RHODE ISLAND - South County

The park has 3,100 acres of rocky woodland surrounding Watchaug Pond in Charlestown. Swimming beach and bathhouse, canoeing, kayaking, freshwater fishing, picnic tables, boat ramp, 73 fireplaces, restrooms, drinking water, telephone, wheelchair accessible. Open year round sunrise to sunset; restrooms open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Lifeguards on duty 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Site of the South County Museum (see listing in the "Museums" section). A 19th century working farm set on a 174-acre park includes historic buildings, exhibits, and cemetery, featuring graves more than 200 years old. It also has nature trails, and a picnic area. Open daily, dawn to dusk.

A 90-acre property of woods and wetlands located on the Hunt River with access for canoeing. Take Exit 7 (Frenchtown Road/Davisville) off Rte. 4 South. Davisville Road (Rte. 403) is the left fork (follow signs toward Quonset Point/Davisville). Parking is on the right within 1/2 mile of the exit, immediately after the guardrail marking the Hunt River.

This 937-acre property contains fields, diverse forest habitats, pond, streams (including a waterfall) and a historic cemetery. Take I-95 to Rte. 4 to Rte. 102 North. Turn right onto Widow Sweets Road (just after the Exeter Town Clerk's Office and across from Anderson's Quality Furniture Store). Take the second right onto Pardon Joslin Road (a dirt road). Travel approximately 1 mile. Parking lot is on the right side of the road by a large Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge sign.

An 860-acre property consisting of majestic old forest, brooks, fields, and mysterious rock cairns. The caretaker's house was built in the 1700's. The barn has been converted into a nature center. From Providence take I-95 South to Rte. 102 North (Exit 5B). Take Rte. 102 North approximately ten miles. Turn right (east) onto Maple Valley Road (across Rte. 102, on the left is Waterman Hill Road). Turn into second driveway on the left for the trailhead or the first driveway for programs. Look for the Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge sign.

A 29-acre property gem located on the southern shore of the Watchaug Pond. The land abuts Burlingame State Park and trails lead from the refuge to state land. Turn north off Rte. 1 at Prosser Trail, take the first left onto Montauk, and follow the signs to Kimball. At the bottom of the hill turn left and follow Sanctuary Road to the Nature Center.

This 86-acre property situated along the northern shore of Winnapaug Pond consists of coastal shrub land, freshwater wetlands, and salt marsh. A short trail leads from the parking lot down to the pond. From Rte. 1 South, take a left onto Rte. 1A (following signs to Misquamicut State Beach). Follow Rte. 1A approximately 3 miles. Look for the sign off left shoulder of the road.

A beautiful 218-acre parcel of stately hemlocks and rock outcrops bordering Long and Ells Pond. The Audubon Society of Rhode Island's land is a part of a large conservation area with trails connecting to Connecticut. Take Canonchet Road south from Rte. 138, then take the first right onto North Road.

This 227-acre park features a freshwater swimming pond with public beach, lifeguards on duty (seasonal), playground, ball fields, picnic areas, restrooms. Frosty Drew Nature Center and Observatory are privately operated; information can be obtained by calling 401-364-9508. Seasonal special events are held. Free admission, wheelchair accessible.

The University's Department of Geology maintains this small collection, featuring samples collected in Rhode Island and nearby parts of Southern New England. Open Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm.