Fort Nature Refuge
1445 Providence Pike (Route 5), North Smithfield
This 235-acre woodland was donated by the Fort family to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and is the source of the Woonasquatucket River. With its wide, well-marked trails, beautiful ponds, diverse wildlife and a variety of deciduous and evergreen trees, Fort Nature Refuge is wonderful any time of year. I especially like it in the colder months because I find the views of the ponds are a great remedy for cabin fever. Just be prepared for icy conditions if the southern New England winter has lived up to its reputation.
Length: 1.5 miles; 3.7 miles if you extend along the yellow and red trails
Difficulty: easy for children
Dogs: to protect the fragile ecology of the refuge, please leave your dogs at home
Click here for an extensive list of guidelines for hiking with kids.
Click here to visit the Fort Nature Refuge website.