Rhode Island might be small, but it’s bursting with beauty, history, and character, especially along its scenic trails. While the Newport Cliff Walk rightfully claims fame for its seaside views and Gilded Age charm, the Ocean State offers other hikes that blend stunning natural scenery with fascinating historical roots. From colonial era roads to forgotten forts and industrial era waterways, each trail captures a different piece of Rhode Island’s story. Here are five unforgettable hikes that rival the Cliff Walk in both beauty and significance.
1. Fort Adams Bay Walk, Newport
Circling one of America’s most impressive coastal fortresses, the Fort Adams Bay Walk offers a 2.5-mile loop steeped in maritime history. Built in the early 1800s, Fort Adams guarded Narragansett Bay through multiple wars and now provides panoramic views of Newport Harbor, the Claiborne Pell Bridge, and the surrounding coastline. The trail is mostly flat, ideal for all skill levels, and lined with grassy embankments and old stone fortifications. As you stroll along the waterfront, you’ll feel a tangible connection to Rhode Island’s naval past while soaking in sea breezes and sailboats gliding across the bay.
2. Blackstone River Bikeway and Towpath, Cumberland to Woonsocket
Stretching across the northern part of the state, the Blackstone River Bikeway follows the route of the historic Blackstone Canal, once the backbone of America’s Industrial Revolution. This 11.6-mile path is part paved bikeway, part rustic towpath, tracing the route where mules once hauled canal boats between Providence and Worcester. Today, it’s a peaceful escape lined with remnants of old mills, stone locks, and iron bridges. Interpretive signs share stories of how this region helped shape early industry, making the trail both scenic and educational. With riverside views and plenty of shade, it’s perfect for walkers, cyclists, and history enthusiasts alike.
3. Arcadia Management Area Exeter and Richmond
Spanning over 14,000 acres, Arcadia Management Area is Rhode Island’s largest protected forest and a treasure trove of both natural and historical beauty. Its extensive network of trails winds through pine and oak forests, crossing old farmsteads, weathered stone walls, and the remnants of colonial mills. The Breakheart Trail and Ben Utter Trail are particularly rewarding, offering rolling terrain, streams, and quiet ponds that feel worlds away from city life. Many of these paths date back to the 1700s, when farmers and traders used them for transport. Hiking here is like stepping back in time while being surrounded by pristine woodland tranquility.
4. Fort Wetherill State Park, Jamestown
Perched dramatically on the rocky cliffs of Jamestown, Fort Wetherill State Park offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic and Narragansett Bay. The fort, built in the late 19th century, served as a key coastal defense through both World Wars. Today, its concrete bunkers and graffiti-covered tunnels create an eerie contrast to the vivid blues of the surrounding ocean. The 1.5-mile trail loops through rugged terrain, with lookout points that are perfect for photography or picnics. Whether you come for the history, the sweeping sea views, or the sense of solitude, Fort Wetherill captures Rhode Island’s wild, windswept beauty like few other places.
5. Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown
Just a short drive from downtown Newport, Sachuest Point blends serene coastal landscapes with fascinating wartime history. Once used as a naval communications site during World War II, it’s now a 242-acre wildlife refuge rich with life and natural splendor. The 2.5-mile Ocean View Loop winds through coastal grasslands and rocky shores, offering endless views of the Sakonnet River and Rhode Island Sound. Along the way, visitors may spot deer, ospreys, and even snowy owls in winter. The combination of untouched coastal beauty and historical depth makes Sachuest Point one of the state’s most peaceful yet powerful hikes.
