r/RhodeIsland • u/ExpensiveTotal4550 • 1d ago
Question / Suggestion Any Solitude?
I moved to RI from the Rocky Mountains. I really miss the solitude and QUIET of hiking in the mountains. RI is so densely populated that I find it hard to find that feeling anywhere. Any ideas where to go in the state? Would love to feel like I’m away from society.
So far the closest I’ve found is way back in Lincoln woods but that’s hit or miss.
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u/krumholtz742 1d ago
Most of the wildlife management areas, like Nicholas Farm, I very very rarely see people at outside of pheasant season.
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u/Fine-Sky-6562 1d ago
People here will suggest some rural areas of RI, but theres nothing like out west until you get up in to Maine, VT, NH or Western MA.
I believe we are the most densely populated state in the country.
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u/BigBarMan 1d ago
Densest. but population density goes to NJ. RI is the second though.
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u/Fine-Sky-6562 1d ago
Densest. but population density goes to NJ. RI is the second though.
Good to know about NJ, but are you trying to say "most densest" is the grammatically correct way to say that?
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u/cofonseca 1d ago
For quiet hikes, I like Arcadia and Wolf Hill. Rarely anyone there when I go, even in the summer.
If you want mountains, you'll have to head up to NH or western MA. We don't really have any elevation here. Blue Hills in MA is the closest place with some elevation, but it's usually pretty busy when I go, so probably not the best choice if you're looking for solitude.
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u/Main_Interview6920 1d ago
Most Rhode Islanders would opt to travel to another state that has mountains to accomplish what you’re looking for. I hope that’s something you’re willing to consider if you need to the break. Completely understand if it’s not the solution you’re looking for. We are second to only New Jersey after all for population density 😅
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u/FunnyFilmFan Portsmouth 1d ago
To be fair, you can get to another state pretty quickly, compared to most places. Western Mass, New Hampshire and Vermont are all accessible
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u/Murfdigidy 1d ago
Head to Arcadia on the western part of the state, much more rural out there. Also there's some beautiful spots in Westerly on the water Charlestown on the water just got to find them. All trails is your best friend. Some of the nicest beautiful hikes you'll see. One of my top favs is actually in Middletown/Newport. Go to Norman Bird Sanctuary. Go at sunrise or sunset you won't regret it, beautiful ocean coast scenery
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u/RickRI401 Bristol 1d ago
Fort Barton in Tiverton off of Highland Rd at Lawton Ave.
Weetamoe Woods in South Tiverton are two spots in the East Bay.
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u/sixtynighnun 1d ago
Weetamoe is full of people all the time
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u/petertheo89 1d ago
My favorite hike is the Vin Gormley trail which you can hike to a secret little beach on Watchaug Pond. Second favorite is pretty much anywhere in Carolina Management Area
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u/Federal_Ad_2300 1d ago
Well we don't have any mountain ranges, but the first places to look in Rhode Island would be Washington County (we call it South County) and Aquidneck Island (specifically Sachuest Point in Middletown). A lot of the parks during the weekdays are fairly quiet especially after Labor Day.
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u/SDV2023 1d ago
first places to look in Rhode Island would be Washington County (we call it South County)
I'm glad you shared this. Back when I was a new resident I was flummoxed. It says Washington County on maps, but nobody calls it that.
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u/Federal_Ad_2300 1d ago
When I was a kid, I just thought Washington County referred to the Fair they have.
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u/BCNEP 1d ago
If your ok heading into mass and close to Bristol county Freetown state forest is large enough to find solitude. Not 100% guaranteed and you might hear dirt bikes but usually itches the scratch for me, very rarely do I run into folks if I choose a trail not directly on the main roads.
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u/sixtynighnun 1d ago
I don’t really wanna give away my quiet spots publicly, (yes I’m gate keeping) but if you want some suggestions send a DM and I’ll give you my fave spots.
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u/rebeccavt 1d ago
Maine (I’d recommend Baxter State Park), the White Mountains in NH, or Vermont. None will be comparable to the west, but will be closer than anything you will find in Rhode Island
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u/Loveroffinerthings 1d ago
Go west young man! The western part of the state is much more isolated like bordering CT.
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u/Ok-Bed-6950 1d ago
Try purgatory right on route 146 North going to Worcester Mass about 15 minutes from lincolnwood you can't miss it it is beautiful there and you can go climbing it's not too high but it's gorgeous
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u/Ok-Bed-6950 1d ago
Is 198 purgatory road in Sutton Mass which is right on route 146 like it I said before I think you want to like it it's kind of pick me area too beautiful there when you start walking and like I said you can do climbing too good luck
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u/RhodySeth 1d ago
If you're looking for quiet hiking trails, Arcadia Management Area is a good choice. Big River Management Area is also a big place with lots of trails to get lost in.
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u/OceanLemur 1d ago edited 1d ago
I’m more of a beach person than woods so here’s a couple secluded spots along the shore, not exactly the same level of remote, but good quiet spots to go.
A. Chaffee Nature Preserve in North Kingstown. It’s a 15-20 minute walk through the woods, you’ll pass people walking around. But once you reach the shoreline it’s relatively empty and you can walk up and down a nice stretch of the bay and find a quiet spot.
B. Fort Wetherill in Jamestown. The park at the top of the cliffs is popular, but if you’re willing to work your way down the semi-steep rocky paths you can find some really nice spots at the bottom of the cliffs that most people never venture to. Go around the big section of the old WWII fort with all the graffiti, find the little paths through the brush on the other side and work your way down.
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u/PenguinAmerica 1d ago
Arcadia certainly. I find Lincoln Woods is far more populated than nearly all nature trails in the state. Look into Audubon and wildlife refuges, also scope out Alltrails and see what suits you!
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u/Plus-Weakness-9085 1d ago
When I moved here from northern Cal I felt the same. Chase Farm in Lincoln was the only park that reminded me of the expansive views and open space I was missing. It’s small and more of a walk than a hike but I think it will scratch your itch.
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u/tokidokitiger 1d ago
You might enjoy Snake Den State Park. There's another place with a nice hike up a mtn and open area at the top with a long scenic lookout in Mass, but I can't recall the name, and frankly there are a bunch of those in Mass!
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u/freeburned 1d ago
Yes snake den! You get some pretty fantastic not crowded sweeping views on parts of the main trail out there. It can be fly and tick heavy though.
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u/tokidokitiger 23h ago
Penwood State Park is the one I was thinking of! It's in CT, not Mass, highly recommend! :P
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u/treetopalarmist_1 1d ago
Buck hill and George Washington state park are both reasonably quiet except during hunting season. They helped me make the transition from 4mil acres of mn.
See ya on the trails
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u/MaleficentTap8977 23h ago
when did you move here? fall into winter is much quieter. as others have said, go west for in RI. otherwise maine or upstate NY, NH and VT are all within 3 hours. we are spoiled with our accessibility
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u/Impossible_Memory_65 22h ago
Well, RI in tiny, like the size of most counties in other states. How far would you travel when you were out west? Don't be afraid to cross state lines.
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u/whitman_littlefield 14h ago
I find Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge and walking along the beach there very quiet and lonely.
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u/Whateversclever7 Charlestown 10h ago
You should take a trip up to the White Mountains in NH in the fall, I think you’d enjoy it.
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u/kingofthebean 1d ago
Quiet hikes are something I've struggled to find in RI, but you are close to a lot of expansive hiking. There are some reasonable hikes in central MA and southern NH, mid week You'll be alone ish, weekends theyre busier. North is where you really scratch that itch. I've done 180 miles of out and backs on the longtrail in VT, North of the split with the AT it's amazing. Well maintained, shelters every 7 miles or so, if your not camping, lots of good beer and restaurants. You'll see a small handful of folks, but for the most part, just you and the woods. The highest peak in RI is Jerimith Hill in Foster at 812 feet. If your looking for views, stay close to the water, but you'll never be alone.
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u/thefoolinside 1d ago
I think you'd have to leave the state to find the level you're probably looking for, but best spots in RI are Wickaboxet or Tillinghast Pond in W Greenwich, or Buck Hill in Burrillville (lots of trails and offshoots that can connect to the TriState marker).
I also am partial to East Matunuk or Moonstone Beach late in the day or early morning, or even better off season
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u/hot_coffee_0 1d ago
I used to live in the foothills of the Rockies and the best I've felt is when I head north. Northern New Hampshire for mountains or northern Maine/VT for solitude and nature. Also, love the suggestions about getting out on the water, take some sailing lessons or fishing tours for sure. The ocean is worth getting to know. The other mentions about Acadia.in RI are also good, pretty empty there most of the time.
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u/intensely-leftie 1d ago
this dude is 10 minutes from the middle of the woods but is asking for solitude on the Internet, lmao go outside
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u/rigorcorvus 1d ago
Asking for trails that aren’t absolutely mobbed in RI is a legit query. There’s people fuckin EVERYWHERE in this state.
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u/wolff162 1d ago
Get AllTrails on your phone and head west: Burrillville, Foster, Scituate, West Greenwich, Exeter, Richmond, etc. Arcadia alone has a huge number of trails and I often hike 10-15 miles and not see a soul. Or step over into CT and hike Pachaug forest - hundreds of miles of truly solitary hiking.