Boston Neck Road (Route 1A), North Kingstown, 401-884-2010

Known to many simply as Rome Point, the Chafee Nature Preserve is one of the few natural spaces in RI that may be more popular in winter than any other season. Harbor seals migrate into this area in October and stay through the spring.

Pick a calm, clear day and be sure to bring your binoculars to catch a glimpse of these curious creatures. Follow the path from the parking lot straight to the beach and then walk left along the rocky shoreline to reach Rome Point. Be careful of slippery paths and rocks, especially if they are snow-covered.

Length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: challenging for children
Map: not available
Dogs: are welcome, so long as they are leashed and you clean up after them
You might want to bring: binoculars, extra warm clothing, hot cocoa

Click here for a list of guidelines for hiking with kids.
Click here to visit the Chafee Nature Preserve website.

Get directions or follow ours: From Route 1, take the exit for Route 138 East toward Jamestown/Newport. Take the exit for Route 1A toward Narragansett/Wickford. At the end of the exit ramp, take a left onto Route 1A. The parking lot will be on your right about 1 mile up. If you reach Gilbert Stuart Road, you’ve gone too far.