Finally!

I’m answering one of my most asked questions: Which Rhode Island hiking trails are best for dogs?

There is so much to say on this subject beyond just “where to hike”, so it’s taken me some time to be ready to share.

This list of hikes is just the beginning – honestly there are so many more! – so I plan to keep adding to it.

If you’re wondering if a specific trail is open to dogs, here’s a general rule of thumb:

If the trail is called a “wildlife refuge” or “bird sanctuary” dogs are probably not allowed.

But if the trail is in a “management area” or “state park” it’s likely open to dogs.

My hope is to save you some time and energy by sharing the Rhode Island hikes that I know for a fact are open to dogs – and also great trails for humans!

Save the link to this blog post for future reference.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• 17+ Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Rhode Island
• Trail Guides for each hike
• Hunting Season and Blaze Orange
• Tick Management
• Dog Hiking Packing List
• Dog Trail Etiquette
• Links to Reels for a virtual tour of the trail
• Links to the AllTrails route map for easy navigation

A few things first

If you need hiking boots to get started on the trails, these are my favorite that I claim to be the #1 Hiking Boots for New England (All Seasons). They come in Womens, Mens and Kids.

And these are my new favorite insulated, waterproof winter hiking boot (that come in both Womens and Mens) to keep my feet extra warm in the colder months.

Need friends to hike with? Join the Rhode Island Hiking Collective, a free community group to help folks get outdoors on the trails!

Learn more about Why I Started Rhode Island Hiking Collective (& Who it’s for).

One thing Rhode Island hiking trails are NOT known for is great signage and trail markers. I’d recommend using AllTrails to navigate the hiking trail.

Should you want to upgrade to AllTrails+ for more features like the ability to download offline maps, get wrong turn notifications, and more, use code MEREDITH30 for 30% off your subscription to AllTrails+.

Hunting Season & Wearing Blaze Orange

Per the Rhode Island DEM –

During hunting season both hikers and dogs are required to wear fluorescent blaze orange on trails where hunting is allowed, or in some cases, where hunting is allowed on land adjacent to that hiking trail.

September–February and April–May: Wear a blaze orange Hat OR Vest (200 square inches)

December shotgun deer season: Wear a blaze orange Hat AND Vest (500 square inches)

Anytime you’re required to wear blaze orange, your dog should be wearing a blaze orange dog vest.

Here are a few links to affordable fluorescent blaze orange gear for both you and your dog:

• Vest
• Beanie
• Dog Vest

Many (but not all) trailheads have signage letting you know whether you need to be wearing blaze orange on that trail or not.

It’s never a bad idea to just keep these items in your car, and wear them if you’re 100% sure!

Tick Management

What times of year should I worry about ticks?

Ticks, specifically Deer Ticks carrying Lyme Disease, are really prevalent and a huge problem in Rhode Island.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to take precautions against them, and check your dog (and yourself) after each hike.

In my experience, the worst times of year for ticks are early Spring and early Fall when they tend to have a resurgence.

Two years ago in May I took Winnie on a hike and she came back with fifty ticks on her.

Yes, FIFTY.

And she’s not a dog that goes off trail or ventures through the woods on her own. They were just that bad in early Spring.

That being said, I found a tick on her just this week in January. And one last January… and a couple the January before that…

So there are no tick-free months in Rhode Island, some are just worse than others.

How do I prevent ticks?

I don’t want to give medical advice, so I recommend talking with your Veterinarian about options for tick prevention.

Whether you choose to use prescription tick medication, natural methods, or a combination of both, I personally love the brand Wondercide for natural tick prevention and do a three-pronged approach with these products:

• Flea and Tick Shampoo
• Flea and Tick Spot-On
• Flea and Tick Spray (my favorite are Lemongrass and Cedarwood!)

• And if you know your yard is tick territory, they also have a Flea and Tick Yard Concentrate

Use code MEREDITH15 for 15% off your total order with Wondercide.

I use the Shampoo once every month or so when she gets a bath.

I use the Spot-On topical treatment once per month, as directed.

I use the Spray before every hike, plus I’ll also spray her bedding, the car, and I even use it myself on my feet, legs, arms, inside my hat, etc before each hike!

What do I do when I find a tick on my dog?

I’ve found that creating a “Tick Kit” has been really helpful to bring in the car when hiking and camping to keep the stress and chaos to a minimum when I do find a tick.

I’ll do periodic tick checks throughout the hike, but I always do a thorough check before getting in the car to head home.

When I find one, I pull out the Tick Kit which is a well-sealed tupperware container that has:

• Tweezers
• Well-sealed jar filled with Isopropyl Alcohol

I use the tweezers to grab the tick (that likely hasn’t had time to latch on yet) and drop it into the jar of Isopropyl alcohol. Then re-seal the jar very tight. And put it back in the tupperware.

Every season I’ll carefully dispose of the alcohol (yes, the liquid that contains ticks in it) and start fresh.

It’s gross, I know.

But what’s even more gross is having to grab them with your hands and throw them on the ground not knowing if they’ve somehow ended up back on your dog, or you.

When I get home, I do another full tick check on Winnie again.

Key places to check are between paws, chest, neck, face, and inside ears.

How do ticks even get on my dog in the first place?

Ticks strategically position themselves on the ends of grasses, shrubs, and branches so they can easily cling onto you as you brush by.

They literally open their arms hoping to hitch a ride.

So if your dog is one that likes to journey off trail in the meadow or woods, they might be at a higher risk to collect ticks on them.

This means you personally should avoid brushing against tall grass or shrubs because that’s where you might collect them as well.

In all honesty, I avoid many trails in the Spring and even Summer because it’s just not worth it.

Especially if a trail tends to be overgrown, it’s a no-go from me.

And I’ll always wear long pants, sleeves, high socks, and a hat so that if a tick does end up on me, it’s less likely to get on my skin.

Dog Hiking Packing List

Don’t forget that your dog needs water – and treats, duh – too!

I always bring Winnie her own water bottle. That way if she doesn’t drink it all, I can pour it back in and not waste it.

She will often wait until the end of the hike to drink most of her water, so I want to make sure she has enough left.

Here’s what I pack for Winnie on a hike:

• Lightweight 32oz. Nalgene Water Bottle
• Collapsable water bowl
• Treats! (Winnie goes nuts over these)
• Dog poop bags (always clean up and pack out your dog waste!)

Items I keep in the car:

• Wondercide Flea and Tick Spray (I always keep at least one at home and one in my car!)
• Tick Kit
• Dog Blaze Orange Vest (during hunting season)

Dog Trail Etiquette

I have some pretty strong, but I think fair, feelings on dog trail ettiquite.

I’m not a dog trainer, so please don’t take this as dog training advice.

However, I have done extensive one on one training with professional trainers and these are what I’ve found to be best practice and safest for everyone.

On-leash vs. Off-leash

It goes without saying that if your dog isn’t friendly with ALL dogs (ie: puppies, females, males, excitable dogs, certain breeds, etc) in ALL scenarios (one dog is on leash and other is off leash, both are off leash, etc) your dog should always be on a leash.

Even if your dog is friendly with all dogs in all circumstances, but doesn’t have 100% immediate recall, they should always be on a leash.

And even if your dog is friendly with all dogs in all circumstances, but runs so far ahead on the trail to where you can’t see them (around corners, etc), they should always be on a leash.

Why?

Some people are scared of dogs.

Some dogs are friendly, but scared of other dogs.

Some dogs are service dogs.

Some dogs are in training.

Some dogs are reactive on leash (and your “friendly” dog approaching them could put all dogs and humans in danger).

And one that applies to me personally:

Some owners just don’t want their dog to be approached by any dog they don’t already know. Ever.

How to pass on the trail

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I don’t allow Winnie to “say hi” to every dog on the trail or the street (for all of the reasons above and many more).

And while she’s friendly with all dogs in all situations, on or off leash, I just don’t care to take the risk. Nor do I want to ever put her in a situation where she’s overwhelmed by another dog and uncomfortable. I want her to know I’m in charge of the situation.

Here are a few scenarios:

If your dog is off-leash and you’re approaching an on-leash dog in the distance, immediately leash your dog.

If you’re dog is off-leash and you’re approaching another off-leash dog in the distance, I usually announce something like – “I’d like us both to leash our dogs, please!”

Then I stop, leash my dog, and wait until theirs is also leashed.

Then I’ll pass as wide as possible with my dog on the outside of me so she doesn’t need to interract with the other dog.

If it’s a narrow trail, I’ll step off trail with my dog on the outside of me, stop, and ask them to pass first.

That way the dogs don’t need to interact as they’re passing to avoid any reactive or overly excitable situations.

TLDR: Allowing your dog to run up to any dog on the trail while yelling “he’s friendly!” is not proper dog hiking etiquette (nor safe).

OK! Now onto what you really came here for…

17+ Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in Rhode Island

Cliff Walk, Newport

🥾 3.5 miles point-to-point, 7 miles round trip
🔸 NO blaze orange required
👍🏼 Terrain is varied: starting at Memorial Blvd. is mostly flat, paved walkways; starting at Ledge Rd. is uneven rock
🚙 Metered parking spots can be found on Memorial Blvd. at Easton’s Beach or on Narragansett Ave. at 40 Steps
🏫 Restrooms & water fountains are seasonally available at Narragansett Ave.
🐶 Dogs allowed
🌊 Coastal ocean views & benches along the trail
🏄‍♂️ If the surf is high, stop at Ruggles Ave. to watch the surfers
⛔ Follow the signs for the small construction detour between Narragansett Ave. & Webster Ave

🎥 Watch this Reel for a virtual tour 🎥
➡️ AllTrails Route Map (30% off AllTrails+ Membership with code MEREDITH30)

Fort Adams Bay Walk, Newport

🥾 2.2 mile coastal loop
🔸 NO blaze orange required
👍🏼 Paved trail, Stroller-friendly & ADA-accessible
🐶 Dogs allowed
🌊 Coastal ocean views of Narragansett Bay
🚙 Free Parking
🏫 Restrooms & Water on-site
🪳Ticks are prevalent! Prepare, stay on trail, check yourself after
✍🏼 History! Fort Adams served the U.S. Navy for ten years & the U.S. Army for more than a century
🏯 Don’t miss the Eisenhower House which was once the summer White House of President Dwight D. Eisenhower
❗Leave no trace & pack out your trash. Please don’t feed wildlife.

🎥 Watch this Reel for a virtual tour 🎥
➡️ AllTrails Route Map (30% off AllTrails+ Membership with code MEREDITH30)

Sakonnet Greenway Trail, Portsmouth

🥾  10 miles, various paths
🔸 NO blaze orange required
👍🏼  Mostly flat woods & fields, muddy after rain!
🚙  Free parking, multiple locations: Linden Lane, Bramans Lane, Wyatt Road, Newport Vineyards*
🏫  NO restrooms or water
🐶  Dogs allowed
🐴  Shared trail with horses, please yield
🪳 Ticks are prevalent! Prepare, stay on trail, check you & your dogs after
⛔  Leave no trace — “carry in & carry out” all your trash
❗ Be aware that there are street crossings at some parts of this trail

🎥 Watch this Reel for a virtual tour 🎥
➡️ AllTrails Route Map (30% off AllTrails+ Membership with code MEREDITH30)

Beavertail Lighthouse Loop, Jamestown

🥾 2.3 mile loop
🔸 NO blaze orange required
👍🏼 Mostly flat woods & grass trails, muddy after rain!
🌊 Coastal ocean & rocky coastline views
🚙 Free parking, 4 lots each with trailhead access
🏫 Lighthouse museum is open seasonally, restroom kiosks outside
🏰 Tower is open select days for climbing
🐶 Dogs allowed
🪳Ticks are prevalent! Prepare, stay on trail, & check you & your dogs after
⛔ Leave no trace — “carry in & carry out” all your trash
❗Be mindful on the rocks. They can be slippery when wet or covered in moss & can crumble when dry.

🎥 Watch this Reel for a virtual tour 🎥
➡️ AllTrails Route Map (30% off AllTrails+ Membership with code MEREDITH30)

Osamequin Nature Trails and Bird Sanctuary Trails, Barrington

🥾 Few miles of intersecting trails
🔸 Hunting is permitted on nearby land, so blaze orange is required
🐶 Dogs allowed
🦅 Osprey nests & wildlife viewing areas
🌊 Coastal ocean views
🚙 Free Parking
🚍 Accessible by the Route 60 Newport Providence bus
🏫 NO restrooms or water
✍🏼 Noted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to be one of the 50 most important coastal marshes between Long Island and Cape Cod
🌲 Osamequin is named in honor of the Massasoit or “Great Leader” of the Pokanoket Tribe of the Wampanoag Nation
❗Leave no trace & pack out your trash. Please don’t feed wildlife.

🎥 Watch this Reel for a virtual tour 🎥
➡️ AllTrails Route Map (30% off AllTrails+ Membership with code MEREDITH30)

Weetamo Woods Trail, Tiverton

🥾 ~5 Mile Loop, but intersecting trails allow you to make the hike longer or shorter
🔸 Hunting is permitted on nearby land, so blaze orange is required
👍🏼 Wooded trail
🐶 Dogs allowed
🚙 Free Parking on Lafayette Road— Spaces are limited (approx. 15)
🪳Ticks are prevalent! Prepare, stay on trail, check yourself after
🏫 No Restrooms or Water
❗Please don’t feed the wildlife. Leave no trace & pack out your trash.

➡️ AllTrails Route Map (30% off AllTrails+ Membership with code MEREDITH30)

Fort Barton Woods Trail, Tiverton

🥾 ~3 Mile Lollipop Loop (Red Trail)
🔸 Hunting is permitted on nearby land, so blaze orange is required
👍🏼 Path wooded trails, stairs, & wooden bridges over running brooks
🐶 Dogs allowed
🚙 Free Parking on Highland Road — Spaces are limited (approx. 12)
🪳Ticks are prevalent! Prepare, stay on trail, check yourself after
🏰 Climb the Sakonnet River Observation Tower for panoramic views of Narragansett Bay
✍🏼 History! Fort Barton is the site of a historic American Revolutionary War fort
🏫 Restrooms & Water available across the street at Town Hall
❗Please don’t feed the wildlife. Leave no trace & pack out your trash.

🎥 Watch this Reel for a virtual tour 🎥
➡️ AllTrails Route Map (30% off AllTrails+ Membership with code MEREDITH30)

Goddard Memorial State Park Trails, Warwick

🥾 1.4 mile or 3.7 mile loop, but with lots of intersecting trails
🔸 NO blaze orange required
👩🏼‍🦽Miles of ADA & Stroller-friendly paved paths around the park
🐕 Dogs allowed
🌊 Coastal ocean views of Greenwich Cove for part of the trail
🚘 Free Parking
🚾 Restrooms
🐴 Multi-use 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!

🎥 Watch this Reel for a virtual tour 🎥
➡️ AllTrails Route Map (30% off AllTrails+ Membership with code MEREDITH30)

Lincoln Woods Trail, Lincoln

🥾 3.1 mile loop, many intersecting trails
🔸 NO blaze orange required
🐕 Dogs allowed
🚘 Free Parking
🚾 Restrooms (May 1 to Oct 31)
🎣 Multi-use 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!

🎥 Watch this Reel for a virtual tour 🎥
➡️ AllTrails Route Map (30% off AllTrails+ Membership with code MEREDITH30)

Snake Den North Loop, Snake Den State Park, Johnston

🥾 2.5 mile Loop, but lots of intersecting trails to make the hike longer or shorter
👍🏼  Wooded trail with some elevation change
🔸 Blaze orange is required
🐕 Dogs allowed
🚘 Free Parking, only about 3 spots on Brown Ave.
🚾 No Restrooms or Water
🪨 Really cool massive rocks at the start of the trail!
🛑 Leave no trace & pack out your trash. Please don’t feed wildlife. Be aware of ticks!

🎥 Watch this Reel for a virtual tour 🎥
➡️ AllTrails Route Map (30% off AllTrails+ Membership with code MEREDITH30)

World War II Memorial Loop, Wolf Hill Forest Preserve, Johnston

🥾 4 mile Loop, with a few intersecting trails to make the hike longer or shorter
👍🏼  Wooded trail with some elevation change
🔸 NO blaze orange required
🐕 Dogs allowed
🚘 Free Parking on the road next to trailhead
🚾 No Restrooms or Water
🛑 Leave no trace & pack out your trash. Please don’t feed wildlife. Be aware of ticks!

🎥 Watch this Reel for a virtual tour 🎥
➡️ AllTrails Route Map (30% off AllTrails+ Membership with code MEREDITH30)

Neutaconkanut Park Hill Loop, Providence

🥾 2 miles of intersecting looping trails
🔸 NO blaze orange required
⛰️ Rocky, uneven and at times, steep terrain
🐕 Dogs allowed
🚾 Restrooms located at Neutaconkanut Rec Center
🚘 Free Parking — Killingly Street Parking Lot Trailhead (next to baseball field) OR Plainfield Street Trailhead (next to Rec Center) 
🚍 Accessible by RIPTA’s Route 19 — Bus stops across the street from the Rec Center at 675 Plainfield Avenue
🦊 Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer, fox, and wild turkeys
🏀 Multi-use park: Ball Fields, Track, Playground, Skateboard Park, Basketball Court, and Rec Center
🛑 Leave no trace & pack out your trash. Please don’t feed wildlife. Be aware of ticks!

🎥 Watch this Reel for a virtual tour 🎥
➡️ AllTrails Route Map (30% off AllTrails+ Membership with code MEREDITH30)

Stepstone Falls via Ben Utter Trail, Arcadia Management Area, West Greenwich

🥾 3 mile out & back
🔸 Blaze orange is required
👍🏼  Wooded trail starts at the Stepstone Falls and follows the Wood River with multiple wooden bridges
🐕 Dogs allowed
🚘 Free Parking, only space for about 3 cars
‼️There is a steep and winding gravel .5 mile road that leads to the trailhead that would not be ideal in conditions with snow, ice, or lots of rain OR cars with very low clearance
🚾 No Restrooms or Water
🛑 Leave no trace & pack out your trash. Please don’t feed wildlife. Be aware of ticks!

🎥 Watch this Reel for a virtual tour 🎥
➡️ AllTrails Route Map (30% off AllTrails+ Membership with code MEREDITH30)

Great Swamp Trail, Great Swamp Wildlife Reservation, Wakefield

*There is an indoor shooting range next to the trailhead so if your dog is skiddish around gunshots or loud noises, this might not be the best trail for you

🥾 4 mile loop
🔸 Blaze orange is required
👍🏼  Wooded and open trial along the swamp
🐕 Dogs allowed
🚘 Free Parking, space for about 20 cars
🚾 No Restrooms or Water
🛑 Leave no trace & pack out your trash. Please don’t feed wildlife. Be aware of ticks!

🎥 Watch this Reel for a virtual tour 🎥
➡️ AllTrails Route Map (30% off AllTrails+ Membership with code MEREDITH30)

Rodman’s Hollow Trail, Block Island

🥾 3.5 mile loop with intersecting trails
🔸 Blaze orange is not required, but highly recommended. Each trailhead has a mailbox with (human) vests to borrow!
🦉 Popular area for birders!
🌊 Coastal ocean views
🐕 Dogs allowed
🚘 Free Parking, approx. 10 spots
🚾 NO Restrooms
⚠️ Ticks & poison ivy are in this area. Don’t feed wildlife. Leave no trace & pack out your trash.

🎥 Watch this Reel for a virtual tour 🎥
➡️ AllTrails Route Map (30% off AllTrails+ Membership with code MEREDITH30)

Clay Head Trail, Block Island

🥾 3.5 mile out & back trail
🔸 Blaze orange is not required, but highly recommended. Each trailhead has a mailbox with (human) vests to borrow!
🐦 Great place to view migratory songbirds!
🌊 Coastal ocean & bluff views
🐕 Dogs allowed
🚘 Free Parking, approx. 8 spots
🚾 NO Restrooms
⚠️ Ticks & poison ivy are in this area. Don’t feed wildlife. Leave no trace & pack out your trash.

🎥 Watch this Reel for a virtual tour 🎥
➡️ AllTrails Route Map (30% off AllTrails+ Membership with code MEREDITH30)

Hodge Preserve Trail, Block Island

🥾 1 mile out & back trail
🔸 Blaze orange is not required, but highly recommended. Each trailhead has a mailbox with (human) vests to borrow!
👍🏼 Fairly easy trail
🐦 Lots of birds!
🌊 Pond, lighthouse, & coastal ocean views in the distance
🐕 Dogs allowed
🚘 Free Parking, approx. 10 spots
🚾 NO Restrooms
⚠️ Ticks & poison ivy are in this area. Don’t feed wildlife. Leave no trace & pack out your trash.

🎥 Watch this Reel for a virtual tour 🎥
There is no AllTrails link to this trail, but it’s very easy to follow!

Have done any of these hikes? I’d love to know your favorites in the comments!

Follow me on Instagram at @meredithewenson for all things nature, hiking, and outdoors in Rhode Island and beyond.

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