Well-maintained, well-marked trail, it's a fabulously beautiful and peaceful hike in autumn. Full…read moreof diverse trees (maples, oaks, pitch and white pines, hickory) and wildlife (we saw a large eastern black racer sunning itself on the trail - perfectly harmless and more scared of us then us of it!), this 2.5 to 3 mile loop will take you past many stone walls as well as the remains of the old Browning homestead. The trail also thoughtfully provides a few interpretive placards describing natural features along the way as well as tags labeling some of the notable native flora. A very nice appreciative touch! There is a convenient small parking lot at the trail head. Another fine preserve and trail from the exemplary South Kingstown Land Trust.

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.

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!

A very cool very old place…read more with two names. Pardon Gray Preserve is frequently called Weetamoo Woods but they are actually two different places that just happen to be right next to each other. Weetamoo Woods is owned by town of Tiverton and Pardon Gray is owned by the Tiverton Land Trust and together they make up almost 700 acres and since you can go from one to the other without even knowing it doesn't matter what you call the area. The name Weetamoo is from a female sachem that was the leader of the Pocasset tribe and probably married to King Philip's brother. Way back in 1675 King Philip's War devastated the area and many streets and parks are named after him or his original name Metacomet. Pardon Gray was in the Revolutionary War and is buried in a clump of trees in a small family plot. The entire area is dripping with history and the paths and trails are ancient and probably have been used for centuries. The hiking isn't particular difficult but has some nice climbs and varied terrain. One steep climb to a rocky summit even gives a distant view of the ocean. Tons of massive stone walls and huge boulders are everywhere and lots of old foundations and cellar holes reflect the history of the area. It does get swampy and buggy in the spring because of all the water but that also attracts lots of cool wildlife. One particularly nice thing about these woods is the silence. In the winter few people walk these trails and once deep inside you are far enough away from the few roads that you can no longer hear any traffic. No planes seem to fly over the area so you hear absolutely nothing but running water or rustling of the trees. A great place to get away from modern civilization and experience history, quiet and nature.

Definitely a top favorite walk in the state! Even in the winter when the trees are bare, there is…read moreso much beauty in the delicate fallen birch leaves underfoot, quiet trickle of streams, and resilient, diverse mosses and lichens. I hadn't been here in a few years and was so psyched to see maps available, pointing out the special points of natural and historical interest. The addition of the colored metal arrow blazes are a major improvement for helping walkers navigate their way around the network of trails. The scramble up massive glacier rocks to the outlook behind the old mill ruins and arch bridge is not to be missed. People love to bring their dogs here! A little RI paradise for dogs... and people. Just beyond Tiverton's 4 Corners so delicious options for picnics or post-hike ice cream.

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!

Big River Management Area, is a Big Area! We have been on several of their trails, parking in a…read morevairety of places. It's a diverse area and one of our 'go to' spots for getting into nature. Our past few hikes have been around Carr Pond. We drive down Division Street, to Carr Pond Road, and park street side. There are a couple of parking lots, both before Carr Pond Road, and after. Just depends on how long you want your hike to last, and where you want to walk. There are DEM signs posted on a tree and obvious signs that cars have been parking in this particular spot on Carr Pond Road. The hike around the pond has taken just over 3 miles to well over 4.5 miles. We usually wander through the interconnecting trails as the mood strikes us. It is important, when taking a walk quite this long, that you DO bring a bottle or two of water per person. You will also appreciate bug spray. I have forgotten the bug spray, and although definitely 'do-able', not quite as enjoyable. This particular summer, we have had a lot of rain and mushrooms are everywhere along the trail. A few large puddles have developed along the trail that are full of small toads (I just love these cute little critters). The trails are very well maintained for the most part and it is easy to walk 'around' these low lying areas. A few less travelled paths are a bit over grown, but nothing that isn't easily navigable. The pond itself is large with a variety of areas where you can picnic (bug spray), meditate and just enjoy the serenity of the pond. There are also a number of old building foundations, dams, rock walls and a historical cemetary. We use a phone app to track our hikes as we do tend to wander and it's a good way to see when we are close to our pathway out. After a few visits, you begin to recognize where you are but the first couple of trips can be questionable. The change is altitude is minimal with a couple of paths that have a good 'up grade' (or down grade as the case may be). You do need quality footware here as the paths are a variety of gravelly, rocky, roots and dirt. It change from one type to another on any of the individual paths. The trails are color coded if you want to stick to just one. The path width can also chagee dramatically from four person wide to barely one person wide on any given trail. It's best to be prepared for all possibilities. Most of the path around Carr pond is in shade but if you wander into other areas of the BIg River Management Area, you may be in full sun for most of the walk, so plan to wear a hat, bring sunscreen, have water and maybe a snack. Most of all, Have Fun!

Roomy and extensive trails that will loop you around two bodies of water - Carrs Pond and Tarbox…read morePond - but also many side trails that crisscross and branch off the main ones. If you're new to this preserve - as we were - better download the AllTrails app onto your smartphone as unfortunately, trail blazes are virtually non-existent and there's no map posted at the trailhead. But it is nice making your way to the two lily-covered ponds, though viewing them in the height of summer is tough with all the leaves and undergrowth. We intend to visit again in the fall (when the colors should be spectacular!) and early winter.

It's been a while, but we returned to this pathway with our bikes this time. We have ridden the…read morepath a couple of times now into and past Wakefield. During our latest visit, security was stopping walkers and bikers from entering the commuter rail lot and directed us to road side parking a bit further down the road. A sign there states it is parking for both train and pathway. The pathway is in good condition with benches along the route, a childrens park and picnic tables at one point and artwork here and there. There are many road crossings. Most are very quiet, but a few have a fair bit of traffic so do use caution. There is a lot of summer shade along the path. About 5 miles or so from the trail head are public restrooms and water fountains as you enter town. Shortly after passing this building the trail follows the road briefly. Just cross the road and at the top of the hill you will see where the path picks up again. I'm pretty sure the trail changes names depending where you are upon it, but it makes a (mostly) continuous trail for many miles. Public restrooms and water fountains are also available inside the train station if open for business.

The South County Bike Path, also known as the William C. O'Neill Bike Path, is Rhode Island's…read morefourth-longest bike path, stretching 7.8 miles from Kingston Station in the village of West Kingston in South Kingstown to Mumford Road in Narragansett. The path connects to on-road routes for access to the Narragansett shoreline. We just walked past it in downtown Wakefield, right off Main street. In the summer weekends, many people use it for recreational purposes. My husband and I have been on it many times as we biked this part of the state.

This is beautiful well kept park off the busy roads. The windmill is beautiful and it's a great…read morearea for picture taking . I walked my dog there today and it was very peaceful. There's a lovely gazebo located at the beginning of the park you can hang out and have lunch. There are benches along the path to chill on. The landscaping is always maintained beautifully . I met with a woman I went to high school with which was pretty nice while walking around the park. Your dog should be leashed at all times. There is bags to clean up after your pup. I noticed one trash can at the beginning of the path so just take note. Very peaceful. Beautiful for photography ! Enjoy!!

A park with a…read morewindmill Wind turbines are popping up all over Rhode Island. A nice and efficient way of taking advantage of the constant wind coming off of Narragansett Bay. Even though the technology has greatly improved over the years and centuries, the idea is hardly new. Wind power has been used in New England for a long time and was frequently used to power the old grist mills. A few of the old windmills managed to survive and Paradise Park has one of the finest examples still around. The mill was built back in 1810 and was used to grind corn and is a great example of a smock mill that has numerous sloped sides. It originally had four vanes but was increased to eight over the years to improve efficiency. The mill stood a bit further north in Portsmouth but was restored and moved to Paradise Park in 1990. The mill is open one day a year in Sept but can be seen all year long in the park. The rest of Paradise Park is pleasant, with a few short hiking trails and benches and places to sit and relax. Some concerts are held here in the summer and the historical society is right next door. There are a lot of parks in Rhode Island and quite a few windmills but this is the only windmill in a park that I know of. A lovely place to see a part of the past that is quickly becoming the vision of the future.