It is time to plan outdoor activities now that the heat of the summer has ended and winter is on its way. There is no need to drive up north to take the perfect photo or to find the most colorful and peaceful walking trail. You can spend the day at one of these local picture-perfect destinations and still be close enough to eat dinner at home that evening. These eight locations in Rhode Island become stunningly beautiful as the leaves start to change.
- Kenyon’s Grist Mill, West Kingston
Flickr/LindaDee2006 At Kenyon’s Grist Mill they still grind grain and corn on the original mill stones quarried in Westerly during the 1600s. In October they provide free tours with free samples of their Johnny Cakes and coffee! It doesn’t get much better than that. To find out more, visit kenyonsgristmill.com
21 Glen Rock Road, West Kingston, Rhode Island
- Fort Nature Refuge, North Smithfield
Flickr/Matt The perfect place to hike at any point in the year, this enormous protected piece of land is known for its ponds teeming with beavers and birds. It is also only a five minute drive from Beef Barn, so you can stop there for a quick lunch and return to nature soon after.
1445 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, Rhode Island
- East Bay Bike Path, Warren
Flickr/Rails-to-Trails Conservancy The East Bay Bike Path spans 14.5 miles, traveling through several municipalities from Providence to Bristol. It is a perfect activity for sightseeing on a cool and clear fall day.
- White Mill Park, Burrillville
Flickr/Rick Payette This park is simply gorgeous. A pedestrian bridge crossing over the river gives you a perfect view of the waterfall that once provided power to the mill for which this park was named. The bridge leads to several short trails. There is also a playground, making it a great place to bring little ones. East Wallum Lake Road, Burrillville, Rhode Island
- Wood River, Woodville
Flickr/Peter Rintels Wood River’s incredible scenery attracts nature enthusiasts and recreation seekers from miles around. Hundreds of trails can be found in this area. It is also a perfect location for fishing and kayaking.
- Lincoln Woods, Lincoln
Flickr/The Celebrated Mr K A charming forest adjacent to the city? How convenient! In addition to its hiking tails, this picturesque wooded area features a pristine pond for swimming and fishing. 2 Manchester Print Works Road, Lincoln, Rhode Island
- Snuff Mill, Saunderstown
Flickr/Peter Rintels The Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum can be found the woods of Saunderstown on a beautiful millpond and stream, surrounded by gardens and hiking trails. Visit this stunning location before it closes for the winter in mid-October.
815 Gilbert Stuart Road Saunderstown, Rhode Island
- Roger Williams Park, Providence
Flickr/Josh McGinn
Last but not least, visit Roger William’s Park, not only home to Rhode Island’s only major zoo, but also an observatory and countless outdoor attractions.
1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island
It’s convenient to have so many gorgeous spots so close to home. For more outdoor fun, you should visit these seven other incredible natural attractions at least once.
Flickr/LindaDee2006
At Kenyon’s Grist Mill they still grind grain and corn on the original mill stones quarried in Westerly during the 1600s. In October they provide free tours with free samples of their Johnny Cakes and coffee! It doesn’t get much better than that. To find out more, visit kenyonsgristmill.com
21 Glen Rock Road, West Kingston, Rhode Island
Flickr/Matt
The perfect place to hike at any point in the year, this enormous protected piece of land is known for its ponds teeming with beavers and birds. It is also only a five minute drive from Beef Barn, so you can stop there for a quick lunch and return to nature soon after.
1445 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, Rhode Island
Flickr/Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
The East Bay Bike Path spans 14.5 miles, traveling through several municipalities from Providence to Bristol. It is a perfect activity for sightseeing on a cool and clear fall day.
Flickr/Rick Payette
This park is simply gorgeous. A pedestrian bridge crossing over the river gives you a perfect view of the waterfall that once provided power to the mill for which this park was named. The bridge leads to several short trails. There is also a playground, making it a great place to bring little ones. East Wallum Lake Road, Burrillville, Rhode Island
East Wallum Lake Road, Burrillville, Rhode Island
Flickr/Peter Rintels
Wood River’s incredible scenery attracts nature enthusiasts and recreation seekers from miles around. Hundreds of trails can be found in this area. It is also a perfect location for fishing and kayaking.
Flickr/The Celebrated Mr K
A charming forest adjacent to the city? How convenient! In addition to its hiking tails, this picturesque wooded area features a pristine pond for swimming and fishing. 2 Manchester Print Works Road, Lincoln, Rhode Island
2 Manchester Print Works Road, Lincoln, Rhode Island
The Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum can be found the woods of Saunderstown on a beautiful millpond and stream, surrounded by gardens and hiking trails. Visit this stunning location before it closes for the winter in mid-October.
815 Gilbert Stuart Road Saunderstown, Rhode Island
815 Gilbert Stuart Road Saunderstown, Rhode Island
Flickr/Josh McGinn
Last but not least, visit Roger William’s Park, not only home to Rhode Island’s only major zoo, but also an observatory and countless outdoor attractions.
1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island
1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island
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