to prioritize. If you're looking for a small park this is not the park for you, obviously. If you are looking for a beautifully LARGE park where you can do just about anything with a small and/or large group of people, here you go. This is a stunning wood-lined lake park and something I randomly happened upon while driving. An excellent surprise! They have campsites in the park! Only negative I could see: apparently there is no skating (rollerblading or boarding) allowed of any kind (which is ridiculous if you ask me, given how much space there is for skating, they should change that). read more

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This is one of my favorite parks in Rhode Island especially if I'm looking to get some exercise in. When I go walking here, I usually park at the main entrance and do the 2.5 mile loop around the park. I'd say it is a moderately challenging walk because there are quite a few uphills. The scenery here is nice throughout the year, but it is especially beautiful in the autumn season. The fall foliage here is amazing! There is also a beach here that you could swim at although I probably would not ever swim here as the water doesn't look too clean to me, but that's just my opinion. I see lots of families that come here to swim. There's also spots where you can have a cookout. You just have to reserve a spot. I once held a birthday party here and found out that the best locations with a grill should be reserved well in advance as they fill up quickly. read more

If not the small beach, Lincoln woods park would be so much better. Well, at the same time it would be a lot more busy so it could kind of lose its magic. Anyway, I live it just the way it is (minus the grass in the water). Beautiful place. Very clean, there is something for everybody here. A great place to plan visiting for the coming summer. You are going to live it. Lots and lots of parking. A place to go to. read more

This is a great place for a jog, or to walk your pup. The beach area has been recently renovated. The concession stand gas a decent assortment of food that is reasonably priced. The bathrooms are kept clean and there are new functioning showers to rinse off in outside. There are no trash receptacles that I could see so plan to take your trash (or dog poo) with you. Parking and beach is free. read more

This park has quickly become one of our family's favorites. I can't really say much for the beach yet, but we love to visit this park and either do the 2 1/2 mile loop around the pond, or even go on the beautiful trails throughout Lincoln Woods. Most of the loop is easy enough if you pushing someone in a wheelchair or stroller, and there places along the way to stop and enjoy picnic. The hiking trails are great for amateurs or those with young kids. I also love that the Sunset Stables is nearby for horse or pony rides. The grounds are quite clean, aside from the occasional dog poo - and there is plenty of parking. read more

This state park is free to enter! The grounds are beautiful. The bad thing- which I know is necessary- is there are no garbages! So what you bring, what you buy, you take with. Doing that keeps this beautiful place free. There is kayak rental on site, a beach, walking paths and camping and picnic areas. read more

Lincoln Woods State Park - Beautiful roads - Parks Near Me - Lincoln, Rhode Island

Had a wonderful time at Lincoln Woods beach. The beach is sandy, shallow, and clean, with two lifeguards on duty and pristine bathrooms. Free parking right next to the beach makes this a breeze of a visit with a toddler. There are shady areas but not close to the swim area unfortunately so we didn't get a chance to enjoy them. It did get a little crowded on a Monday morning in July, but can you blame folks for loving this beach? If you want to beat the crowd, get here before 11am. I would recommend this beach to anyone who wants a safe place to take your kids swimming in a beautiful setting. read more

Lincoln Woods State Park - Beautiful and safe place to swim with your little one. - Parks Near Me - Lincoln, Rhode Island

Beautiful spot that's 20 minutes from Providence that's free and ideal for walking or running. It's 2.5 mile around, and there's a small pond/swimming beach. Good amount of parking. Not much lighting after dark. read more

Easy friendly trails and awesome natural rest areas... Lots of parking and pet friendly. read more

Lincoln Woods State Park - Amazing view - Parks Near Me - Lincoln, Rhode Island

I love walking around here, it is such a nice park and always well maintained. The area is not too busy usually and the hike is manageable. read more

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One of my favorite places to go for a run. One lap around is a couple of miles and has some great views along the way. There's always some fun stuff going on for the whole family and the atmosphere is always safe and the grounds are always clean. read more

I came here first in the spring as a running place. The road around the lake is 2.3 miles around. It was a nice run, but I just wish the circle was a little longer. The last time I went here I tried biking from my house (Providence). This I wouldn't reccomend. The roads that you have to take to get here are not very biker friendly. But because I worked up a sweat getting here, I was ready to check out the swimming section of the lake. What I found was a small beach that was mostly populated by day camps and young families. I was pleasantly surprised to find a concession stand, showers, and changing rooms. I liked that I could move into the shade of the trees or onto the comfort of the grass if I needed a break from the sun or sand. I also liked that this is fresh water - a rarity I feel in RI. And it's so close to Providence, that I'm surprised it took me this long to try it out. I will be back - just not by bike. read more

What a beautiful park! I love that this gorgeous little wooded area is only 10 minutes from the buzz of the city -- you feel so totally one with nature that it's hard to believe you're so close to Providence. With numerous hiking trails, a lovely lake and a few fishing docks, this is really the ideal place to park it for a summer day and chill. There are also several camp ground areas which you can reserve for gatherings and cook-outs. Entry is free for Rhode Islanders. Drive in, follow the paved roads to your desired location and find a spot in one of the paring areas -- the trails are nearby and you can weave your way in and out of the woods, down to the lake or up into the more secluded areas. The history of the spot is interesting, too -- it used to be a plain that was over-farmed and abandoned until the late 1700s, when a clever gentleman decided to plant several trees and let it grow wild. The root structure from those trees still exists and is the reason for the beautiful forest we see today. So cool! read more