United States
Rhode Island
Discover Rhode Island's surprising outdoor diversity packed into America's smallest state, featuring 400 miles of dramatic coastline with scenic trails like Newport's Cliff Walk, pristine beaches, and iconic Block Island with its dramatic Mohegan Bluffs. Explore inland forests and wildlife areas via 400+ miles of trails, including the 77-mile North-South Trail spanning the entire state. Experience Narragansett Bay's world-class sailing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing across its island-dotted waters, all within a compact area where ocean sunrise, forest hike, and urban exploration can be enjoyed in a single day.
0National Parks
15State Parks
16+Landmarks
0National Forests
Rhode Island Adventure Guide
Rhode Island may be America's smallest state, but it packs remarkable outdoor diversity into its compact 1,214 square miles. The Ocean State's 400 miles of coastline feature dramatic rocky headlands, pristine beaches, and scenic saltwater coves, with coastal highlights including the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk in Newport that combines dramatic ocean views with Gilded Age mansion backdrops. Block Island, accessible by ferry, offers 17 miles of beaches, 25 miles of walking trails, and dramatic 200-foot Mohegan Bluffs overlooking the Atlantic. Inland, the state maintains an impressive network of more than 60,000 acres of protected forests, wildlife management areas, and parks connected by over 400 miles of hiking trails. The North-South Trail traverses the entire state for 77 miles from the Atlantic Ocean to the Massachusetts border through rural western Rhode Island, while the interconnected trails of Arcadia Management Area, the state's largest recreational area at 14,000 acres, provide excellent hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing opportunities amidst diverse forest habitats. The Blackstone River Valley, recognized as the birthplace of America's Industrial Revolution, now offers a scenic bikeway along the river with historical mill sites and natural areas supporting diverse wildlife. Narragansett Bay, a defining feature of Rhode Island's geography, provides world-class sailing, paddling, and fishing opportunities across its 147-square-mile expanse dotted with over 30 islands. Freshwater enthusiasts can explore more than 100 lakes and ponds throughout the state, while the Pawcatuck River watershed in southwestern Rhode Island offers exceptional paddling through protected conservation areas that harbor diverse plant and animal species. Rhode Island's compact size means visitors can easily experience beach sunrise, forest hike, and urban exploration all in the same day.
Top Highlights
8.7
Magnificent Mohegan Bluffs
Top-Rated Destination
The Mohegan Bluffs, located in New Shoreham, Rhode Island, is an awe-inspiring natural destination. Rising triumphantly above the Atlantic Ocean, these dramatic clay cliffs reach heights of about 200 feet, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean. Known for their stunning natural beauty, the bluffs are a defi...
Quick Info
- Best Season to VisitSummer and Fall
- Popular ActivitiesHikingBeach ActivitiesSailingKayakingCyclingFishingBird WatchingPhotography
Travel Tips
- •Summer parking at popular beaches can be limited; arrive early or use public transportation
- •Ferry reservations to Block Island are essential during summer peak season
- •Consider visiting coastal areas midweek during summer to avoid weekend crowds
- •Pack layers for coastal visits as temperatures can vary significantly from mainland
- •Rhode Island's compact size makes it possible to base in one location and explore the entire state
- •Purchase fishing licenses online before your trip if planning to fish
- •Beach parking fees apply at state beaches from Memorial Day to Labor Day
Complete Rhode Island Adventure Guide
Rhode Island may be America's smallest state, but it packs remarkable outdoor diversity into its compact 1,214 square miles. The Ocean State's 400 miles of coastline feature dramatic rocky headlands, pristine beaches, and scenic saltwater coves, with coastal highlights including the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk in Newport that combines dramatic ocean views with Gilded Age mansion backdrops. Block Island, accessible by ferry, offers 17 miles of beaches, 25 miles of walking trails, and dramatic 200-foot Mohegan Bluffs overlooking the Atlantic. Inland, the state maintains an impressive network of more than 60,000 acres of protected forests, wildlife management areas, and parks connected by over 400 miles of hiking trails. The North-South Trail traverses the entire state for 77 miles from the Atlantic Ocean to the Massachusetts border through rural western Rhode Island, while the interconnected trails of Arcadia Management Area, the state's largest recreational area at 14,000 acres, provide excellent hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing opportunities amidst diverse forest habitats. The Blackstone River Valley, recognized as the birthplace of America's Industrial Revolution, now offers a scenic bikeway along the river with historical mill sites and natural areas supporting diverse wildlife. Narragansett Bay, a defining feature of Rhode Island's geography, provides world-class sailing, paddling, and fishing opportunities across its 147-square-mile expanse dotted with over 30 islands. Freshwater enthusiasts can explore more than 100 lakes and ponds throughout the state, while the Pawcatuck River watershed in southwestern Rhode Island offers exceptional paddling through protected conservation areas that harbor diverse plant and animal species. Rhode Island's compact size means visitors can easily experience beach sunrise, forest hike, and urban exploration all in the same day.
