Newport has lovely forests, parks, for walking and hiking

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Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge - Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Seapowet Avenue Tiverton, RI Phone: 401-949-5454

A 50-acre parcel of woods and salt marsh with a nature center and fine views of the Sakonnet River. The refuge has blinds for observing and photographing nature. From Providence take I-195 East to Rte. 24 South (in Fall River, MA). Travel Rte. 24 South to the Rte. 77 South exit. Follow RTE.77 South to Seapowet Avenue. Turn right onto Seapowet Avenue and continue down the hill to the refuge parking lot on the right.

Fort Adams State Park

Ocean Drive Newport, RI Phone: 401-847-2400

Open: Year-round, dawn to dusk

An active military fort from 1799 to 1945, Fort Adams sits on over 21 acres and held up to 2,400 troops. The original defenses still present include height walls, powder magazines, 3 tiers of guns and cannons, and listening tunnels. The park also includes a picnic area, beach, boat launches and fishing piers.

Fort Barton

Highland Road Tiverton, RI Phone: 401-625-6700

Open: Year-round, dawn to dusk

In 1778, Fort Barton was the staging area for the invasion of Aquidnck Island, which led to the Battle of Rhode Island. The site has 3 miles of trails and an observation tower.

Fort Wetherill State Park

Fort Wetherill Road Jamestown, RI Phone: 401-423-1771

Site of a historic defense battery and military training camp, the park offers spectacular views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay from its location on 100-foot granite cliffs. Salt water fishing, scuba diving, and picnicking available.

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Heritage Foundation of Rhode Island Park

Prudence Island Narragansett Bay, RI

Natural parkland set on 475 acres, featuring hiking trails, excellent bird-watching, and natural photography spots. The entrance to the property is on Broadway, which is in the center of Prudence Island.

Historic Newport

The area surrounding America's Cup Avenue Newport, RI

A stroll in the streets of downtown Newport will take you along the water, past dozens of historic buildings, several museums and attractions, and through many outdoor malls and shopping centers.
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Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Sanctuary

Prudence Island Portsmouth, RI Phone: 401-683-6780

Open: Dawn to dusk, Memorial Day - Labor Day

National environmental preserve with a self-guided hiking trail and guided nature walks. The park has a picnic area, swimming and boating areas. Accessible through a ferry from Bristol, RI.

Norman Bird Sanctuary

583 Third Beach Road Middletown, RI Phone: 401-846-2577

Open: Memorial Day - Labor Day, daily, 9 am - 5 pm

This 450-acre refuge includes several wildlife habitats and seven miles of trails. The site also houses an on-site museum, educational area, and small gift shop. Spring and fall bird walks are held there.

Prescott Farm and Gardens

2009 West Main Road Middletown, RI 401-846-4152

Feel history come alive at this charming country setting with an 1812 windmill and other historic buildings. Explore the open green space and walking trails. Featured buildings are the Robert Sherman Windmill, the Guard House (mid-1700s), Hicks House (c.1715), a simple structure of two rooms and a loft; and Sweet-Anthony House (c. 1730), an excellent example of an 18th century, middle-class farmer’s house.
Prescott Farm’s kitchen and herb gardens are living laboratories that showcase period horticulture as well as contemporary gardening practices. The plant varieties grown in the gardens represent what many Aquidneck Islanders may have used for food, medicine and other purposes in the Colonial era. Although certain design features evoke the historic time period, the gardens are maintained using 21st century sustainable techniques.
Workshops are offered at Prescott Farm during the summer and fall each year. Past workshops have included: stonewall building, blacksmithing, open hearth cooking, a beehive tour and tasting, and wind energy past and present. Hours: Grounds are open daily dawn to dusk. See a schedule of upcoming programs at Prescott Farm and our other sites.
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Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge

Sachuest Point Road Middletown, RI Phone: 401-364-9124

Very near to Newport, this national site is a haven for many types of shore birds, and very popular with Southern New England bird watchers.

Watson Farm

455 North Road Jamestown, RI Phone: 401-423-0005

Open: June 1-October 15, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Started in 1796, this working farm is set on 265 acres and features cattle, sheep, horses, chickens and a garden. A two mile trail and self-guided tours take visitors on a trip through the history and seasonal cycles of the farm. School programs and demonstrations are available.

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Biking

Jamestown

The entirety of Conanicut Island (the town of Jamestown) makes a wonderful place for biking. The slightly hilly terrain offers tremendous views of Narragansett Bay in addition to New England countryside and cozy village streets. About 20 miles.

Little Compton and Tiverton

25 to 35 miles of bike routes through small towns and some water views.

Newport

Bikers will find an enjoyable 15 mile route on Bellevue Avenue and Ocean Drive in Newport. These winding roads take riders along the Atlantic Ocean and past many of the city's famous mansions. Certainly the most scenic of the area's bike routes.

Brenton Point State Park

Ocean Drive Newport, RI 02840

Phone: Fort Adams State Park, 401-847-2400; Brenton Point (seasonal), 401-849-4562 Formerly one of Newport grand estates, the park offers spectacular views from the point of land where Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Picnicking, hiking, fishing, accompanied by majestic views of the Atlantic. Open year-round sunrise to sunset. Restrooms (open May 1 – October 31), public phone, concessions, parking, nearby fishing nearby, hiking, picnic area, scenic overlooks, public gardens.

Cliffwalk

Begins at Memorial Boulevard Newport, RI Phone: 401-849-8048

Open: Year-round

The region's most popular walk, the Cliffwalk meanders for 3.5 miles along the Atlantic Ocean and offers views of the sea, as well as many of the most spectacular mansions. The walk has been designated a National Recreation Trail. No admission charge.
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