Ballard Park
corner of Hazard & Wickham Roads, Newport
Ballard Park seems much larger than it is, partly because the city of Newport purchased the remaining open space adjacent to it in fall of 2020, increasing its size from 13 acres to 72 acres, and partly due to the grandeur of the views and rock features. There are gorgeous vis- tas, a vernal pond, lush woodlands and swamps, diverse wildlife and plant species, interesting rock outcroppings, and a large puddingstone boulder left by glaciers over 10,000 years ago. Granite was quarried here from the early 1800s to the 1930s, and you can see evidence of this throughout the park and in the Quarry Meadow, a great spot for a picnic.!
Length: 1.1 mile; you can extend your hike on various side trails
Difficulty: easy for children
Dogs: are welcome, so long as they are leashed and you clean up after them
Accessible by Public Transportation: within 1.0 mile
Click here for an extensive list of guidelines for hiking with kids.
Click here to learn more about Ballard Park.