So if you've ever seen the Wes Anderson movie "Moonrise Kingdom" - and you've hiked this trail to…read moreLong Pond - you'll recognize the scenery around the pond from the top of a massive glacial boulder. Regardless of its Hollywood connections (and my hats off to the camera crew and actors for getting up there!), this is quite the hiking area, though not for the faint-hearted. It does involve a bit of clambering up and down boulders, so be sure to bring a stout set of hiking boots or shoes ... and I'd recommend long pants to deal with the rocks and branches as you're more than likely to be finding yourself scooching down them on your butt at some points. (Yours truly wore only cross-trainers and boy did I regret it: I could not get any traction to summit that huge glacial formation and had to settle vicariously for the distant oohs and ahhs of wonderment from my wife and daughter). We started at the North Road trailhead for the main Narragansett Trail which is marked by yellow blazes but be aware (or beware?) that the turn-off to this spectacular view of the pond - while marked by a big red arrow on a rock - is an unmarked trail, so be sure to take mental pictures of the turns and forks so you don't get lost on the way back. But it sure is worth making this deviation! The main trial can be quite the hike and the opposite direction will take you into Connecticut if you so wish. There is supposed to be another unmarked trail opposite the one going to Long Pond which will take you to Ell Pond, but we weren't able to find the entrance to that trail from the main one - we're guessing probably because it's less traveled and maintained. In addition to Long pond, we were impressed by the large amount of rhododendrons in the forest - we promised ourselves to visit in the spring when they'd be blossoming as that must be a sight to see. This Narragansett Trail area is definitely worth repeat visits! Please note that there are no privys or running water at the trailhead - and parking areas are sparse.

The Long Pond-Ell Pond Nature Area is a spectacular location to stretch your legs and take in some…read morefantastic views of rural Rhode Island. As an avid hiker in the White Mountains of New Hampshire... it was wonderful to find beauty in one's own backyard. It was a crisp Saturday afternoon that I found myself driving down a dirt road in Hopkinton to the Long Pond trailhead. The drive down North Road (aka Old Rockville Road) itself was even enjoyable. The narrow dirt road meandered through branches, heavy with yellowed leaves until the obvious intersection of a couple of cars with several pull offs. There is room for 2 cars at this trailhead, with a pull off for another 2 just before the small parking area. The trail is well-marked with yellow blazes on the trees. Be mindful of who is participating in this hike... it isn't quite simply a leisurely walk in the woods. There are many rock scrambles, some elevation gain, and quite a bit of maneuvering to go to and fro. As you head down the trail from the parking area I mentioned, you reach a crossroads of sorts. If you turn left you hike a short ways until you reach a very large rock formation. At the top is wonderful outlook onto Long Pond. It is a great place to lunch. If you turn right you head toward views of Ell Pond (I didn't go this way on my trip). If you head "straight" which is actually kind of towards the right as well you descend into a forested valley and towards other adventures in the area. The hike to this crossroads is quite manageable and a quick trip. The beauty of this area is that you can make your hike as long or as short as you'd like. It is not a loop so you can decide to turn back at any point and be quite aware of how far and long it will take you. Great in any season I am sure... Fall was perfect. Wish I had gone when there was a bit more foliage to look at but stunning none-the-less. Quiet, serene, a joy to visit. I will most certainly visit this area again and traverse more of its trails. Be sure to wear your blaze orange during hunting season, September to February generally. I'm not sure how much hunting is allowed in this area but I'd rather be safe than sorry!

A very quiet…read moreplace Green Fall Pond Trail is located in Pachaug State Forest and is a cool hike for someone who wants some peace and quiet. The trial loops around the pond and is about four miles although the hike can be made much longer because the Narragansett, Nehantic and Pachaug Trails all run through the area too. The trail isn't particular difficult but does have lots of rocks, roots and ledges to scamper over that can be tricky in the wet or snowy weather. A wide variety of flora covers the area, including oak, birch, hickory, sugar maple, hemlock and tons and tons of mature mountain laurel. The trail can be a bit difficult to follow because some of the blazes are hard to see but as long as you keep the pond in sight you will be just fine. Lots of old stone walls run through the woods, evidence that the entire area was farmed at one time and a cool dam and gorge are at the end of the little pond. Green Fall Pond is a nice place for some quiet kayaking or canoeing and swimming is allowed at a small beach for people that don't mind sharing their water with snakes, turtles and frogs. This area was once inhabited by the Narragansett, Pequot and Mohegan tribes and fierce battles between the Native Americans and the colonists took place here many years ago but now the area is still and quiet. The pond and trail may be difficult to find but a cool place that you will probably have all to your own.

The Canonchet Preserves offer approximately 750 acres of land between the Hopkinton Land Trust and…read morethe Nature Conservancy. Well-maintained and blazed trails provide miles and miles of trekking and historical points of interest to explore. A stone's throw from I-95, this outdoor space is easy to get to and quick to locate. There are many ways to access this land but I started my most recent visit from the parking lot located on Route 3. Much of the area here is a combination of hills and swamplands. Brooks run through the acreage including Canonchet Brook South Fork and the Tomaquag Brook. These water sources are part of the reason there are so many archaeological finds on these lands. According to information about the property, both were significant in pre-Colonial use and offer pre-industrial revolution water powered mill sites. I had the opportunity to check out a mill dam, the Stone Bridge, Foster Sawmill Ruins (circa Revolutionary War era), and the Jonathan G Foster barn foundation. The trails were not too strenuous... I stayed primarily in the Hoxsite-designated area and put in just under 3 miles (Canonchet Trail to Hoxsie Trail loop). So many rock walls intersections and history here; originally farmland owned by the Hoxsie family. How fantastic it is that the public has the opportunity to utilize this land to get a bit a fresh air and immerse oneself in Rhode Island's past. Closed from the 1/2 hour after sunset to the 1/2 hour before sunrise. Open for hiking and "landscape appreciation". Bring orange during season as portions of this land are open for deer hunting. Do not bring a metal detector to go rooting around in the accessible sites as it is prohibited. I visited in early spring which allowed easy views of the landscape without leaves hiding just how far everything is spread out.

Review from September 3, 2025…read more For years I've had this place in mind because a friend recommended it, only to find out I had been once before. There isn't too much parking options (about 3, maybe 4 spots), but I also doubt it gets packed. We had our lunch on the rocks by the waterfalls before taking on the Ben Utter trail. One thing I noticed that's new is that there is a rope to swing on over the water. I tried it and it felt pretty secure. We were initially worried we'd get lost but there's essentially only one way there and back. The path does split a couple times into two different avenues but they eventually meet in the same location (I think it has to do with level of difficulty). Definitely bring good shoes with thick soles because the path is pretty rocky. My favorite part of the hike was seeing a black bear! We heard some rustling to our right and thought it might be another hiker, but then we saw that it was a bear walking around in the woods, about 40 feet from where we were. It did not even look our way, so I just stared in awe. The trail is about 1.5 miles together - there and back. We were tired after but we had done a different trail prior, and it was mostly because of the rocky terrain. It is very peaceful, and between the water and plants, there are good views.

Two ways to visit Stepstone Falls. One, you can simply park at the falls right off the road. I…read moreprefer the second option which is Ben Utter Trail for a quick up and back to enjoy! A short drive down Plain Road you will find the trail head and small parking options. Please note this is rock/dirt road and there was a gate (not sure of hours open/closed). The path follows the waterway for portions of the way up. Chances to view beaver activity and other wildlife along the way as you traverse up to the falls. While it is an easy short hike (approx 3 miles up and back) there are areas with downed trees and a lot of rock within the trail path to note for those that may have weaker ankles or slower movers. Good way to enjoy a quick afternoon in the woods with small falls to relax!

A hike that won't…read more break your heart The Breakheart Trial is one of the many trails in the the area that ends up (or starts) at Breakheart Pond. This is one of the main trails and despite it's imposing name really isn't very difficult. Sure some hills, rocks, roots and water but certainly nothing that is going to break your heart or any other part of your anatomy. I heard the name actually stated many decades ago when the oxen had to haul the corn and other farm veggies up a huge, rather steep hill and of course struggled to get up it. The hill may be tough if you're hauling a wagon full of rutabaga but for a hiker it's really not much of a challenge. The old names given to places usually have interesting stories behind them. I have heard that Roast Meat Road in Connecticut received it's name because of a rather unfortunately incident in which a wagon of dry hay being dragged by a couple of oxen was hit by lighting. A rather unpleasant scene developed but I imagine the farmers did eat well that night. The actually Breakheart trail is pleasant with lots of water views including, rivers, steams, swamps and of course Breakheart Pond. In the spring it does get very muddy but there certainly are worse places. Of course because of the water, birds and many small animals make this their home. Lots of turtles, frogs and water snakes can be seen basking on rocks if you thread quietly. Unfortunately a vast number of stinging and biting insects are also present during certainly times of the year. Strong Deet is an absolute necessity if you dare venture here in the late spring, The main trail is poorly marked but easy enough to follow. If you want a challenge you can try some of the very small paths that lead off in all directions but you probably will get lost. Some of the paths just lead into old stone cellar foundations and then stop, Others meander into large open fields or into swamps. A reminder that in days gone by this whole area was once productive farm land. The Breakheart Trail is a well used path that is the most fun in the winter. Easy to follow the tracks of various critters in the snow and of course the horrible bugs are gone. It still is pleasant enough all year long if you don't mine sharing the woods with some insects and lots of mud. An ancient and well traveled path that may break an ankle if you're not careful but it certainly won't break your heart.

We found this trail via the AllTrails app and glad that we visited. This trail has some pretty…read moreviews (see pictures attached) around the Breakheart Pond. There is adequate parking at a few points around the trail. The paths are wide but there are quite a bit of rocks and roots so you need to be careful with your footing. Other than the rocks and roots the walk is relatively flat (no hills to climb). We took the trail directly around the pond because we weren't sure how long it was (approximately 2 miles). The trails are marked but this could be improved on to indicate the mileage on each trail. Overall we really enjoyed this hike and its views and will be visiting again.

Online it says it's permanently closed, but it's not. Nice trail, although I didn't go very far…read moredue to getting a little spooked by some bear scat on the trail What I did hike was well maintained and easily accessible.

Go take a…read more hike Mount Tom is a well known hiking trail that is part of the Arcadia Wildlife Management Area. Like many of the trails in this part of Rhode Island it is maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club and is well marked and easy to follow. Even though over 8,000 acres of woods in this area were destroyed by a devastating fire in 1951 the only evidence now of that horrible event are the numerous pines that were replanted over the years. Nature returned with a vengence. The entire trail is only a little over five miles but it crosses many other paths so you can walk all day in Arcadia if you desire. The hiking isn't difficult even though it does ramble up and down for most of it's length. Very few ruts, roots or loose rocks to trip you up and no extremely severe climbs, with a little care you can make good time on this path . Even though there are several nice places for distant views you never really know exactly when you get to the summit. It doesn't really matter because it's not very high, probably only around 500 feet or so and the woods are pretty thick. There are some nice cliffs and ledges and numerous rock formations but nothing dangerous or spooky unless you decide to do something really stupid. There are several parking areas but the most convenient is the Acadia Canoe Launch and Check Station. A huge sign marks the parking lot and there are plenty of parking spaces, nice bathrooms and even a pleasant brook to sit by after the hiking is done. The Mt Tom Trail might not be the highest or longest or most scenic hike in the state but it is one that I always find pleasant, entertaining and interesting.

Woods farms and…read moregolf The Sakonnet Greenway Trail was finally completed in Oct of 2012 and is over ten miles in length. It actually consists of many different sections that were connected together. It's the longest hiking path in Aquidneck Island but then it's probably the only real hiking trail on the island. The trial is flat and easy in most places and rambles through woods, old farms, marsh land and every along the side of a golf course. Certainly has a lot of varied terrain but nothing difficult or challenging. This is a pleasant and relaxing hike that even gives distant views of the ocean in places. No bikes are allowed on the trail but horses and dogs are welcome as long as they are kept under control, and when there is snow the trail is a great place to cross country ski and snow shoe. The trail has a bunch of trailheads so parking is always available somewhere and is open all year long unless there is a really wet and muddy spring which closes parts of it. A very pleasant and scenic if flat trail to hike on. The most enjoyable thing about the trail is all the different terrains and types of landforms that you go through as you meander along.

I actually ended up here by mistake. I was looking for the troll and went to the here, which is…read moreaccross the street. That said, and I'm showing my age here, as Bob Ross once said, there are no mistakes, only happy little accidents. And honestly, that's a great way to desribe my time here. Because, while it wasnt my destination it ended by being a great time. Plenty of walking trails, most of which are elevated and some great views of the pond. I'm slowly becoming an outdorrsman and finding trails like this to relax and unwind are quickly becoming a thing for me.

Popped in really quick to see one of Thomas Dambo's newest trolls…read more Did not disappoint and easy access from pavilion parking area with about a two minute walk to see it. Excellent addition to the trail!

Note: Black-Farm Management Area is in Hopkinton, not Tiverton! So just be aware that you need to…read morelook for it on the west side of the Bay, not the east side, until Yelp corrects this. That being said, what a wonderful set of trails, woodland, fields, streams, and ponds, this place is! There is a main trail, yellow-blazed, but also many unmarked side trails that are well worth exploring. You'll come across the requisite old stone walls, erratic boulders, towering trees, babbling brooks, tranquil ponds, as well as the "Rail Trail" (aka Narragansett Trail) which follows a section of disused rail line to a large lake-like portion of the Wood River. Quite spectacular! There's also an historic cemetery (RI no. 40) and - somewhere we have been told - the remains of an ice house, no doubt a relic of bygone industry waylaid by modern refrigeration. We'll be back - I want to find that ice house!

Pines needles kettle ponds…read more and strange buildings At only 250 or so acres Black Farm isn't one of the largest wildlife management areas around and the entire hike can be done in less than an hour unless you decide to linger or get lost on the many side paths. Black Farm was really a working farm at one time but that time is now only a hazy memory. Even though it isn't very large the area has a remarkable amount of interesting things to observe. The most obvious of the geological features is a called Plain Pond. This is really a kettle pond, a shallow depression left over from the retreating glaciers. Kettle ponds don't have any brooks or streams running in or out of them so they are entirely depended on ground water or precipitation, so the water level is frequently changing. The Midwest has some huge kettle ponds but most of the ones around New England are fairly small. Of course a vast diversity of wildlife makes the kettle pond and surrounding marsh their homes. Another interesting feature that' can be found in Black Farm are the strange stone ruins that are scattered about. Most are now covered by trees and brush so you have to look carefully to find them but one in particular is very obvious and quite unusual. It has several large rectangular stones but the whole structure seems to be in the shape of a circle. Various old, rusty metal objects are still hanging around and it's difficult to tell what this thing originally was used for. Lots of small streams intersect the area and they can get surprisingly feisty during periods of rain. A few small bridges were built to assist people getting across the water but they seem to get washed away during just about every storm. People just fix them up with whatever is at hand. An old, long abandoned rail bed marks the end of the management area and even though their are lots of ups and downs, muddy areas and tons of loose stones and roots it definitely isn't a very strenuous hike. The biggest danger is twisting and ankle looking at all the cool things rather than the trail. Of course like every single wooded area in Rhode Island there is a spooky old cemetery lurking deep in the woods. This one has some cool civil war graves in it. Most of the tress are evergreens but a fair share of oaks and maples are also present. The pine needles from the tress make a nice, almost cushioned walkway that absorbs both impact and sound. A very cool feeling while walking. This certainly isn't a place for a vigorous workout or a long hike. Black Farm is a cool place to enjoy some of the local wildlife, geological features, human artifacts and reminders that this whole area was once a lot different than what it is today.

A short trail that…read more goes forever The Escoheag Trail is a three and a half mile loop that is one of the many trials that make up the Arcadia Management Area. The entire area is well maintained by the Rhode Island chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club and is used by hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and snow shoers and cross skiers in the winter. Since most of Rhode Island is water you won't find any severe climbs in the state. However like many of the trails in Arcadia, the Escoheag Trail is seldom level. Lots of ups and downs and rights and lefts. Certainly not difficult but the variation does make it interesting. Lots of cool rocks and boulders scattered about everywhere, survivors from the glaciers. At one time this was a very popular picnic and camping spot called Ledges Picnic Area and several cool old buildings and foundations are still visible. I'm not sure exactly why they were abandoned. Perhaps because of the devastating fires that swept the whole area back in the 1951. The fires destroyed thousands of acres and changed the entire complexion of the region. Although it's a pleasant little hike in all weather I find it most enjoyable in the dead of winter, especially when it's snowing. Absolutely dead quiet, a very cool place to for some solitude and peace. If you stay on the marked loop, the Escoheag Trial ends far to quickly. However, one of the great things about the trail is that it links to other trails. The Mount Tom Trail, Barber Trail, Step Stone Falls Trail and The Ben Utter Trail as well as numerous others are all accessible from the Escoheag. So rather than thinking that the hike ends after the three and half miles you should think of it as just beginning. Hook up to one of the many other trials and you can hike, bike, ride or ski forever.