Step Outside - Rhode Island WELCOME TO STEP OUTSIDE! Find the best outdoor fun near you! en-us 30 http://devel1.stepoutside.org/ Step Outside - Rhode Island 144 144 http://devel1.stepoutside.org/ https://cdn-step.americantowns.com/img/stepoutside_logo.gif Fri, 05 Dec 2025 20:18:47 -0600 4 Amazing Dirt Motorcycle Trails Around Rhode Island Looking for a little adventure? Nothing can supply that better than ripping through trails and forests on the back of a dirt bike. Off-road motorcycles provide the thrill of a motorized bike and the beauty of nature. If you’re an off-road lover in Rhode Island, explore the excellent spots in neighboring areas for a true adventure.  

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.

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5 Great Hiking Trails in Rhode Island For some family bonding time in Rhode Island, take your kids trekking through the forest or for a nice stroll along the beach. The Ocean State affords a variety of landscapes for the most immaculate hikes. And don’t worry if the little ones tire easily, or if you have a less-experienced hiker in your group, there’s something for everyone with these five awesome hiking trails in Rhode Island. 

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!

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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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5 Best State Park Campsites in the Northeast Camping in the Northeast (especially in the early fall!) is a bucket list item for avid campers, and if you’ve ever experienced it for yourself, it’s easy to see why. There’s something for everyone here, whether you love the cool, crisp air in the mountains or the shimmering coastline of the Atlantic. Take your gear to these five best state park campsites and experience the beauty and peace of the Northeast in the best possible way.

If you’re into paddling and primitive camping, you’ll want to plan your next adventure here. The 92-mile waterway takes you along a middle-of-nowhere journey that’s nothing short of breathtaking. There are also tons of hiking trails to explore, along with old railroads and trains that make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

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The Genesee River and gorge create a beautiful backdrop for camping. In the fall, the bursts of bright orange, red, and yellow along the river gorge make the entire trip worthwhile. With river rafting and more than 66 miles of hiking trails, it’s no surprise this park has been voted the number one attraction in New York State. 

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By far one of the most diverse parks in Connecticut, Rocky Neck is simply stunning year-round. The area is teeming with birds and other wildlife, which are best seen from the viewing platforms in the saltwater marsh. Beautiful beaches, saltwater fishing and swimming, camping, and hiking make this the perfect site for families. 

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One of Vermont’s most visited parks, Little River is a destination for campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts. The site was once an early settlement that later become flooded, and you can still see the remnants of old saw mills, cemeteries, bridges, and other vestiges.

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Home of the historic Turkey Point Lighthouse, this state park remains a family favorite place to stay and play. Most notable are the miles of diverse hiking trails, including a challenging-yet-rewarding three-mile trek to the White Clay Cliffs that overlook the Chesapeake Bay. 

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5 Best Motorsport Retailers in Rhode Island Whether you’re into dirt biking, ATVing, or exploring in a UTV, you’re going to need the correct gear, top-notch servicing options, and all of the right accessories for a successful experience. If you’re in Rhode Island, there are plenty of helpful retailers that will have you hitting the trails in no time. Here are the best in the state!  

Featuring new and pre-owned motorbikes, dirt bikes, and ATVs, MTR Racing offers Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki products. Cruise the tar, rip up mountain trails, or plow your driveway with dependable vehicles from MTR. Also find a wide variety of helmets, gloves, riding gear, and the parts and service to make “your ride the best ride.”

Razee is ready to set you up for a safe and exhilarating off-roading adventure. Find impressive all-new Yamaha Kodiak ATVs and dirt bikes from brands like Honda, Kawasaki, and KTM. Off-roading enthusiasts can also find a great selection of used gear in great condition, in case they aren’t quite ready to commit to something brand new.  

The ultimate retailer for all things motorsports, family owned and operated Wheels of Freedom in Pawtucket boasts a knowledgeable staff and an inventory that can’t be beat. This Yamaha dealers features an extensive selection of everything from very cool camouflage Kodiak ATVs to sleek 449c dirt bikes. 

Coventry’s D.R. Powerspots packs a serious punch. The impressive selection includes a multitude of dirt bikes and dirt biking accessories. Not only that, but D.R. Powersports provides top-notch services ranging from general maintenance to full motor rebuilds. Whatever make or model you have, they’ll help you out. 

Finally Jetski season, summer tune up specials available #sea-doo #yamaha #kawasaki

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Proclaiming the best prices and unparalleled service, Durand’s Kawasaki Motorsports will set you up for a great off-roading experience. Whether your style is ATV or you’re more of a dirt biking junkie, you’ll find all of the latest makes and models from Kawasaki. Find the heavy duty Brute Force ATV and an array of dirt bikes. Not ready to buy new? Check out their awesome used inventory featuring products such as a 2013 Kawasaki dirt bike. You’ll surely walk out of here smiling! 

#kawasaki #zx10r #brocks #roaringtoyz

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5 Best Birdwatching Hikes in Rhode Island Rhode Island’s over 350 miles of Atlantic coastline features beaches, marshes, forests, and shrublands—ideal for migrating birds. So if you’re looking to catch sight of anything from peregrine falcons to the federally-protected piping plover, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to do so in the Ocean State. Here are the five best birdwatching hikes in the state! 

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 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. 

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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5 Energizing Hikes in Rhode Island Get your blood pumping and your legs moving with these invigorating hikes in Rhode Island. These paths will take you across varied terrain with a moderate challenge—giving you access to some of the best nature the Ocean State has to offer. 

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. 

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5 Exhilarating Jet Skiing Spots in Rhode Island Does it come as any surprise that the Ocean State is home to prime jet skiing opportunities? Rhode Island boasts some of the most beautiful waters on the East Coast, making a day of adventure on a lake or the ocean one you’ll never forget. There’s a lot of open water out there, but we recommend these five awesome jet skiing spots in Rhode Island! 

This beach offers a calm inner cove and easy access to the open ocean. Rent a jet ski through Purple Ape, located in Westerly, Rhode Island. Rentals go at $75 for a half hour or $149 for an hour. You must be 18 years-old to ride with a valid driver’s license! 

To explore Narragansett Bay, Jamestown, and Newport, rent a jet ski with Adventure Watersports. Riders launch from the Conanicut Marine in Jamestown. Rates go at $175 per hour.  

One of the best ways to explore the beautiful town of Newport is by renting a jet ski from Scooter World. Specializing in fun land and sea toys (scooters, bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards), Scooter World offers jet ski rentals at $145 for the first hour and then $100 for every additional hour. They also offer guided/expanded excursions for those who want to see local sights but have less experience!  

It doesn’t get any more quaint and gorgeous than Block Island. Boasting 17 miles of beautiful beaches and plenty of water to explore, you can spend the whole day jet skiing off the Block. At the end of the day, stop into local restaurants and attractions to unwind! 

Located in Warwick Cove, Greenwich Bay Marina is a great place to get your day of jet skiing started! Brewer boasts an array of yacht yards and marinas all across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, and Rhode Island. You’ll have to bring your own ride, but there are plenty of amenities to get you prepared for a day on the water. There’s a spot to fuel up as well as showers and an on-site restaurant for after your long day riding the waves. 

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5 Beautiful Scenic Hikes in Rhode Island Pack a bag of trail mix, strap on your hiking boots, and head out to one of Rhode Island’s beautifully scenic hiking trails! You’ll love the breathtaking views and lush natural forest you’ll find on your hikes at these five spots.

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! 

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Best Places to Fish in the East This Fall A smorgasbord of baitfish is served up to striped bass in the fall as they make their way south along the Atlantic coast from Maine to their wintering waters in the mid-Atlantic.

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:

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.

Quick tip: The most successful anglers are those who spot gulls or other wheeling seabirds feeding on baitfish driven to the top by stripers and who then cast into the melee without dispersing the bass. From a boat, the trick is to approach schools carefully and take advantage of wind or tide to drift to within casting range. The stripers will stay up as long as the baitfish are hemmed against the surface.

 

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:

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.

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Photograph Courtesy of Maine Office of Tourism The classic approach to surf fishing is still a great way to take advantage of the striper run along the Atlantic coast. http://devel1.stepoutside.org/article/best-places-to-fish-in-the-east-this-fall http://devel1.stepoutside.org/article/best-places-to-fish-in-the-east-this-fall Tue, 05 Sep 2023 19:00:00 -0500
5 Cool Rock Climbing Spots in Rhode Island Though you might not find many roped climbing areas in Rhode Island, the state has been home to a small contingency of bouldering enthusiasts for quite some time. Explore around enough and you might stumble upon one of these great spots out in the wilderness of the Ocean State. Here are our five favorite rock climbing spots in the state! 

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.

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5 Stunning Foliage Hikes in Rhode Island Looking to catch the best of Rhode Island’s fall colors? Head out to one of these great hikes perfect for the fall season! Escape into the woods for a few hours and enjoy the crisp air and fallen leaves crunching beneath your feet. If you’re not sure where to start, here are five great spots for that autumn hike in the Ocean State.

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. 

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5 Perfect Fall Camping Spots in Rhode Island Watch the leaves change color, the air get a little crisper, and get in your last few bonfires of the year at one of these awesome Rhode Island campgrounds. These sites are the perfect fall treat, removed from the daily bustle of life. Here are five of our favorite fall camping spots in the Ocean State. 

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. 

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5 Best Fishing Spots in Rhode Island The very best fishing spots are the hidden gems. These destinations, from rivers in the forest to clandestine coves, offer anglers a healthy population and variety of fish. These places are often passed around by word of mouth, but we’re here to spill the secrets. Here are the five best fishing spots in Rhode Island.

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.

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.

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http://devel1.stepoutside.org/article/5-best-fishing-spots-in-rhode-island http://devel1.stepoutside.org/article/5-best-fishing-spots-in-rhode-island Mon, 21 Aug 2023 19:00:00 -0500
6 Best Hiking Retailers in Rhode Island With vast state parks, historic lighthouses and mansions, and jaw-dropping coastal scenery, it is no wonder that hiking is so popular in the tiny state of Rhode Island. You can walk casually and look for rare birds, enjoy beautiful estuaries and rivers along coastal runs, hike through dense woods, and even explore an island. But remember that preparation is key, so if you love hiking in the Ocean State, check out these six great retailers. 

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.

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.

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.  

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http://devel1.stepoutside.org/article/6-best-hiking-retailers-in-rhode-island http://devel1.stepoutside.org/article/6-best-hiking-retailers-in-rhode-island Mon, 21 Aug 2023 19:00:00 -0500
10 Best Archery Outfitters in and Around Rhode Island Boasting several different facilities and events, archers in the Ocean State and its surrounding areas enjoy bow hunting and practicing archery. You can practice in one of the many indoor archery ranges, shoot at paper targets, or play virtual shooting games to hone your aim. Plus, find tons of great archery products from makers like TenPoint, Bowtech, Mission, and more. So let's take aim and fire at the top 10 best archery outfitters in and around Rhode Island 

At Big Bear, get used rifles, shotguns, handguns muzzleloaders, and BB guns, as well as Barnett, Parker, and TenPoint bows and Wicked Twisted bowstrings. Plus they will fit you to a bow, cut and fletch arrows, or fix your bow or crossbow.  And find archery accessories such as broadheads, arrows, targets, fletch glue, mechanical releases, rests, sites and more.

Fin and Feather Outfitters is a family owned and operated outdoors store specializing in archery, guns, and fly fishing. F&F is an authorized dealer for Bowtech, Hoyt, TenPoint, Bear, Trophy Ridge, and QAD bows and archery supplies. Plus, you will find a knowledgeable staff, fly fishing lessons, archery lessons, and a complete bow setup and tuning service.

Hope Valley sells archery supplies, guns, salt, and freshwater fishing licenses. The store may be small, but it is chock-o-block full of gear and supplies.  Plus the staff is friendly and helpful, and you will find bows from Mathews and Mission as well as finding bow tuning and restringing services. 

Trader Jan's Archery Pro-Shop specializes in archery so you can rest assured knowing your next archery adventure will be successful. Find sights, stabilizers, strings, silencers, back and bow quivers, arm guards, finger tabs, shooting gloves, arrows, and more. Plus get traditional and youth archery bows, and practice your sport in Jan’s indoor 40-yard archery range.

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Established in 2009, XSpot is family owned and operated, and they pride themselves on competitive pricing. Find bows by Elite and PSE, aluminum and fiberglass arrows, stings, recurves, glue, and more. Plus, sign up for lessons, group-shoots, or to use their shooting range.

Largest stocking dealer in the area

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Opened in 1979, Tangy’s is locally owned and operated by James and Heather Dean. They are NFAA members and have also held offices in the RIFAA. Plus, they have been teaching archery now for over 40 years and offer 26 lanes of 20-yard target shooting and 3D shooting with McKenzie animal targets. Find products from Martin, PSE, and Oneida.  

At Buckley, they believe that archery is a family sport, and they offer classes & private instruction, archery instructor certification classes, bow sales & service, bow tuning & repair, custom arrows, outdoor clinics using our equipment and portable targets, etc. Find products from Parker, Lancaster, and more.

Owned by Chris Reed since 1993, this archery shop guarantees high-quality, personalized service and customer satisfaction. Choose from their impressive selection of the latest in high-quality bows and other equipment. You’ll find over 300 bows in stock. When you buy a bow from Reedy’s, they’ll help you set it up and get started. 

At Traditional Archery Supply, they are the purveyors of arrows, targets, quivers, armguards, shooting gloves, and more. Find bows for the expert or the beginner and brands like Fedora, Navajo, and more. 

Ace Archers’ specialization is Olympic recurve archery equipment, whether that’s beginner bows and gear to custom orders from the most renowned companies in the world. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or looking for something in particular, Ace Archers has it. Find brands such as Hoyt, PSE, Victory, and more. 

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http://devel1.stepoutside.org/article/10-best-archery-outfitters-in-and-around-rhode-island http://devel1.stepoutside.org/article/10-best-archery-outfitters-in-and-around-rhode-island Mon, 21 Aug 2023 19:00:00 -0500