Try one of These Best
Rhode Island Fall Foliage Hikes
and Walks...

While there are plenty of opportunities to experience fall colors in Rhode Island it doesn’t have the quantity of maple varieties and other deciduous tree mix found in more northerly regions of New England to compete with those states. Nonetheless, the state offers a mix of gently rolling farmlands, dense woodlands, and various islands and coastal areas that provide a variety of wonderful easy-going hiking opportunities.

And if you enjoy nature walks with a focus on wildlife as much as the terrain and colors, then the public hiking trails available to you here won’t disappoint.

And my view is, after trekking in awe at blazing peak foliage for a few days it’s nice to take a different type of walk in the crisp autumn air – and Rhode Island unquestionably offers different fall foliage hikes.

Click on any of the links below to get detailed hiking descriptions and directions to each walk.

So let's get going on our fall foliage journey through Rhode Island together...


Walkabout Trail – Chepachet, Rhode Island

The Walkabout Trail is the primary path in the George Washington Management Area located in the northwest corner of Rhode Island. It offers a choice of loop trails you can customize to a varying length of 2, 6 or 8-miles depending on your mood and weather of the day. The whole area is an excellent habitat for waterfowl and other wetland birds and mammals, so you’ll not only spot colorful fall foliage but plenty of wildlife as well. More >...


Arcadia Management Area – West Greenwich, Rhode Island

The Arcadia Management Area is nestled in the towns of West Greenwich, Exeter, Hopkinton and Richmond, and has an extensive trail system. There are about 30 miles of hiking trails of mostly easy walks, and running the gamut from 45-minute to 6-hour hikes. You’ll find 12 strategically located parking areas and recreation locations provide fireplaces, picnic tables, and restroom facilities. The trails meander through woods, skirt ponds, and offer not only scenic views but also great opportunities to see migratory birds - especially during the spring and fall seasons. More >...


Emily Ruecker Wildlife Refuge – Tiverton, Rhode Island

The 50-acres of a former farm was donated to the Audubon Society by Emily Ruecker, and offers hikers views of upland woodlands, salt marshes, bayberry, seaside goldenrod, and stands of alder, maple, and oak. The main trail is a one-and-one-half easy walk with some opportunities to explore a peninsular and other detour. If you’d like to combine a crisp fall walk with some outstanding bird-watching opportunities then pack your binoculars and head out to Tiverton. More >...


Block Island Greenways – Block Island, Rhode Island

While you’ll not see the traditional New England fall foliage splash of fiery reds and glowing yellows on Block Island, you'll encounter diverse hiking trails with inland moors, rolling hills, dense brush and traditional stonewalls. The Island has few deciduous trees and so the attraction is more about experiencing fall walks on a conservation conscious island, and easy-going rambles around places like Clay Head Preserve, Rodman’s Hollow, and Mohegan Bluffs. The Block Island Greenway covers more than twelve miles of trails in the southern part of the island. Some trails are wide and flat, while others are more challenging with steep inclines and rocky terrain. More >...

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More Rhode Island Fall Foliage Hikes Resources...

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