Best Hikes Near Providence, Rhode Island
You might know Providence as The Creative Capital with attractions like WaterFire, RISD Museum and the Providence Performing Arts Center – but did you know there are a number of hiking trails within 10–25 minutes of the city?
Nature attractions and outdoor destinations are quickly becoming a hot search for travelers, and Providence, Rhode Island might be a best-kept secret with several trails to add to your outdoor itinerary.
Here are the best hikes near Providence and everything you need to know about hitting the trails:
Lincoln Woods Trail
Lincoln Woods State Park, Lincoln, RI
Lincoln Woods State Park is only 12 minutes from the city, with 627 acres of outdoor space to explore. Make a day of it by packing a lunch and stopping at one of the many picnic tables along the trail!
Hiking tip: There are many intersecting trails in Lincoln Woods State Park with very few trail signs. Download the AllTrails map for easy offline navigation and to stay on the right trail.
Read the Trail Guide ⤵️
Lincoln Woods Trail📍Lincoln, Rhode Island
🥾 3.1-mile loop, many intersecting trails
🐕 Dogs allowed
🚘 Free parking
🚾 Restrooms (May 1 to Oct 31)
🎣 Multiuse park: Picnicking, Swimming, Fishing, Boating, Horseback Riding, Bouldering, Mountain Biking, Hiking & more
🛑 Leave no trace & pack out your trash. Please don’t feed wildlife. Be aware of ticks.
This hiking trail is part of an ongoing series of the "Best Hikes Near Providence, Rhode Island" with GoProvidence and local hiking content creator, Meredith Ewenson.
Follow @goprovidence and @meredithewenson to be the first to hear as we release the next hiking trails in the series!
Goddard Memorial State Park Trails
Goddard Memorial State Park, Warwick, RI
Goddard Memorial State Park is just 25 minutes south of Providence in Warwick and the perfect place to hike and spend the day if you want to get out of the city, but not travel too far.
This quintessential Rhode Island trail offers both water views and a variety of wooded trails to explore, plus all the amenities of the state park — for free!
Hiking tip: Download and follow AllTrails route maps below to make navigating this trail really easy (signage is very limited).
Extended Loop Trail (3.7 miles)
Read the Trail Guide ⤵️
Goddard Memorial State Park Trails📍Warwick, Rhode Island
🥾 1.4-mile or 3.7-mile loop, but with lots of intersecting trails
👩🏼🦽 Miles of ADA & stroller-friendly paved paths around the park
🐕 Dogs allowed
🌊 Water views for part of the trail
🚘 Free parking
🚾 Restrooms
🐴 Multiuse park: Picnic Tables, Game Fields, Concerts, Golf, Beach, Equestrian Center, Hiking Trails & more
🛑 Leave no trace & pack out your trash. Please don’t feed wildlife. Be aware of ticks!
This hiking trail is part of an ongoing series of the "Best Hikes Near Providence, Rhode Island" with GoProvidence and local hiking content creator, Meredith Ewenson.
Follow @goprovidence and @meredithewenson to be the first to hear as we release the next hiking trails in the series!
Roger Williams Pond Trail
Roger Williams Park, Providence, RI
Take a hike around the ponds, then check out one of the many attractions of this well-maintained 435-acre park.
The Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, Museum of Natural History & Planetarium, Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village and so much more are right within the grounds, just minutes from downtown Providence.
Hiking tip: Download and follow AllTrails route map to easily navigate this trail throughout the park.
Read the Trail Guide ⤵️
Roger Williams Pond Trail📍Providence, Rhode Island
🥾 3.7-mile loop around the pond
💧 100 acres of lakes!
🌿 Park access free & open from 7 a.m.–9 p.m. daily
🚍 Accessible by RIPTA's Route 6 Prairie Ave./Roger Williams Park Zoo trolley
👩🏼🦽 There is a paved route for wheelchairs/strollers
🚘 Free parking
🐕 Dogs allowed
🚾 Restrooms located at the Carousel Village (seasonal operating hours)
🎣 Multiuse park: Picnicking, Kayaking, Fishing, Boating, Running, Hiking & more
🛑 Leave no trace & pack out your trash. Please don’t feed wildlife. Be aware of ticks!
This hiking trail is part of an ongoing series of the "Best Hikes Near Providence, Rhode Island" with GoProvidence and local hiking content creator, Meredith Ewenson.
Follow @goprovidence and @meredithewenson to be the first to hear as we release the next hiking trails in the series!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there hiking trails near Providence?
Yes. Lincoln Woods State Park, Goddard Memorial State Park, and Roger Williams Park all have trails within about 10–25 minutes of downtown Providence.
- What is the closest hike to downtown Providence?
Roger Williams Park is right in Providence, just minutes from downtown, with a 3.7-mile loop around its ponds.
- Are these hiking trails free?
Yes. All three parks offer free parking, and Roger Williams Park is free to enter.
- Can I bring my dog on these trails?
Yes, dogs are allowed at Lincoln Woods, Goddard Memorial, and Roger Williams Park.
- Are there wheelchair- or stroller-friendly trails near Providence?
Yes. Goddard Memorial State Park and Roger Williams Park both have paved paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Are there restrooms at the trails?
Yes. Lincoln Woods has restrooms from May 1 to Oct. 31, Goddard Memorial has restrooms on site, and Roger Williams Park's restrooms are at Carousel Village with seasonal hours.
- What should I know before hiking near Providence?
Pack out your trash, don't feed wildlife, and check for ticks after your hike.
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