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!

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.

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.

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.

If you're looking for short, level, easy path, you'll find it here. That said, in the summer, views…read moreare somewhat limited due to vegetation, and it's just 1.1 miles long, so out and back is a short 2.2 mile trek. At .8 miles (from the lot where we parked), there are two benches which offer a view of the river. There is also a lot at the other end of the trail, so the benches would be at .3 miles respectively. On the plus side, the trail is quiet and we only saw a few people. On the negative side, it's very short, it's not a loop, there are limited views in the summer, and it's not especially interesting. I wouldn't go out of my way to walk here, but if it's convenient to your locale, or your limited on time, this might be your spot!

Ghosts dams and…read morebeavers The Stillwater Scenic Trail is a walking path that runs along an old railway bed for about a mile. Flat and very easy to walk on it's a nice place for a stroll along the Woonasquatucket River and then by Stillwater Pond. Even though it isn't a long walking path it has all kinds of interesting things to look at. The trail goes right under a cool highway bridge and follows the river until it becomes Stillwater Pond. The remains of several old dams are still visible as well as evidence of lots of beaver activity. It does get a it spooky in dark or foggy weather because the trail is tucked in between the river on one side and a hill with some industrial looking places on the other. On most of the trail you feel very alone and isolated. Lots of old foundations and even some abandoned and creepy buildings are still visible. They are the remains of Stillwater Village. a place now long gone. Lots of stories about people seeing strange things and hearing odd noses while walking along this path. The last time I went it was a foggy and rainy day so it was a bit spooky but of course I didn't see or hear anything unexpected. A pleasant and different sort of walking path. You get to see some cool natural sights as well as the remains of man made structures. An interesting place best visited in the light of day

This is a beautiful park! I love how many options there are for playground climbing equipment. The…read morestage is really cool as well. It's particularly beautiful in the fall!

This is a really good local playground. Everything is cared for and well maintained. Highly…read morerecommended!

This walking path is located within the Rocky Point State Park. It's a 1.6 mile loop paved path…read more Many people, walk, walk their dogs, skate, and ride bikes on it. There are benches along the way to rest at. I really enjoyed the beautiful views of the Narragansett Bay. There are some educational signs along the way, remnants of the old amusement park, and a fishing pier. There was ample parking when we went. There are paths to the water; I like the cute little hidden beach off the path. Overall, a great spot to take a walk and get some steps in!

Great little path from the parking lot through the landscape to a beautiful beach and picnic area…read more This place has great photo opportunities because there is plenty of green grassy areas with the beach and rocks in the background. The water was very calm and I really enjoyed walking along the shoreline to find little pieces of sea glass. I did notice that there was many little tiny bugs that bite hard when you stand still. Not a pleasant feeling but their bite left no marks and went away quickly. I saw people throwing a ball into the water for their dogs to run in and retrieve. There were also a few guys who were fishing from the rocks. Looks like a fun place to spend the day with family and friends. The parking area was plentiful and also handicapped accessible. I am glad I found this little treasure as a tourist.