State Owned

Rhode Island's shortest - and very likely highest - nature walk. The tower that makes Tower Hill what it is provided a fantastic view of the area and is well worth the three-minute stair climb to the top.

We took a pleasant hike through part of Durfee Hill in early March. The (unpaved) road we walked on was easy to follow, even with a bit of snow on the ground. It's not necessarily the easiest walk, but the area is certainly quiet and peaceful. The only interesting thing we saw was a man-made waterfall, though apparently there's a good place to go rock climbing somewhere inside Durfee as well. All in all a good place to go for a hike in the woods.

According to the maps I've seen (here and here) there are apparently four or five separate areas that comprise Durfee Hill. We were clearly in the largest section; I look forward to exploring the others.

Official Description (from location's homepage)
The J. L. Curran Management Area covers 332 acres and is largely a forested tract comprised primarily of deciduous hardwood trees, oaks, maple and beech. Two ponds, agricultural land for public gardening.

Official Description (from location's homepage)
Nothing yet known!

What a fabulous place to spend an afternoon! We picnicked on a hill overlooking a lake, walked over a dam and then took a leisurely stroll on a quiet, wooded half-mile trail. Parking was abundant and there were bathrooms in two different places. I look forward to returning in the summer and exploring the longer trails.

Official Description (from location's homepage)
Located within the 4000 acre George Washington Management Area, and on the shores of Bowdish Reservoir, the 100 acre George Washington Memorial Camping Area is an overnight, primitive camping facility offering a multitude of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. There are 45 treed, well spaced gravel sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RV’s. Electrical hookups are not available; water is available from the various shared spigots throughout the campground. Bathrooms are either outhouses or pit toilets, there are no shower facilities. There are two Adirondack style Shelters available by reservation, for group camping (limited to 20 persons each).

Official Description (from location's homepage)
Available for boating and fishing, and as a day use swimming area, the Beach Pond Recreation Area features seasonal lifeguards and modern restroom facilities on the shore of Beach Pond . While fisherman may fish from shore, they may not fish within the swimming area. Anglers might catch largemouth bass, pickerel, perch, or catfish as well as smallmouth bass (one of the few ponds in the state that smallmouth bass are found), or walleye, which are stocked by the State of Connecticut . Rhode Island also stocks Brown and Rainbow Trout. There is a boat access at this site on the Connecticut side, but it is not suitable for the launching of larger craft.

Official Description (from location's homepage)
At over 14,000 mostly forested acres, the Arcadia Management Area is the State’s largest, offering users a great variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Co-managed by DEM’s Divisions of Forest Environment and Fish & Wildlife, it is promoted as, and actively managed for hunting, as well as fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, to name a few. “Multiple use” management principles apply, assuring a safe and satisfying experience for hunters and non-hunters alike. Miles upon miles of gravel roads and well marked and maintained trails entice hikers to return to a different section each visit. These same trails are often used by mountain bikers or horseback riders so all users need to act responsibly, show courtesy, and “share the road”. Recommended parking for mountain bikers is at either the Browning Mill Pond Recreation Area lot, or the Brook Trail lot which accesses Midway Trail. For day use swimming, fishing, or boating, try either the Beach Pond or Browning Mill Pond Recreation Areas. Fishing and boating is allowed in Breakheart Pond, but not swimming, cooking, or fires. If you are 14 years old or under, try fishing for trout in the stocked Frosty Hollow Pond, which has a handicapped accessible fishing platform. The Wood River , which flows through the heart of the Management Area is also stocked with trout and offers anglers one of the best freshwater fishing experiences available in the state. But remember, some parts of the river are available to fly fisherman only, and others are “catch and release” only. (Contact DEM’s Division of Fish & Wildlife for more information about fishing these areas). For canoeists and kayakers the Wood River ’s Class I and Class II stream rating assures an unforgettable outdoor experience for both novice and experience. A designated canoe launch area is found at the Deer Check Station on Route 165, and there are put-in or take-out areas at each major road crossing. Horseback riders can enjoy camping at the Reynold’s Horseman Area. “Walk in” camping is also available, by permit, at the “Backpack Area”, and a shelter is available for overnight rental at the Frosty Hollow Pond Recreation area.