Outdoor Winter Activities in Rhode Island
Try out snowshoeing, sledding and other winter-weather fun.
If the cold never bothered you anyway, here’s where you can let it go.
Getty Images.
Into the Woods
Be one with nature at these local spots.
Hiking
Lace up your best boots and hit the trails at Burlingame State Park in Charlestown, Sakonnet Greenway in Portsmouth, Snake Den State Park in Johnston and Stepstone Falls via Ben Utter Trailhead in Exeter. alltrails.com/us/rhode-island
Horseback Riding
Channel your inner equestrian at Sunset Stables with a trail ride through Lincoln Woods State Park. sunsetstablesri.com
Birding
More than 400 species of birds call Rhode Island home, especially near the coastline. Grab your binoculars, download the National Audubon Society’s handy Bird Guide app and head to places like the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown and Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown for glimpses of our feathered friends. audubon.org/news/birding-rhode-island
More than 230 species of birds have been observed at Norman Bird Sanctuary. Photo courtesy of Norman Bird Sanctuary.
Biking
Pump the pedals along the waterfront East Bay Bike Path, the woodsy Blackstone River Bikeway or the expansive South County Bike Path. dot.ri.gov
Newport Winter Foodies Stroll
Rediscover Thames Street with the help of great meals during the Newport Winter Foodies Stroll nearly two-mile walking food tour. Wander the neighborhood with tour guides Thomas and Susan Maxwell in between three-course meals and wine pairings at notable restaurants and pubs. Reserve your spot online. Visit the website for more information. Newport, newportfoodiesstroll.com
Cold as Ice (& Snow)
Warm up with these winter activities.
Ice Skating and Bumper Cars
The Providence Rink is great for beginners looking to hit the ice. Pick out a rental pair of skates, practice your Salchow jump and spins, then warm up with some hot cocoa afterward. Or make a reservation for the ice bumper cars for some good ole family-friendly competition. theprovidencerink.com
Providence Rink in Providence. Courtesy of Providence Rink.
Sledding and Tubing
Grab your preferred mode of transportation and head to the powdery peaks at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, India Point Park in Providence, Chase Farm in Lincoln, Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick or the Village Green in South Kingstown. fortadams.org; riparks.ri.gov
Yawgoo Valley
No matter the season, Yawgoo Valley is an iconic destination for family fun, including snow tubing and skiing. The latter involves thirty-six acres of easy, intermediate and advanced trails, complete with double chair lifts and rope tows. The grounds also feature a pro shop for seasoned skiers and snowboarders, a rental shop for dabblers and a snow sports school for newbies. Exeter, yawgoo.com
Enjoy tubing at Yawgoo Valley. Photo courtesy of Yawgoo Valley.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
Wander through a winter wonderland at the John H. Chafee Nature Preserve in Wickford (walk to the water and see if you can spot a harbor seal or two), seaside Colt State Park in Bristol or the cute-critter-abundant Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown. riparks.ri.gov; fws.gov/refuge/sachuest-point
Ice Fishing
Cast your poles at Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield, Waterman Reservoir in Glocester and Barber Pond in South Kingstown. fishbrain.com/explore
Surfing
Break out your longboard and warmest wetsuit and brave the waves at Narragansett Town Beach, Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly and First Beach in Newport. For information on state beaches, go to visitrhodeisland.com.
