Hiking and History in
North Kingstown, RI
Are you looking for a small hike with big views? If so, I recommend visiting the Rome Point Trail at the John H. Chafee Nature Preserve in North Kingstown, RI. This flat 2.4 mile loop trail is very dog friendly and offers a mix of woods and beach with gorgeous water views.
We took the main trail counter clockwise and began on the quiet wooded section of the walk.
Follow the wide path for about a mile until it opens up to a serene beach on Narragansett Bay…the perfect place to relax by the water and take in the scenery. On this sunny March day we were able to see the Jamestown Bridge and the silhouetted Newport Bridge in the distance.
Stroll along the shoreline…filled with millions of seashells…all the way to Rome Point at the end of the peninsula. TIP: Keep an eye out for harbor seals sunbathing on rocks!
Once at Rome Point, you can pick up a more inland trail that runs the length of the peninsula. TIP: Be sure to take some offshoot paths that lead to quiet sandy nooks with views of Bissell Cove.
This peninsula section of the trail was so tranquil with stunning water views on both sides.
If you have more time to spend in the area, I recommend visiting charming and historic Wickford Village…less than a 10 minute drive from the Rome Point trailhead. Located right on Academy and Wickford Coves, this quaint seaside town is the perfect mix of locally-owned boutiques, cozy eateries and beautiful historic homes.
Relax on a waterfront bench…
or stroll down Main Street…
Grab a smoothie from Alma Juice Bar, browse beachy home decor at Flatfish Cottage and take in the history as you pass Colonial and Federal period homes and churches. TIP: Click HERE for a great PDF or audio self-guided historic walking tour of Wickford!
TIP: Visit the Narragansett Rune Stone with its intriguing Runic symbol inscriptions…believed to have been carved by Vikings, Icelandic explorers or The Knights Templar!
On our way out of town, I spotted Wickford on the Water with it’s perfectly situated outdoor dining deck overlooking the harbor…a must-try next time we visit with the kayaks!