Looping around Breakheart Pond in the Arcadia Management Area is this 5-mile trail.  Don’t be intimidated by the name—this trail won’t break your heart, but you may break a sweat! Trees will block the wind along the path, which traverses rocky areas and root-covered paths. Take on the uphill trails for a gorgeous view of the pond below.  

The best part of a hike in Fort Barton is climbing up past the Revolutionary War fortifications and up to the observation tower for a scenic view of Narragansett Bay. The entire hike, which takes you through 3.5 miles of trails, immerses you in several important scenes from the Revolutionary War, such as the Battle of Rhode Island, which took place in 1777. Once you’re in the woods, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful wildflowers and natural ecosystems, with bridges to take you through portions of wetlands.

The trail at Browning Woods begins 100 feet above sea level and will take you nearly 100 feet higher throughout wooded terrain and farmland. Pass by the remains of the Browning Homestead, a long-abandoned site. The three-mile trail also passes through swamp areas and streams, making it somewhat difficult but full of impressive natural beauty.

Open year-round, Kimball Sanctuary is 29 acres of beautiful space. Take in views of the glistening Watchaug Pond and enjoy 1.5 miles of moderate hiking trails. There is a mixture of both easy and moderately strenuous trails here, so if you’re looking to get your heart rate up, opt for a slightly tougher hike! 

This wildlife refuge is the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s largest public property, spanning 1,010 acres. Take in the dense, diverse forests, shimmering waterfall, and even a historic cemetery. There are 10 miles of trails in this area, rated as moderate. 

The Arcadia Management Area has it all for the outdoorsperson in your life. Wood River has great canoeing, there’s plenty of fishing and boating allowed, and there are miles and miles of clearly marked trails for hikers! Make sure to share the trails with the horseback riders and mountain bikers who also frequent this park.

While you’re exploring the trails of this wooded preserve, you might stumble across a World War II memorial hidden deep within. It will take about a half hour of walking along the World War II Memorial Trail before you come along this fascinating site, where in 1943 an Army Air Corps airplane crashed, killing three servicemen who are now honored there. Though the trail offers plenty of its own intrigue, you’ll want to stop by Mercer Lookout to catch sight of the Providence city lights in the distance.

Make sure to check out the thriving biodiversity on show at Ninigret Wildlife Refuge. You’ll love visiting in the fall, too, when the woods are exploding with color. At Ninigret, you’ll find over three miles of natural trails featuring interpretive panels, kiosks, and viewing platforms to get a great look at the surrounding wildlife. 

This trail is a perfect spot for beginner hikers who aren’t trying to exhaust themselves. You’ll walk along easily navigable, flat trails that will take you to great bird-watching spots. Want more birds? Then add the nearby Norman Bird Sanctuary to your walk.

This charming 2.3-mile pond loop will take you on a beautiful waterside walk. Take a break on a bench or near an observation area, and then get right back up as there are four trails and 2,000 whole acres to explore! 

Wrentham State Forest, about 25 minutes from the Rhode Island town of Cumberland, spans 1,024 acres across the towns of Wrentham and Plainville. Trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. There is also a designated loop for off-highway motorcycles. The loop is not too challenging, but be on the lookout for large rocks! 

Franklin State Forest, near Franklin, Massachusetts, is located just over 20 minutes from Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Situated in the Forge Hills Area, the forest covers 843 acres. This state forest also presents riders with a designated loop trail for off-highway motorcycles. Fly through the scenic forest and enjoy the moderately difficult, flat trail. 

Located in Voluntown, Connecticut, this 24,000-acre forest is the only public area to ride ATV and off-highway motorcycles in the state. Pachaug is just minutes away from the Rhode Island border. The area boasts many miles of trails designated for hikers, snowmobilers, equestrians, and off-highway motorcyclists. 

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While this location may be a ways out, it is well worth the trek! Located near the towns of Dunbarton and Weare in New Hampshire is the Hopkinton-Everett Trails Area. The trails span for 26 miles and are accessible to ATVs, UTVs (maximum width of 50 inches), and trail bikes. Mud season begins on May 23. Be sure to always check in before you head over there! The trails may close to the public at any time for flood control purposes.

*Note: Age restrictions, special licenses, and other requirements for off highway vehicles vary from state to state. Before heading out on your OHV, please consult your local regulations.

This 860-acre conservation area offers a gradual incline that provides a good challenge for kids. You might even spot a few rock formations along the way—you can read about their history, too, if you’re lucky enough to find the tallest one. Try taking the easy orange trail or the blue loop for a longer hike that takes your walk from two miles to 4.5.

Make sure to pack some sun block for this beautiful hike along the bluffs. This walk includes a stroll along the beach where you might stop and picnic or dig up shells, a staircase along the bluffs, and views of the charming Southeast Lighthouse. Leave plenty of time to catch your ferry back to the mainland at the end of the day, too!

Euphoric

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Pack up your binoculars—it’s time to go birdwatching! There are trails galore within the Norman Bird Sanctuary, perfect for hikers of every skill level. The Shady Glade Trail offers a more leisurely walk great for young families. Children under three are free, but others must pay a small fee to hike these trails.

An ideal way to immerse yourself in the vibrant nature of this trail’s surrounding wetlands is from the safety of a boardwalk. Because the Dundery Brook Trail is a boardwalk, it makes it handicapped accessible, too! The incredible forested swamps and wetlands showcase Rhode Island’s natural beauty at its finest. Everyone can enjoy the Dundery Brook Trail. 

This Middletown wildlife refuge offers about three miles of beautiful nature trails. The area has a long and storied history, being utilized for farming from the mid-1600s to the early 1900s, and also used as a U.S. Navy site in World War II. The nature trails offer abundant opportunity for incredible wildlife viewing with kiosks and interpretive panels. Children will enjoy every moment of this, and learn something along the way. 

#Daisies line the trail along the sea at Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge, Middletown Rhode Island #optoutside #getoutdoors

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Hot Spots To Fish: Deservedly, Montauk, NY at the eastern end of Long Island is considered a storied mecca for striped bass fishermen. If you’re not going surf fishing on the beach or fishing from a jetty, Gone Fishing Marina (631-668-3232, gonefishingmarina78.com) can set up a charter trip for you. If it’s booked up, try Star Island Yacht Club (631-668-5052, starislandyc.com) or Montauk Marine Basin (631-668-5900, marinebasin.com).

Find the best fishing spots near you:

• Connecticut
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• New York
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Virginia
• Washington, D.C.

Down south, talk to the folks at Captain Hogg’s Charter Service (757-876-1590, captainhoggscharters.com) about fishing around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Overdrawn Charters  (252-202-4623, overdrawncharters.com) in Manteo, N.C. can help as well.

Tackle You’ll Need: Stick with 30- to 50-pound braid or monofilament and a 60-pound-test shock leader of fluorocarbon, with saltwater-ready spinning tackle heavy enough to handle 10- to 14-foot rods. Penn, Quantum and Okuma specialize in fairly inexpensive surf-fishing rods, and reels to match. If you have a reel, but no rod yet, the new Black Inshore Rods from Lamiglas are up to the task. The five spinning and five casting models range from a 6-foot, 10-inch light finesse spinning rod to a 7 ½-foot casting rod rated for lures from 3 to 12 ounces in weight.

Best Lures/Baits: The 4 1/2-inch Acme Kastmater XL spoon, the 1 ½-ounce Odin Popper, and the 5-inch pencil popper from Tsunami are popular artificials up and down the Atlantic seaboard. Other popular options include the 6- or 7-inch Savage Gear Sandeel Swimbait, 9-inch Sassy Shad swimbait and the 6-inch Rapala X-Rap SubWalk.

Find the best bait and tackle shops near you:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington, D.C.
• West Virginia

For anglers who’d rather soak baits from a boat or in the surf, live or cut bait, such as Atlantic menhaden (peanut bunker), herring, porgies, eels, bloodworms, anchovies and mullet, can flip the switch on chaotic striper blitzes.

Even in the midst of winter, you might still be able to enjoy the rough granite along Lincoln Woods. Though this small rock is set within walking distance of walking trails and picnic areas, you’ll still get a good challenge from all of the friction along the stone’s face. 

This impressive lone stone of granite pops up just where you wouldn’t expect. Located in the Arcadia Management Area, Lost Boulder offers a good variety of heights and great slopes. It’s a great texture for climbing—if you can find it out in Arcadia, that is.

Another great spot located in the Arcadia area, you’ll enjoy attempting several routes to get to the top of this 29-foot firewall. The wall has been attempted by hikers since back in the 80s, when the state’s rock-climbing scene was dominated by the Rhody Loadies. Beginners or kids might appreciate a few of the slabs facing west, but this is a fun rock when approached from all directions.

Take a climb up this 50-foot cliff that spans about 60 feet in width. Watch out for the mica and quartz that sharply stand out from the mostly-pock surface. Climb wherever you want—but know that the rock does tend to be tough on the fingers. For more intense climbing, head further south on the rock, or go bouldering on some of the smaller rocs that lie around the main cliff. 

Take Route 6 west from Providence to end up at this nature preserve. You’ll head past the pond to find the cliffs best for climbing. Take a climb between 15 and 35 feet in height. Be prepared to encounter a bit of loose rock along some cliffs. These are some of the toughest routes in Rhode Island, which is why they are so popular among serious climbers.

There are approximately 25 miles of trails in the 134-acre Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, including Clayhead Trail, the Fresh Swamp Preserve, Rodman’s Hollow, and more. Established in 1973, the refuge began with the gift of 28 acres 11 miles off the mainland’s coast from the U.S. Coast Guard, so, as you can imagine, it is an important resting stop for migrating birds. In fact, thousands of birds reportedly congregate here every year in an extraordinary birding spectacle. From ruby-crowned kinglets to peregrine falcons, many varieties use this place as an important stopover, and it is not unusual to find loons, shorebirds, and gulls, as well as more exotic varieties, like the say’s phoebe, cave swallow, and the federally-threatened piping plover. 

The North end of #blockisland is a crowded #gull rookery with hundreds of nesting #herringgulls & #greatblackbackedgulls . This adult Herring Gull was showing off some of its more defined features such as the orange orbital ring and bold red gony's spot on the bill. #oceanstate #larusargentatus #larideaallday #riwildlife #nature #birdphotography #naturephotography #rhodybirdingonthebeach

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The centerpiece of this 787-acre refuge is Trustom Pond. This saltwater lagoon is separated from Block Island Sound. In addition, travelers will find forested land, fields, shrubland, and freshwater ponds. Miles of trails snake through the area and there are four viewing platforms set up to catch sight of a variety of bird species. At Trustom Pond, you’ll find birds like the willow flycatcher, warbling vireo, blue-winged warbler, black-and-white warbler, American redstart, yellow warbler, bobolink, and orchard oriole. 

With 242 acres of coastline peninsula near Newport Beach, Sachuest Point is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Sakonnet River, and Sachuest Bay. With its salt marshlands, craggy shorelines, and observation platorms, there is plenty of opportunity for some excellent birdwatching. If you’re lucky, you just might catch a glimpse of the elusive harlequin duck which is commonly found there from November to April. 

It's a great horned owl family portrait at #sachuestpointnationalwildliferefuge in Rhode Island. Thanks to Butch Lombardi for the great pic! #owl #owlet #familyportrait #wildliferefuge

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This three-mile, moderately-trafficked loop features an elevation gain of only 32 feet, so it is basically flat and accessible year-round. The 1.5-mile spit-of-land was caused by a glacial process known as longshore drift, and it is now a coastal preserve that is known for revealing dramatic sunsets views over the Atlantic, copious birdwatching opportunities, and quiet walks along the beach. On a bright day, you can see the Watch Hill Lighthouse and the Montauk Lighthouse. The Watch Hill Conservancy manages the beach, which is a breeding ground of the federally-protected piping plover, along with other native wildlife, and other notable sites include the 100-year-old remains of historic Fort Mansfield, dunes, and a tidal lagoon.

Established in 1949 as a protected area “for the propagation, preservation, and protection of birds,” the Norman Bird Sanctuary offers woodland, marsh, pond, rocky bluffs, and fields for birding. Although a small fee is charged to walk seven miles of trails through 325 acres, you are all but guaranteed to see bird activity. After all, it is a known site for nesting wood ducks, green herons, great horned owls, willow flycatchers, black-and-white warblers, American redstart, and more. In fact, well over 200 species have been recorded, and you may even see migrant raptors in the fall. Offering camps, public education programs and events like, “Birds and Breakfast,” Norman is an excellent resource for birding.

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With four connected trails, Tillinghast Pond is the perfect place to spend all day hiking. You’ll pass by benches and scenic spots where you can stop for a moment and enjoy nature before continuing on your walk. For those who like to understand what they’re seeing on a deeper level, Tillinghast also has placed signs around the area that describe the native plant specimen to visitors.

Enter deep enough within the layers of foliage and you’ll find a war memorial located in the center of this forest preserve. You’ll want to follow the World War II Memorial Trail for half an hour until you stumble upon the memorial, which was the site of an army airplane crash in 1943. In addition to the memorial, you’ll also discover great views of Providence and the surrounding landscape.

This historical refuge (protected by the Audubon Society) comprises over 1,000 acres of diverse forest and wetland ecosystems, like beech forests and cedar swamps. The wetlands are nestled within geographic features called kettle holes, which were created thousands of years ago by chunks of ice breaking away from the glaciers that swept over the entire state. Today, you might also stumble upon a cemetery once you’re within the forest. 

Beautiful fall scenery can be accessed without having to traverse difficult terrain! The trails around Glen Rock Reservoir are more like walking trails than hiking trails—making it a nice spot to bring the family or your dogs. If you’re not too intimidated by the threat of chilly water, rent a kayak and take it along Queen’s River to explore more of the fall foliage from the water.

Though you won’t be able to enjoy the beach during the fall, Lincoln Woods has plenty more to offer. Located in Blackstone Valley near routes 146 and 123, this state park doesn’t take long to get to when coming from Providence. The dense forests throughout the park turn to a bright yellow during October—you won’t want to miss hiking there. 

On the shores of the Bowdish Reservoir, you’ll find this 100-acre camping site perfect for tents, trailers, and RVs. Forests closely surround the campsite, making it a great place to see the leaves changing color. Catch a sunset over the water, or take a long hike up some of the trails nearby the campsite. Though there aren’t any hook-ups for RVs, it’s still a great secluded spot just far enough away for a weekend.

This spot in northwestern Rhode Island offers a perfect weekend getaway! The wooded campgrounds are an idyllic location to spend a few days with the family. Enjoy all 12 acres of land, including a recreation hall, basketball court, horseshoe pits, and playgrounds.

Make new memories at Greenwood Hill Campground! You might not be able to use the pool during the fall, but this camping area has plenty more amenities to offer. Visitors have been known to discover deer and plenty of other woodland creatures while wandering about the grounds—see if you can spot some yourself! 

Fishing, boating, and games for the kids—Holly Tree has it all! You’ll be camping along a huge stretch of coastline, just a few minutes from Watch Hill, Newport, and downtown Westerly. If the weather’s bad, enjoy their well-stocked game room for the kids, or duck under the pavilion to hang out, relax and read a book.

Three-hundred sites are all yours to choose from when you book your camping trip with Wawaloam. Their 100 acres of rural farmland are a picturesque place to enjoy the fall weather. This campground knows exactly what families need for a great camping experience! Stock up on snacks, camping supplies, and apparel at their general store. If you’re out in West Kingston late in the season, you can even take advantage of their winterizing service. 

Right at the boundary of Richmond and Hopkinton, the Wood River offers great fishing spots whether you are standing on shore, kayaking, or working out of a canoe. Fishermen here typically find great trout, among other types of fish.

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Come on a dewy morning or a foggy sunset to Watchaug Pond, nestled at the edge of Burlingame State Park. Use the boat ramp to launch your boat into the water from your car, or stay on shore and fish from the rocky crags on the side. You’ll quickly fall in love with this spot. Need some gear or a boat before for your adventure? Stop in at Breachway Bait & Tackle in Charlestown, Rhode Island. Here, they have salt and freshwater fishing gear as well as apparel and kayak and canoe rentals.

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Head out to Lincoln Woods State Park for a beautiful, wooded forest retreat that also boasts a popular fishing destination. Olney Pond consists of 126 acres of fishable space, which will give you and your fellow fishermen plenty of room to spread out. If you’re in need of some bait, Ocean State Tackle in Providence is your best bet!

The 39-acre Carbuncle Pond is located in the Nicholas Farm Management Area. This idyllic location is well-loved among anglers and has a boat launch for those looking to get out onto the water. You will find a healthy population of trout in this pond.

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This 480-acre reservoir is one of the largest in Rhode Island. At the north end of the pond, fishermen will find a few sizable coves but the majority of the pond is wide open. The pond is almost two miles long and is stocked with trout several times a year.

This independent retail store has been offering running, hiking, and cold-weather camping items since 1994. Get specialized footwear and gear from a variety of outdoor brands and enjoy a friendly, knowledgeable staff who are passionate about all things outdoors. With an unwaning commitment to its New England customers, the community, and the environment, Denali is a homegrown original.

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Yoga+Beer! Come stretch, sweat, and strengthen with a 60 minute Vinyasa Flow #yoga class led by @laurasarlitto of Laura Does Yoga this Sunday, December 9th at #DenaliWakefield. We will be featuring beer from @whalersbrewing. Pre-registration is required so head to the Events tab on our Facebook page.

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This second generation, family-owned business has been serving Rhode Island and the surrounding area since 1985. With 14,000 square-feet of space, they offer a massive inventory of outdoor gear, featuring hiking, hunting, camping, canoeing, fishing, and kayaking equipment. Plus find hiking and outerwear products from the North Face, Merrell, Woolrich, Osprey, and more.

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Founded in 1998, Helly has its hometown roots in Newport. Their friendly staff offers expert advice on selecting the best gear for your outdoor explorations, so much so that they test Helly Hansen gear in the outdoors themselves. So, whether you are skiing, sailing, hiking, or camping, you’ll know you have a tested Helly Hansen quality product to take into the wild with you.

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Established in 2012, Jamestown offers men’s, women’s, and kid’s clothing. Featuring jackets, hats, and gloves from Patagonia and Carve Designs, they also offer kayak, bike, and paddleboard rentals. Explore all of the nooks and crannies of Jamestown island in any weather with products from Jamestown Outdoors.

The “foul weather gear experts,” Team One has what you need to explore the world in any condition. Get tested outerwear products by Gill and Helly Hansen outerwear. Plus find trousers, gloves, hats, tech gear, sunglasses, watches, backpacks, dry bags, and more.  Don’t let the coastal weather stop your hike—visit Team One.  

Born in 1989 and based out of the necessity to create hard-working apparel and gear for hard-working blue-collar people, the Duluth Trading Company now features footwear, outerwear, shirts, pants, underwear, belts, backpacks, and stuff for the workshop. They might not have everything for your hiking trip, but what you find you will have for a lifetime.  

This campground fosters a tight community. The grounds are family owned, and the owners work hard to keep the facility—which includes a pool—safe and clean for all visitors! Younger children will enjoy the small playground, and adults and kids alike can gather for a game on the bocce ball court! The grounds are pet-friendly, too. 

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Since 1945, Holiday Acres has been curating a relaxing environment for the whole family. There’s always a fun activity planned for families, and you and your kids can take advantage of the facility’s horseshoe pits, pool table, huge field, and boating house!

This 80-acre campground is maintained by the Westwood YMCA on the Quidnick Reservoir. Enjoy activities like fishing, sailing, basketball and archery, or enroll your child in swim lessons or a day camp! There’s even a golf course just three minutes away, making Westwood the perfect place to spend time with the family. 

This is no pond! In fact, Worden is one of Rhode Island’s largest freshwater lakes. Take a dip and spend the rest of the day lounging around on the campgrounds—with clean bathrooms and a beautiful natural setting, it’s an ideal place to relax!

Find your perfect campsite within the 50 acres of tall pines that surround Whispering Pines. The camp offers a swimming pool, miniature golf, row boats, and a fishing pond, in addition to a snack bar open during the summer and a recreation hall. Join fellow campers for a pancake breakfast offered between July and September every year!

You’ll approach the Melville Ponds Campground along gravel roads and soon enter into a shady RV camp. Though the camp is small, it’s great for kids. You might even notice plenty of fun wildlife such as birds and frogs!

In operation for nearly five decades, Wawaloam Campground deems itself “the place to stay for family fun.” At Wawaloam, you’ll find 300 sites situated on 100 acres of rural farmland. There are full hook-ups, 50-amp services, and more. For fun, you’ll find a 4,000-square-foot splash park, a swimming pool, playground, mini golf, and a double flume waterslide. 

Escape into the woods at Oak Embers Campground in West Greenwich. There is plenty to keep the whole family entertained here, including: a pool, play area, horseshoes, train rides, volleyball, a game room, basketball court, and more. There’s also nearby hiking trails, boating and canoeing opportunities, biking, golfing, and fishing. The fun never stops at Oak Embers.

You’ve got all the amenities you’ll need at Ashaway, including a great pool, free showers, and hot tub. Be sure to check out their activities schedule, which includes events such as train rides, family hayrides, and bingo. Bringing along a furry friend? Not to worry—this site is pet-friendly!

This RV park is a quiet and peaceful location with a knowledgeable staff who will help guide you around the island! Amenities include a laundry room, full hook-ups, water and electric, as well as a dump station. You’ll be in a perfect location to access the nearby Cliff Walk, too!

Fort Adams State Park sits above Newport Harbor and offers a panoramic view of the picturesque bay below. Although in its heyday the fort played an important military role, it now provides an array of more recreational activities, like fishing, boating, rugby, and more. The fort itself is the second largest bastioned fort in the U.S., and it was designed to be the most heavily armed, garrisoning 2,400 troops and holding three tiers of guns—468, to be exact—to be sighted out over the water with a 360-degree seaward view. The idea was to offer a responsible defense for the important trading port of Newport and continue to repel those pesky Brits, and, while the U.S. Army continued to actively use of the site until 1953, it was eventually granted to the State of Rhode Island in 1965.  

Photo @stephen_matera // Fort Adams at sunset, Newport Harbor, Rhode Island. Fort Adams was established on July 4th, 1799 and named after President John Adams. The current building was built beginning in 1824 and is now part of Fort Adams State Park, with stunning views of Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge. Follow me @stephen_matera for more images like this from Rhode Island and around the world. #fortadams #americanhistory

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As far as hiking, as you might imagine from a fort site on the beach, it is mostly flat, although you might clamber over some sea rocks from time to time. Just follow the Fort Adams Bay Walk, a 2.2-mile loop around the fort, and enjoy many of Newport’s last hidden treasures. First, a short stroll down the trail, you will see a strange-looking mansion poking up from the turbulent Atlantic at the other end of the bay. To the north, catch a glimpse of the Rose Island Lighthouse, and, to the south, see Castle Hill and Beavertail Lighthouses.

Offering 360-degree views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay, the scenic overlook atop the walls of the fort has got the be the best spectacular vista in the house. See miles out over the Atlantic in all directions, these views were critical strategic advantages in wartime. There were also some interesting and crucial architectural elements having to do with vantage point as well, including bastions, which were medieval castle towers and crownworks, a land defense element meant to protect from cannon fire. 

The barracks at Fort Adams make an ideal place to crash in the event you cannot see the entire site in one day (which is entirely possible). Ideal for any scout, student, or family outing, overnight stays are allowed inside this 19th-century fortress or in a tent on the lawn. Sleep like the soldiers as most of the overnight facilities have been finished in everyday style to look like an army barracks.  

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Did you know that President Eisenhower built a summer home on the site that is now Fort Adams State Park? Formerly known as the Commandant's Residence the house was built in 1873 by one of the renowned Newport architects of the day, George Champlin Mason. Eisenhower himself called it his “Summer White House,” and today the sprawling Victorian overlooks Newport and Narragansett Bays. The opulent home offers self-guided tours and is available to rent for weddings and other occasions.

The Commander's Quarters, built 1873, Fort Adams, Newport, Rhode Island. It's better known as the Eisenhower House, as Dwight and Mamie spent a summer here in 1958. #historichouse #secondempire #mansardmonday #archi_ologie #oldhouselove

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This 30-minute guided tour explores the Fort’s Advanced Southern Redoubt. Find out what makes Forts Adams “the most complex coastal fort in the United States.” Explore tunnels and underground stairs, embrasures and loopholes, and historic jail cells. Find openings in the fort’s exterior wall designed to allow defenders within the walls only to be mercilessly fired upon through small holes in the wall. 

This BYOB chicken joint in Newport is a must-visit after your tours at Fort Adams end! Unwind and enjoy delicious fried chicken with seasonal sides and biscuits. For the kids, order the “Little Clucker,” which comes with chicken tenders, tator tots, and applesauce. 

Bucket-o-Fried Chicken & 1985 Dom Perignon. 🍾🍗 Happy 5th Anniversary to the boss lady @siobhanokie and love of my life. #friedchicken #domperignon #ithoughtitwasherbirthyear

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If you want to find an overnight accommodation that’s a little bit cozier and more comfortable, head to the Almondy Inn. Choose from a variety of classically New England suites with a wealth of luxurious amenities. The Captain’s Quarters suite features two master suites with private bathrooms, high-ceiling living areas, a fireplace, a kitchen, and two balconies overlooking Narragansett Bay and Newport Bridge. 

Try coming to Napatree during the off-season for the best views and cleanest beaches. Once the fog lifts, the coastline seems to stretch on for miles and miles. The water is cold, but you’ll still love dipping your toes in when the sun beats down too hot.

Calm waters in a rural and undeveloped location make for a perfect paddleboarding spot. The river is incredibly pristine, with floating water lilies and a twisting, sheltered passageway. 

The waters of Narragansett Town Beach make for a great training ground. If you’re feeling nervous, feel free to take a lesson with Paddle Board Rhode Island, who can take you on a guided tour around the area for sightseeing by day or full-moon paddling by night.

Paddle Surf Rhode Island hosts plenty of great events based out of their Westerly location. On Thursdays, join them at the Windjammer Surf bar for PaddALE, which includes an hour-long rental with adjustable paddle, leash, life jacket, two ales, and a guide included. You can also join them for paddleboarding yoga or sunset paddles!

Paddleboard along the East Passage along Fort Wetherill State Park, which offers amazing views of places like Beavertail Point, Bonnet Cliffs, and Mackerel Cove. Make sure to head out at sunset for the best scenes.