Located between Albion and Manville in Lincoln, Rhode Island, this preserve is a convenient place…read moreto stretch your legs and get a couple miles in. Relatively easy terrain with some decent ups and downs, the trails here are pretty open and follow the remnants of old cart paths and stone walls. Great views of Rochambeau Pond where largemouth bass and trout fishing is the popular activity. Greenery is in full swing at the moment (as well as the bugs). Some nice open areas within the woods where you can look out over the outcropping of rocks. Came across a small unmarked cemetery, a typical Rhode Island hike find. No markings on the stones though so I'm not sure if it's considered a small family plot or has some other kind of history. I was happy to have a GPS mapping system because the available maps and blaze system here were a little all over the place. Multiple colors and oddly placed markings. The trails are very obvious but do branch off in all different directions. The bridges here could use some updating, one was very bouncy as I gingerly traversed it. There's a great deal of street noise from the neighboring RI-99. The trails pass through some major power lines which afforded some views. Overall, a decently picaresque hike in Rhode Island; a place I would visit for some exercise and varied terrain if I lived in the area. Small parking area with space for 3 or 4 cars.

This is a amazing little beach clean and the people around are great. So many different types of…read morefun to have from rope swings to boating fishing and swimming in nice clean warm water. The new owners of the lake are taking great care of the water.

I really really love the lake it is so cool i go. Sking and I am very excited to get back there to…read morego swing sking and tubing their

I've been boating on this lake for 13 years, and yes--I can pronounce its full name, one of the…read morelongest place names in the world: Chargoggagoggmanchauggagaugchaubunagungamaugg. It's quite a mouthful! Purportedly the largest natural lake in Massachusetts, it's only about three miles long and one mile wide, which perhaps says more about Massachusetts lakes than it does this one. Still, it's a terrific local destination. The lake has a couple of marinas, three waterfront restaurants accessible by boat, a town beach with restrooms and a snack bar, and the popular Indian Ranch entertainment venue, which also includes an RV campground and the newer and quite good Samuel Slater's Restaurant. The lake offers something for almost everyone: fishing, swimming, boating, tubing, water skiing (there's even a water ski club), kayaking, and enough open water for all of those activities to coexist somewhat comfortably. Weekdays are wonderfully peaceful, making it easy to find a quiet cove or enjoy a leisurely cruise. Summer weekends, however, are another story. When the weather is hot, the lake becomes a very busy place. There are at least three eagle nests on the lake and one gas station. Unfortunately the gas station is currently closed. Dock space is in high demand, with waiting lists at the marinas. Development around the shoreline has steadily increased over the years. While a few natural stretches remain, nearly every buildable lot has been developed, and many of the original seasonal cottages have been replaced by sprawling year-round waterfront homes. I'm very fortunate to have this lake just a few minutes from home--and even more fortunate that I can usually enjoy it during the week, when the crowds are at work.

This is a great Great little park with a nice trail which circumvents the 13-acre pond, called Peck…read morePond. About 1/3rd of the trail has rocky footing with many roots to dodge, the rest of the trail is very easy. The pond has a sandy beach for swimming and can get busy during the summer, which is why I tend to go here in the spring and fall. There are plenty of picnic tables, a couple of pavilions, and fishing is allowed in the pond. There are additional trails including cross country ski trails throughout the property. There is also the occasional bench on the trail, offering beautiful views of the pond. It's not a huge park, but it's a nice park, and quiet off season.

Beautiful Compact Off…read morethe beaten path I stumbled upon the existence of this spot on the visitrhodeisland Instagram page, having never heard of it previously. As a family, we gave it a shot for a what-the-heck hike, and all four of us fell immediately in love. Mowry really, REALLY dials up curb appeal right off the bat. Wandering down from the road into the conservation area, you're greeted by a large rock outcropping over a pristine rushing brook, covered by a nice pedestrian bridge - combined, it's a very halcyon scene, and gorgeous. Beyond lie two short hiking trails: red is ~0.5 miles and yellow is ~0.75 miles, and they connect so you can have a short jaunt or a longer one. There's some mild elevation change, but all very manageable in sneakers - all beginner-friendly or dog-walk appropriate. A little gem nestled in north central RI, this one deserves your attention for its natural beauty and serene wall ability. Highest recommendation.

Super pretty. We went today - and it was snowy but excellent hike day. The water running was the…read moremost perfect sound. Otherwise it was so quiet. Clearly marked trails. Decent ups and downs that made it feel like I was getting some exercise in. Cute little bridge. I would give it five stars if it were longer - but that's not the fault of the trail I guess: we just ended up looping and it got repetitive.

I have a lot of experiences on this 78 (ish) mile trek. I've done it for leisure, done it for…read moretraining, helped others accomplish it...etc etc etc. I love hiking the east, but this is not at the top of my list. It was more of a Rhode Island resident bucket list. A good portion of the 'trail' is road (about 50% country roads). There is a great book to assist and give insightful info. However, unless you have a friend or library to lend it to you it's about 100$ lol At any rate, it is a fine walkabout to go from one point in RI to the next. My personal recommendation is to hike it North to South and dive in the ocean. Especially if you do it in the winter. Pure exhilaration! Happy trails and don't forget to sign the books at each end!

Rhode Island's North-South Trail (NST) is a 78-mile network of trails, roads, and dirt paths upon…read morewhich one can hike from the RI/MA border in Burrillville to the waves of the Atlantic Ocean in Charlestown. If you have the time and ability, this is a FANTASTIC way to explore the beauty our state has to offer. Through-hike it or break it into smaller segments over a series of trips... this is a trek that can be enjoyed by hikers with all levels of experience. In the 1990s, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the US National Park Service teamed up to make this trail a reality. I chose to traverse it from north to south so that I could end at Blue Shutters Beach and dip my feet in the ocean. This path meanders through lush forests and historic farmlands, past miles of stone walls and blue blazes, over boulder fields and numerous rivers, and offers a chance at connecting with a variety of wildlife including deer, turkeys, birds, cows, and so much more. This is a glimpse into not only what Rhode Island is today but what it once was. Old foundations, cemeteries, mill sites, barns and farm equipment pop up throughout. "The North South Trail" by Cliff Vanover is a fantastic resource if you are planning this hike. It is out of print but several of the RI Libraries have copies you can access. I completed the trail over 6 days and recruited friends and family to assist with car spots. It is possible to complete the trail in one go over shorter or longer periods of time. There are plentiful nearby campgrounds as staying on trail is not allowed. It is difficult to sum up my entire experience on-trail; I encourage you to immerse yourself in the outdoors and check out this path less travelled. It is well-maintained, easy to follow, and was absolutely beautiful this October with its abundant foliage. The sand dunes, sea grass, and blue crashing waves at the finality of my trek was a sight to be seen. Try it from south to north and hook up with the Midstate Trail in MA for a route all the way to NH!

With the weather warming up, I've been excited to get back out on some Rhode Island trails. This…read moreone was a great spot to soak in the seasonal shift, explore a bit of the state's historical landscape, and breathe some fresh air. The preserve has multiple entrances to its many trails. I parked at the one next to the Dollar Tree on Mendon Road--convenient, though not exactly the most picturesque start to a hike. There's something a little mysterious about slipping into the woods from a shopping plaza; a bit awkward, sure, but I still appreciate these green spaces being preserved, even when they're nestled between businesses. The trail system here is extensive and very well-blazed. I started in the 52-acre Ballou parcel, taking the white trail to the blue loop, which connects to both the red and yellow trails in the 132-acre Blackall parcel. Rock walls crisscross the landscape--remnants of pastures, woodlots, and even apple orchards, according to posted info. The yellow trail is said to follow an old horse ring. Stone piles dot the land, likely cleared by farmers long ago. The trails themselves are impressively maintained, with cleared blowdowns and small boardwalks to help with wetter areas. There are some gentle ups and downs that get your legs moving, and on my early spring visit, the greenery was just starting to come alive. Jack-in-the-pulpits were popping up everywhere, along with skunk cabbage, violets, ferns, blue azures, and wood flowers. I also spotted a small snake sunning itself mid-trail and plenty of squirrels. The area is known for Cumberlandite, so that might be a fun thing to explore further on a return trip. While it's easy to get immersed in parts of the hike, you are reminded now and then that this preserve is surrounded by development. Private homes, old equipment, a large tank structure, and the sound of nearby traffic occasionally pull you out of the nature experience. I also noticed some trash here and there, which I tried to pack out. Two utility corridors--one for electrical lines and one for a gas line--cut across the trail system as well. Not deal-breakers, but worth mentioning. I crossed paths with several other hikers, which is somewhat rare for me on Rhode Island trails. Most had dogs on leashes, and it was nice to see others enjoying the area. I covered about four miles with minimal overlap (just the out-and-back parts that connect the loops). In a state where many trails are short, I really appreciate ones that offer some distance. If you haven't been, I'd definitely recommend checking this place out--especially if you're looking for a longer, peaceful hike with a touch of history. I'll be back for sure, maybe with a magnet to go hunting for that Cumberlandite.

East Brimfield Lake, also known as, Long Pond. It is a nice, lightly developed body of water along…read morethe Quinabaug River Canoe (Kayak) Trail. The Lake/Pond is frequented by fishermen, canoeists, and kayakers. It's easily paddled along the circumference, just watch for a few shallow stones and stumps. The entire body of water covers approximately 420 acres. There are three sections, North, Middle, South. North to Middle requires a short portage across a narrow bridge. Middle to South is passable below a Route 20 over pass. The South section leads further to the South on the River Trail. We usually park on the North side of Route 20 at a public boat launch and cast off into the Middle Section.