Providence, Rhode Island

The parking area is about 50 yards down the dirt driveway on your right. Take care in the spring, as the parking lot can become a mud pit!  This wildlife refuge is a series of loops which lead to three different ponds. These directions are for the 'Pond One' loop. When you start on the trail, sta...

Park at the lot at the corner of Staples Lane and County Street. From here you can access the Blackstone Gorge Trail. Dogs are allowed on leash, and you can enjoy various paths along the river or through the forest. At multiple points you can find yourself looking down at the Blackstone River fro...

Douglas State Forest is located off of Rte 16 in south central Massachusetts. To access trails and the lake, head to the parking area on Wallum Lake Park Road. From the parking lot, you can access the Coffeehouse Loop Trail, as well as a few other shorter trails by the lake. The Coffeehouse Loop ...

Park at the Castle Hill Cove Marina and walk across the street. Follow the sidewalk left and you will see a small sign that states "Castle Hill Lighthouse" on your right. Follow the short well beaten path to the lighthouse. You will hear the waves crashing and smell the fresh ocean air. The li...

A trip to Aquidneck Island would not be complete without a quick walk around Sachuest Point. I highly recommend this hike at sunrise, but any time of the day (or year) is great! This nature preserve is home to a large population of tourist-friendly deer, and is visited every winter by at least tw...

Rhode Island isn't exactly on everyone's map, I've even met strangers in other parts of the U.S. who have no idea where the tiniest state in the country is. It's usually lumped in with Connecticut and Massachusetts, but for us locals from little Rhody, Rhode Island is it's own world of adventure ...

This drive encompasses all that is Newport, RI.  Known for its rocky shores and numerous sea-side mansions, this drive allows you to both view it all from the safety of your car, and has several spots to pull off to get out and get a better view.  There are grassy park areas as well that are perf...

For this 1-mile hike, you can park at the Purgatory Chasm Visitor Center. From there hit the trail and explore the unusual gap between the tall granite walls, which might be adorned with climbers. Great for all ages and dogs are welcome too. The trail is open March-November.

Frank Knowles-Little River Reserve contains nearly 9 miles of hiking trails to explore. Start off by parking in the white sea shell parking lot. From there you will find the trail marked by a DNRT sign . My group and I walked along the red/boardwalk trail which features a number of boardwalks lea...

Begin an hour before sunset at the intersection between West Beach and East Beach Road. The intersecting roads will lead you to a paved causeway over the ocean. Waves typically clash on either side of you as you drive over the ocean. There is a free parking lot once you reach the opening. To reac...

Careful on the drive in for deer! From the parking lot head right around the Farm Field Loop Trail then continue to your right down Osprey Point Trail (0.8 miles). This is where you will most likely see the deer up close. Continue to your right to the Osprey Point Overlook, which will (on a clear...

The Frosty Drew Observatory is located near the tip of southern Rhode Island, which means apart from summer this is a very quiet beach town. The isolation from major urban areas provides the perfect conditions for star-gazing. The building itself is located on a large plot of land dedicated to na...

Park in the lot across from Batterymarch Rd off of Willard St. Access the Skyline trail from here, it is marked blue. Follow the signs. The trails in Blue Hills are perfect for training for backpacking because they are so steep and rocky. I would fill up a big pack and take the skyline trail up t...

Walking over the dunes in the dark you can hear the waves breaking on shore from the parking lot. Wet suited up, camera in hand, make your way over the dunes and down to the water. East Beach is a sandy beach and with the right swell size and direction you'll get some sizable shore break to play ...

The drive to Diana's Pool is worth it in an of itself, taking you through the backroads of Eastern Connecticut. To begin the hike just simply enter the woodland path and follow the trail. In order to go under the bridge just simply take the first left in the path and there will be a stream that f...

Park in the Jamaica Pond parking area. You can go either direction on this loop trail, which is highly trafficked and dog-friendly. Keep a lookout for (and a respectful distance from) the wildlife that live here. The loop around Jamaica Pond itself is 1.5 miles. The best part about running in thi...