The Ocean State
Rhode Island
Coastal forests, salt ponds, and the densest concentration of land trusts in New England.
Rhode Island at a Glance
State Forests
Rhode Island manages about 21,000 acres of state forest, with Arcadia Management Area the largest block at 14,000 acres in the western part of the state
Coastal Habitat
The Narragansett Bay watershed and coastal salt ponds support some of the most productive marine habitat in the Northeast
Trustom Pond
Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge is Rhode Island's only undeveloped coastal salt pond, hosting over 300 bird species
North-South Trail
The 77-mile North-South Trail crosses Rhode Island from the Connecticut border to the ocean, connecting state forests and wildlife refuges
Arcadia
Arcadia Management Area in western Rhode Island provides 14,000 acres of mixed forest with 30+ miles of trails within the smallest state in the country
Block Island
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge protects habitat on one of the Atlantic Coast's most critical bird migration staging areas
When to Visit
May through October. The coast is excellent for hiking year-round in mild weather. Fall brings vivid color through the state forests in October. Winter hawk watching at Ninigret and Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuges is worthwhile.
Top Activities
Gateway Cities
Exeter
Western Rhode Island town at the heart of Arcadia Management Area, with access to the North-South Trail and 30+ miles of forest hiking.
Charlestown
Coastal Rhode Island gateway to Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, Ninigret Conservation Area, and the beautiful salt pond region.
Did You Know?
Rhode Island has no national forest but ranks among the top states for protected land per capita through its state and municipal conservation programs.
Arcadia Management Area hosts one of the best spring turkey hunts in New England, with Rhode Island having a surprisingly robust wild turkey population.
Block Island is one of The Nature Conservancy's 'Last Great Places,' and the island sees millions of migratory songbirds every spring and fall.
The Audubon Society of Rhode Island manages over 9,500 acres of wildlife refuges across the state, supplementing public forest land.
Rhode Island's Trustom Pond was created behind a coastal barrier and is maintained at its current size through active dune management by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.