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State of Rhode Island Rhode Island State Parks

Arcadia Management Area

Managed by the Rhode Island DEM's Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment, Arcadia is the state’s largest management area consisting of over 14,000 acres of mixed hardwoods, evergreens and fields. It was purchased through funds from the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration program made available through the Pittman-Robertson Act and along with matching funds through sales of hunting and fishing licenses and permits.

Scenic view of Browning Mill Pond in Arcadia Management Area showing the pond behind a group of trees, granite boulders, and pine needled covered trail

Browning Mill Pond and Loop Trail

Scenic view of Upper Roaring Brook Accessible Trail in Arcadia Management Area

Upper Roaring Brook Accessible Trail

Scenic view of Breakheart Pond in Arcadia Management Area showing evergreens around a bright blue pond with green vegetation in the foreground

Breakheart Pond in Arcadia Management Area

Scenic view of Stepping Stone Falls in Arcadia Management Area showing a rushing river with lush green vegetation

Stepping Stone Falls

Accessed off Routes 138 and 165, the Arcadia Management Area spans across Richmond, Exeter, Hopkinton, and West Greenwich. It consists of mostly forest and managed wildlife property crisscrossed by more than a dozen hiking trails. Outdoor recreation opportunities include freshwater fishing, hunting, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and birdwatching. Leashed dogs welcome. Please don't trash our public lands! Be sure to leave no trace and take your trash with you.

Management Area Rules & Regulations apply as well as separate rules and regulations for the Reynolds Horseman’s Area.

Florescent orange requirements apply for all users of the Arcadia Management Area during the hunting season, including, but not limited to hikers, equestrian riders, and cyclists. Additional boating and hunting regulations apply.

Arcadia Management Area has a brand-new resident and he’s massive, made of recycled wood, and full of personality.

Art installation of a troll built out of reclaimed wood including whiskey barrels sitting on a boulder in the woods

Say hello to Young Boulder, one of three magical troll sculptures now living in Rhode Island, created by world-famous recycle artist Thomas Dambo. These towering trolls are more than just eye-popping art, they carry an important message: let’s take care of our planet. Built from reclaimed materials, they remind us all to reuse, recycle, and reduce waste whenever we can.

Hop in the car and head to Arcadia to meet Young Boulder face-to-face, and while you're there, enjoy the beautiful trails and natural wonders that make this area so special. 

“We’re happy to welcome Young Boulder to the forests of Arcadia Management Area. This inspiring installation by Thomas Dambo perfectly aligns with DEM’s mission as Rhode Island’s lead environmental steward. His message about sustainability and creative reuse helps amplify our ongoing commitment to reducing waste and protecting the environment, all while getting outside and enjoying one of our beautiful management areas.” - Rhode Island DEM Director Terry Gray

Thomas Dambo’s recycled art has wowed crowds in over 20 countries across five continents, including the USA, Brazil, Germany, Australia, and South Korea. In total, there are 125 Dambo trolls worldwide, and 44 of them call the USA home and now, Rhode Island has five of them!

Go meet Young Boulder and bring your curiosity, your camera, and maybe a reusable water bottle. The trolls (and the planet) will thank you. 

Browning Mill Pond, Arcadia Management Area, Richmond

41° 33.37' N  71° 41.155' W (Google Maps)

Driving Landmarks: 

  • From I-95 north or south, take Exit 5A for Route 102 south.
  • Go 0.7 miles south on Route 102 and then turn right onto Nooseneck Hill Road/Route 3 south.
  • Go 1.3 miles south on Route 3 and turn right onto Route 165/Ten Rod Road.
  • Go 1.5 miles west on Ten Rod Road (this will take you under I-95) and turn left at the large sign for Arcadia Management Area.
  • This will put you on Arcadia Road/Old Nooseneck Road/K.G. Ranch Road.
  • Go 1.7 miles and look for the turn into the parking area for Browning Mill Pond on your right.
  • This main parking area is 1/10 mile beyond the small shingle building on the right with a small parking lot behind it and the big green sign on the left for "Arcadia Browning Mill Pond Recreation Area."
  • From the main parking area, follow the loop trail with the main road on your right and the pond on your left. You will pass over two foot bridges and a historic CCC pavilion on your right. Keep following the loop trail until you arrive at the troll. 

Fluorescent Orange Requirements

All users of state management areas, including but not limited to: hikers, bikers, and horseback riders are required to wear 200 square inches (hat or vest) of solid daylight fluorescent orange from the second Saturday in September to the last day of February and the third Saturday in April to the last day in May.

Solid fluorescent hunter orange must be worn above the waist and be visible in all directions. Examples are: a hat that covers 200 square inches or a combination of hat and vest covering 500 square inches. Fluorescent camouflage does not meet this requirement.

map of orange requirements during specific times of the year