Guided Hikes
We host specially-themed hikes throughout the year, offering park visitors a chance to explore new trails and discover unique routes within our park system. Led by our knowledgeable Park Naturalists and Park Rangers, participants will gain fascinating insights into the natural and cultural features of the trails. These hikes take place monthly from fall through spring. During the summer season, visit one of our six Nature Centers to join guided nature hikes led by RI State Park Naturalists. This program is proudly supported by a $15,000 Access Grant awarded in 2024 by the Bronco Wild Fund.
Check back often as we add more information on upcoming hikes!
APRIL
- Where: Fort Wetherill State Park, Jamestown
- When: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM
- No registration necessary, held rain or shine
Join us for spring stroll at Fort Wetherill State Park. Check out a newly constructed trail that meanders through the park. This is a stroller friendly route along some of the parks trails and roads that will highlight scenic views of Newport and Narragansett Bay. Learn about the history and the natural features of Fort Wetherill. This stroll is close to 3 miles in length and will be held rain or shine. Leashed dogs welcome.
"Seals and Seaweed"
- Where: John H. Chafee Nature Preserve (ROME POINT) - North Kingstown
- When: April 21, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM
- No registration necessary, held rain or shine
Join us for an Earth Week Hike at Rome Point hosted by the RI State Parks Naturalist Program. We will walk roughly 3 miles through the preserve, picking up any garbage we find and stopping at key features to provide interpretive context, encouraging understanding and reverence of the natural systems that keep us alive on planet earth. This hike will feature our volunteer guide Rebecca Venezia, a graduate student at URI who is an expert on local seaweed and other intertidal treasures. This time of year, we are likely to spot seals from the shoreline. Binoculars will be provided, but feel free to bring your own too. The trail may be muddy in springtime so be sure to wear appropriate shoes. Leashed dogs are welcome and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
"Trails and Tidepools"
- Where: Beavertail State Park
- When: Tuesday, April 22
- Time: 10:00 AM
Park in one of the designated parking lots and meet at the lighthouse. No registration necessary, held rain or shine.
Join us for an Earth Day Hike at Beavertail State Park hosted by the RI State Parks Naturalist Program. We will walk roughly 3 miles through the park, picking up any garbage we find and stopping at key features like tide pools where will provide interpretive context that strives to cultivate a sense of reverence for this crucially important ecosystem. This time of year, fresh barnacle and mussel colonies are just beginning to dot the jagged edges of the intertidal zone at Beavertail, and many species of winter sea ducks are still visible just off the rocks. Patrons should expect an interdisciplinary lesson that connects the fascinating geology of Beavertail with the rich history and ecology of this special land. This walk will feature Rebecca Venezia, a PhD graduate student at URI who is an expert on local seaweed populations and other intertidal treasures. Binoculars will be provided, but feel free to bring your own as well. The trails will be muddy this time of year, and the rocks near the tidepools can be wet and slippery. Appropriate boots are recommended for this hike.