Looking for beautiful beaches, salty fresh air, luscious woods and delicious food? Rhode Island is the place to be. For the smallest state in the U.S., Rhode Island has so much to offer. It is known for the gorgeous coastline and mouthwatering seafood, but people tend to forget that Rhode Island is full of wooded areas! South Kingstown, Narragansett, Charlestown and other towns of Rhode Island hold some awesome hiking trails open to the public to explore.

Some trails are right on the ocean shore, where you are able to go off into the woods and end up right on the beach. Others are around ponds, lakes or streams right in the woods. All of the trails of Rhode Island are unique and alluring, but these five will surely knock your socks off!

1. Norman Bird Sanctuary - Middletown, Rhode Island

The Norman Bird Sanctuary encourages people to observe birds while walking down their beautiful paths leading to a pond, streams or even a scenic outlook of the ocean. These trails are fairly long and intermediate. It is open to the public and has an entrance fee for nonmembers.

2. DuVal Trail - South Kingstown, Rhode Island

This trail is filled with wildflowers and lush green trees as you walk through. It is an awesome place to take a walk with your dog or hike with a few friends! The trail is moderate with a few hills in the backwoods of South Kingstown. This trail will leave you in awe during the fall when all of the leaves turn orange.

3. John H. Chaffee Nature Preserve - Saunderstown, Rhode Island

The John H. Chaffee Nature Preserve is filled with trails that lead either further into woods, along a stream or to the Narragansett Bay. You are allowed to ride bikes, walk dogs or even ride horses down on these trails. If you love the water and the woods, these trails are for you.

4. Black Point Trailhead - Narragansett, Rhode Island

Black Point Trailhead is right along the Narragansett shore. The trails lead to rock cliffs, an old abandoned rock building, Scarborough Beach and a view of the Beavertail Lighthouse. It is an easy hike and is absolutely stunning during the sunset or sunrise.

5. Arcadia Management Area - Exeter, Rhode Island

The Arcadia Management Area is over 14,000 acres of forest, is the largest recreational area in the state. It is used for many types of activities including hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking and more. The numerous hiking trails and gravel roads give you a day (or more) of exploring.

I have had the pleasure to explore these hiking trails along with many other ones in Rhode Island. Hiking is extremely fun and one of the various activities you can do here and I encourage anyone who loves the outdoors to try at least one hiking trail. These five trails will give you a taste of our wildlife and environment here in Rhode Island and will make you want to go on much more!