8 Great Spring Walks in Rhode Island
GoLocalProv Features Team
8 Great Spring Walks in Rhode Island
Nature Walking in Barrington
Owned and operated by the town of Barrington, the 42-acre Osamequin Wildlife Sanctuary, left, offers woodlands, fields and saltwater wetlands, with a well-defined trail system leading to the shores of Hundred Acre Cove and bordering wetlands. These two to three miles of trails that wind through the sanctuary makes this an ideal place for observing migratory waterfowl and shore birds. Open year round, from sunrise to sunset. Off the Wampanoag Trail, Rte. 114, Barrington.
Wooded Ramble near Glocester
The George Washington Management Area, a nearly 3,500-acre swath of natural retreat near Glocester, is perfect for wooded meandering. The Angell Loop will take you on a lakeshore-woodland circuit, even passing an historic Indian gravesite. Keep on the lookout for cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hare, grey squirrel, white-tailed deer and furbearers. 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, www.dem.ri.gov/
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTBird Watching in Tiverton
Located on the saltwater shores of the Sakonnet River in Tiverton, the Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge is a hidden jewel offering shallow marshes and upland woodlands for a wide variety of bird life. The 50-acre reserve offers hikers views of salt marshes, seabirds, the Sakonnet River and more. Donated to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island in 1965, it was once a 30-acre farm belonging to Emily Rueckner. Now, the refuge is an inviting spot for nature walks along its one-and-one-half miles of easy-walking trails which should take about 90 minutes to complete.
Seapowet Ave, Tiverton, for directions/trail map, go here.
Historic Newport Neighborhood
Explore the Point, the colonial neighborhood often overlooked by visitors en route to wharves and mansions. But it's a rich area, and this walk created by Newport's Friends of the Waterfront among the Point's homes, storefronts, and driftways, is a perfect afternoon stroll. For a self-guided walk and map, go here.
Getting Green on Block Island
Inspired by England’s Greenway system of trails, the Block Island Greenway covers more than 12 miles of trails in the southern part of the island. Choose a path and meander through Nathan Mott Park, the Nature Conservancy, Turnip Farm, Rodman's Hollow, and private lands graced by old Victorian mansions and charming farmhouses. Access points can be found on Lakeside Drive, and along Old Mill, Cooneymus, West Side and Beacon Hill roads. Look for granite Greenway markers, turnstyles and steps over stone walls. 466-2129, www.nature.org
Lovecraft's Providence
Here's a new way to look at what may be familiar surroundings. Stroll College Hill and follow this fascinating self-guided walking tour of HP Lovecraft's Providence. Go here to get the PDF map with sites coded and referenced to the writer's famous works that take place in the area, including the Call of Stulhu and The Shunned House. www.hplovecraft.com.
Quartz walk in Cumberland
Diamond Hill Park has been referred to as a huge chunk of quartz about 1 mile long. See for yourself and snag a top-shelf view from the top of Diamond Hill, a small ski slope. Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland, 728-2400.
Hills and Harbours in East Greenwich
Often overshadowed by more famous historic towns in Rhode Island, East Greenwich boasts a charming as well as interesting historic neighborhood: the Hill and Harbour District. The city provides an illustrated self-guided walking tour with ample photographs and background, on its Web site, here.
E-book your way through Wakefield
Author Doug Gelbert has a detailed and delightful tour of the historic South County Town as part of Look Up America series of e-Books of walking tours. Look Up, Wakefield will guide you through numerous sights and it's all downloadable on your handheld or tablet. For more information, go to walkthetown.com.