This is one of the best places in the area to go for a hike. There are several scenic ponds to…read moremeander around and a nearly endless possibility of trails to take. We typically like to hike up to the radio tower in the center of the park on one trail and take a different way back to the car. There are boulders, cliffs, and rock gardens all over the place. That scores bonus points for me because I can't seem to pass a rock without wanting to climb to the top of it. Mountaing biking here is just as fun. You can wind your way up some rock infested single track to the top and then barrel down the fire roads. Or meader along the double track that crisscrosses all over the place before coming across a sign that leads you to a bike loop. There's a little something for everyone here and you can ride half the day without seeing the same parts twice. A lot of the single track is very challenging and covered with rocks, but there are still plenty of trails for every skill level. My only complaint is that while many of the main trails are clearly marked there are a lot of trails with no markings and a lot of them that aren't even on the map. The last time I was here I decided that I had had enough biking and wanted to head back to the car. The only problem is I had no idea where I was. Getting lost can be half the fun, but sometimes it's also nice to know where you are.

I walked the Megley Trail from Wrentham, up to the High Rock Road, and came back through other…read moretrails to see the stone staircase and the sunrise ledge. This is an expansive set of trails - I walked 3 miles but only touched a portion of the forest. The trails held a surprising amount of water on them despite it being dry lately, I did not expect this.

With the weather warming up, I've been excited to get back out on some Rhode Island trails. This…read moreone was a great spot to soak in the seasonal shift, explore a bit of the state's historical landscape, and breathe some fresh air. The preserve has multiple entrances to its many trails. I parked at the one next to the Dollar Tree on Mendon Road--convenient, though not exactly the most picturesque start to a hike. There's something a little mysterious about slipping into the woods from a shopping plaza; a bit awkward, sure, but I still appreciate these green spaces being preserved, even when they're nestled between businesses. The trail system here is extensive and very well-blazed. I started in the 52-acre Ballou parcel, taking the white trail to the blue loop, which connects to both the red and yellow trails in the 132-acre Blackall parcel. Rock walls crisscross the landscape--remnants of pastures, woodlots, and even apple orchards, according to posted info. The yellow trail is said to follow an old horse ring. Stone piles dot the land, likely cleared by farmers long ago. The trails themselves are impressively maintained, with cleared blowdowns and small boardwalks to help with wetter areas. There are some gentle ups and downs that get your legs moving, and on my early spring visit, the greenery was just starting to come alive. Jack-in-the-pulpits were popping up everywhere, along with skunk cabbage, violets, ferns, blue azures, and wood flowers. I also spotted a small snake sunning itself mid-trail and plenty of squirrels. The area is known for Cumberlandite, so that might be a fun thing to explore further on a return trip. While it's easy to get immersed in parts of the hike, you are reminded now and then that this preserve is surrounded by development. Private homes, old equipment, a large tank structure, and the sound of nearby traffic occasionally pull you out of the nature experience. I also noticed some trash here and there, which I tried to pack out. Two utility corridors--one for electrical lines and one for a gas line--cut across the trail system as well. Not deal-breakers, but worth mentioning. I crossed paths with several other hikers, which is somewhat rare for me on Rhode Island trails. Most had dogs on leashes, and it was nice to see others enjoying the area. I covered about four miles with minimal overlap (just the out-and-back parts that connect the loops). In a state where many trails are short, I really appreciate ones that offer some distance. If you haven't been, I'd definitely recommend checking this place out--especially if you're looking for a longer, peaceful hike with a touch of history. I'll be back for sure, maybe with a magnet to go hunting for that Cumberlandite.

In an effort to 'get out of the house', stay 'socially distanced' and get some exercise, we ended…read moreup driving to Attleboro, MA looking for a new place to walk. We found a street sign near the Attleboro Community Garden with information on walking areas and a parking lot, so we pulled in, perused the sign and headed up Mechanic Street to see what there was to be seen. In just a few blocks, we were at Highland Park. It looks like this was once a public golf course, and a view of satellite maps shows it certainly must have been. Now it seems to be pretty popular with the local neighbors for walking, running and taking the dog out for some play time. It was summer during our visit and there were paths 'mowed' for walking, which we (mostly) followed. The terrain is a field so not always flat and even and there are a few hills. In the south west corner of the property are a number of wood carvings in the likenesses of cartoon characters. Definitely did not expect that but what a fun surprise! There is a small pond, possibly part of the old golf course with some lilies. Very pretty. It was a quick walk around the park. We crossed paths with only a few people and there was plenty of space to keep your distance. It's definitely a nice little neighborhood park and a nice surprise on our adventure.

Awesome, clean trails. Well-maintained and graveled. Good for leashed dogs. You can get a good…read moreworkout in if you do a couple loops. Good for kids. There is a kids play area. A Veteran Memorial. Library. This could be an good place to tucker your kids and dogs out. Get them some books to read and let them learn a bit of history.

This is a beautiful park! I love how many options there are for playground climbing equipment. The…read morestage is really cool as well. It's particularly beautiful in the fall!

Lincoln Woods State Park is one of those places that makes you forget, at least for a little while,…read morethat you're only a few miles from Providence. I live in Kendall Estates, so Lincoln Woods is practically in my backyard, and that proximity is one of the things I appreciate most about it. You don't have to plan an elaborate day trip or spend an hour sitting in traffic to get somewhere that feels like you're actually getting away. Sometimes you just decide you want to go for a walk, head over to the park, and suddenly the noise of everything else seems a little farther away. I've walked here plenty of times, and there is something wonderfully uncomplicated about it. You can come here to exercise, wander around, spend time with the family, bring the pets, or simply find a little peace and enjoy being outside. It's the sort of place where you don't necessarily need an agenda. Sometimes a walk is enough. The lake is obviously a major part of what makes Lincoln Woods special. There are opportunities to swim during the appropriate season, and the park has plenty of space for a good old-fashioned cookout or a day outside with family and friends. Bring the kids, bring the dog, bring lunch, bring a book, or bring absolutely nothing other than yourself. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the park without feeling like you need to spend money once you arrive. What I particularly love is the contrast between Lincoln Woods and the communities surrounding it. Rhode Island is small enough that you can be in the middle of a developed area one minute and surrounded by woods, water, and open space the next. Lincoln Woods gives you that feeling without requiring you to drive halfway across the state. Providence is right there. Lincoln, North Providence, Cumberland, Smithfield, and the surrounding communities are all close by, yet when you're actually inside the park, it can feel surprisingly removed from everything. It's also one of those places that changes with the seasons. The experience of being here in the warmth of summer, when people are swimming and gathering for cookouts, is completely different from walking through when the weather is cooler and the landscape becomes quieter. That's part of the appeal. You can come back over and over and still notice something different depending on the time of year, the weather, or simply your mood. And I think that's ultimately why Lincoln Woods has earned five stars from me. It isn't trying to be anything complicated. It's a beautiful state park that gives people room to breathe. In a state as densely settled as Rhode Island, having a large natural space this close to Providence is something worth appreciating. For me, it's especially convenient because I live so close, but I don't think you need to be a neighbor to appreciate what is here. If you're looking for somewhere to walk, spend time with your family, take the dog, go swimming, have a cookout, or simply get outside and enjoy some nature, Lincoln Woods is an easy recommendation. I've been fortunate to have a place like this so close to home, and I suspect I'll continue taking advantage of it for a very long time. Five stars, without hesitation.

Great park- been coming here for years / with dogs, kids, friends etc.. always a great experience-…read morecleaner than most parks/trails around

Love this state park! When you first enter the main parking lot, you see a big field and beautiful…read moremansion. There is a main trail that is about a 3ish mile loop and many other trails off of it to explore. There are other buildings along the trail and a bathroom in the main parking lot. The park is very dog friendly! Occasionally, you might even see horses nearby. Lots of people are walking, walking their dogs or running. Beautiful at all times of the year, but definitely recommend walking there in the fall when the foliage is at its peak

The whole place is amazing, especially the "castle". The trails are very well maintained, and VERY…read morewell marked. And the lake is beautiful. The best part is how amazing it is for dogs! Highly recommend!!

This is the number one destination where my wife and I take our dogs to enjoy open nature space…read more A true staple to the Lincoln community.

Nice spot to stretch the legs in the Lincoln area. I come here for some short walks before or after…read moreyoga. It's basically a park with some beautiful trees, paths and large stretches of grass. Easy, free parking but watch for pot holes. Many people bring their dogs here to play on the grass. Beware of coyotes.

This place is so cool! I actually had no idea that it was even here and I've lived in Rhode Island…read moremy entire life. I stumbled upon it when I was househunting and it was a house for sale right next-door. I would have loved to of bought it just for this location! There are a few trails through here and they are marked so well there's no possible way you can get lost. Leads you out to a big lake. It's really neat because they're used to be a rail road that went through here and you can still see some of the stuff left behind.

Lime Rock Nature Preserve was the perfect set of trails to stretch my legs and get back into the…read moreswing of things following a recent knee surgery. The trails here are extremely well maintained, cleared of most leaves and debris (and wonderful for my recovering lower extremity). There are two trails to visit in the Preserve, Yellow and Blue, that are visibly marked with their corresponding colored blaze. Additionally, there are a number of small green and white arrow-ed signs that point the way so it would be very difficult to get lost here. There were a number of picturesque sights along my hike through the area... most notably among them, the Manton Reservoir. The Yellow Trail opens right up to a ravine with a drop off to each side with views of both the reservoir and river that runs off from it. The entirety of the trail was lined with the pretty purple Hepatica flowers that thrive in the limestone-rich soil within the preserve. (For the medical professionals out there: Hepatica is named from its leaves, which like the liver [hepatic, get it?] have 3 lobes... cool huh?) A very easy, leisurely, short hike for those who might want to enjoy the outdoors but not commit to an extensive walk in the woods. Dogs are seemingly allowed in the area as long as they are leashed. Great for children! If you are into geocaching, there are a couple in the area not far from the marked trails. The trail head is well marked with space for 3-4 cars to comfortably pull off of the road. BRING YOUR BUG SPRAY