PHOTOGRAPHY ( THIS PAGE ): WOLF MATTHEWSON ; ( OPPOSITE PAGE ): JAMIE COELHO .

TRI-STATE MARKER First erected in 1883 , this granite column marks the spot where Rhode Island meets its neighbors . Though more easily accessed from trailheads in Massachusetts or Connecticut , a Rhode Island route will take you on a scenic detour through Buck Hill Management Area , which in the summer is flush with blueberry bushes and the sound of boats from nearby Wallum Lake . Follow the Benson Mountain , Border and Buck Hill trails for a 5.6-mile loop that passes Buck Hill Pond . Where to Park : Buck Hill Management Area , Burrillville

ROME POINT Best known as a prime viewing spot for seals that visit Narragansett Bay on their winter migrations , the John H . Chafee Nature Preserve at Rome Point makes for a relaxing hike in any season . Follow the Rome Point Trail to the rock-strewn beach and return by one of the many wooded paths for a 2.4-mile loop featuring seaside marshes and coastal views . Where to Park : Boston Neck Road ( Route 1A ), North Kingstown

NORTH-SOUTH TRAIL Move over , Appalachian Trail . Rhode Island has its own thruhiker ’ s paradise , a seventyeight-mile route showcasing the best of the state ’ s varied terrain on its journey from the Midstate Trail in Massachusetts

to East Beach in Charlestown . The full trek takes five days on average , but newbies can access the North-South Trail for shorter adventures at various points , including Pulaski State Park in Glocester and Arcadia Management Area . Where to Park : Wallum Lake , Douglas , Massachusetts ( north trailhead ) or East Beach , Charlestown ( south trailhead )

STEPSTONE FALLS The Wood River pauses in West Greenwich on its way from Connecticut to join the Pawcatuck River further south to form a series of charming waterfalls that will have you conjuring up images of picnics and lazy afternoon naps . Park near the falls and follow the Ben Utter Trail 1.5 miles downriver for an easy , out-and-back hike in Arcadia Management Area . Where to Park : Falls River Road , West Greenwich

SPENCER PROPERTY This Foster Land Trust property comprises 155 acres along the Ponaganset River corridor , with features including a pond and glacial moraine . Kids and adults alike will enjoy looping the pond on the Potluck Trail or searching for the elusive “ troll cave ” as they navigate the rock formations on the 1.5-mile Boulder Field Trail . Where to Park : Old Danielson Pike , Foster

LONG AND ELL PONDS For the mountain climber , the Long and Ell Pond Trail offers a taste of elevation as you climb the cliffs overlooking Long Pond and plunge into the marshy valleys between . Park at either the North Road or Canonchet Road trailhead and follow the trail to the other side for a two-mile , out-andback hike through preserved woodland . Where to Park : North Road or Canonchet Road , Hopkinton

CLAY HEAD TRAIL Who says you have to stick to

The Long and Ell Pond Trail features ladders and other obstacles .

the beach during a visit to Block Island ? Located about three miles up the road from the ferry dock ( seventeen minutes by bike ), the Clay Head Preserve offers views of the Atlantic Ocean from atop the clay bluffs on the island ’ s east side . A mile-and-a-half walk will get you to the maze off Corn Neck Road , where you can explore the unmarked paths or continue aNother 1.2 miles along road and beach routes to the North Lighthouse . Where to Park : Clay Head Trail , New Shoreham

42 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l JUNE 2022