Be it the sea blanketed by the snow or the quiet stillness that comes with winter by the coast, getting outdoors this time of year is essential to making the most of the season. 

These tried and true trails are not only scenic in the cooler months, their even paths, protected coves or slightly inland vistas will keep you a little more sheltered from winter’s chill. 

Hike, Walk, and Stroll

Bundle up and take a seaside walk to take in the ocean, explore sites from new heights, or venture on a winding path through meadows and farmland. 

Sakonnet Greenway Trail

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Known to be a little on the muddier side during the wet springtime, winter is actually one of the most ideal seasons to enjoy the Sakonnet Greenway Trail. The longest continuous nature trail on Aquidneck Island, this path is slightly inland and offers views of meadows, woodlands and farms.

Trek along its entire 10-miles or plan to cover just a portion of the trails. 

WHERE TO WARM UP

After trekking the Portsmouth Loop Trail, warm up at the cute and cozy Anna D’s Cafe in Portsmouth. 

DETAILS

Length: Up to 10 miles, with enter/exit points to make it shorter if desired
Rating: Light & leisurely
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Fee: Free
Dogs: Permitted, must be leashed

 

 

Spruce Acres Farm

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The most charming tree-lined trail, Spruce Acres Farm is a 22+ acre former tree farm on the border of Middletown and Portsmouth. Tucked in the middle of the Aquidneck Island, much of the path is tree lined and offers some shelter from winter winds.

Bonus, this path also offers a covered picnic pavilion, a compost toilet, an ADA-friendly pathway, a seasonal pollinator garden, and community garden.

WHERE TO WARM UP

This path is less than a mile from Newport Vineyards, plan your trek accordingly to ‘apres hike’ for some estate grown wine, craft beer and farm to table fare. 

DETAILS

Length: 1.5 miles
Rating: Light & leisurely
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Fee: Free
Dogs: Permitted, must be leashed

 

Mt. Hope Farm

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Mount Hope Farm is a 2.5 mile walk has all the scenery; a duck pond, little streams, pastoral meadows, historic rock walls, tall tree lined canopy and coastal vistas with unobstructed views of the Mt. Hope Bridge. If you are lucky enough, you may get to meet some of the farm animals like donkeys, goats, and cows near the parking area.

This path is paved, which offers an easy and even walking surface, but be cautious if it's icy. 

Don't Miss: A year-round farmers market (every Saturday) selling everything from farm fresh fruits and vegetables to locally made soaps, lotions, jewelry and more.

WHERE TO WARM UP

Pop over to Unity Park (less than ½ a mile away) for some vegan grub at Basil & Bunny or stone fired goodness at Brick Pizza Co. Getting thirsty? Grab a libation to warm you up at Borealis Coffee, Pivotal Brewing Co. and O’Brien & Brough

DETAILS

Length: 2.5 miles (out and back - plan to go as far as you want to walk back)
Rating: Light & leisurely
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Fee: Free
Dogs: Sorry, no pups 
 

 

Mackerel Cove Beach

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Where the snow meets the sea. This little stretch of sand is perfect for winter beach combing.

Tucked between the land of Beavertail State Park and Fort Wetherill State Park, Mackerel Cove Beach in Jamestown, is well, a cove, which offers a little protection from the winter winds.

Take in the sounds of crashing waves, while searching for shells or seaglass, any time of year.  

WHERE TO WARM UP

Head to The Village Hearth Bakery & Cafe for some craft made baked goods, killer sandwiches, and hot beverages to warm you up. 

DETAILS

Length: Approximately .5 miles (1 mile back and forth)
Rating: Light & leisurely
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Fee: Free during the winter only
Dogs:  Permitted only during the winter (dogs prohibited May - Sept)

Mackerel Cove

Norman Bird Sanctuary

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Hit the trails at the stunning 325-acre Norman Bird Sanctuary.

While there are 7-miles of trails to choose from, the Universal Trail, Woodcock Trail and Woodland Trail are a great pick during the winter months for their generally easy and even paths and always beautiful scenery. Bonus, they are a favorite for snowshoeing if there is a blanket of snow. 

If you are up for it, take the iconic Hanging Rock Trail, a one-mile rocky (and often icy) trail providing scenic ocean views, Gardiner Pond to the south, the Sakonnet River to the east and St. Georges School to the west. 

WHERE TO WARM UP

Cozy up at Custom House Coffee before or after your hike for their comfort food bites and of course house-ground coffee, from the burlap to your cup as they say. 

DETAILS

Length: Just over 1 mile for all three paths combined
Rating: Light & leisurely
Hours:  9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fee: Yes, Adults: $7, Ages 3 - 18: $3 , 65+ and military: $6
Dogs: Sorry, no pups. 

Norman Bird Winter

Simmons Mill Pond

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Cross country skiing on the coast? Yes, you heard that right.

Head to Rhode Island’s Farm Coast and check out the Simmons Pond Loop in Little Compton. A favorite amongst cross country skiers, this trail is great even if you’re trekking on your two feet. This easy and generally even path is part of the over 400+ acres of Simmons Mill Pond Management Area, boasting forest bathing vibes and pond views. 

WHERE TO WARM UP

Just up the road in neighboring Tiverton, head to Groundswell Cafe & Bakery. From the seasonally adorned wrap-around porch lined with chic bistro seating and patio with cozy firepits, to the interior filled with grab-and-go goodies and blue velvet curtains adorning the windows, and of course the fresh French-inspired cuisine and baked goods. 

DETAILS

Length: 2.3 mile loop
Rating: Light & leisurely
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Fee: Free
Dogs: Permitted, must be leashed

 

Cliff Walk

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While this path may be exposed to the winter elements, Newport's enchanting 3.5-mile Cliff Walk is the perfect place for your moment of peace no matter the season.

Panoramic ocean views, crashing waves with surfers atop and a crisp sea breeze on one side and stunning, century-old, Gilded Age mansions on the other. Be wary of ice; this coastal walk is right by the water, so proceed with caution (or turn around) if the rocks or path is icy. 

*Please note due to structural damage to a section of Cliff Walk, detours will be in place between Narragansett Avenue and Webster Street for the foreseeable future. The remainder of the walk will be open for all those walkers who make use of this iconic coastal trail. 

WHERE TO WARM UP

Head to Cru Cafe located on historic Bellevue Avenue. This quaint eatery offers a host of breakfast options including avocado toast, and selection of omelettes and scrambles. Arriving with an appetite? Get your hands on The Bellevue Burrito: Scrambled eggs, chicken and white bean chili, Monterey jack, guacamole and salsa in a grilled wrap. 

DETAILS

Length: 3.5 miles
Rating: Light & leisurely
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Fee: Free
Dogs: Permitted, must be leashed

Cliff Walk Fall / Winter

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