Rhode Island has woods, too

Rhode Island has woods, too 

So it's been quite a while since I've done any non-technical writing. I'm using these early posts as warm-ups and ways to show off my collection of previous hiking photos.

When I tell outdoors-y people that I live in Rhode Island (at time of writing in February 2023), they're generally surprised. This smallest state is generally ignored by everyone outside of New England and is known for beaches and coastline. Other local hikers are quick to point out the collection of trails within a short drive, which to born-and-bred Rhode Islanders is often no more than 20 minutes.

As the 2nd most densely populated state behind New Jersey, undeveloped land is hard to find in Rhode Island, and it is not very big. I spent an afternoon searching AllTrails for a distance greater than 10 miles and struggled to find much. To be fair, the largest state property--Arcadia Management Area--is not well mapped on paper, signs, blazes, or in AllTrails. Either way, when hiking locally you need to set your expectations accordingly.

The highest point in the state is a whopping 812 feet above sea level, and I visited it recently. The trek from the nearest road was an arduous five minutes.

The log book comments were quite funny, at least.

I also visited the state's tallest natural waterfall this past spring. At first, I walked right by without noticing. Standing at 12 feet tall, Cascade Brook Falls in the Ken Weber Conservation Area is cute.

Local hikers are sure to find many historic cemeteries, stone sheep fences, cellar holes (stone foundations, typically of farm buildings), chimneys, or other evidence of previous land development. Ruins of mill buildings, dams, and other industrial uses can be found in many places as well.

For a meander in largely flat ground where the hills do end rather quickly, with some local history, likely traffic noise, glacial rock deposits, and distances under 8 miles, you have many options. Bonus points for hammocks and books.