Don’t Fall in: Guide To RI’s Waterfalls, Swimmin’ Holes & More!

Dams/Waterfalls

1. Ashton and Albion Falls, Lincoln. A walkway and bike path runs along the Blackstone River, bejewelled by the historic Ashton and Albion dams.

2. & 3. Blackstone Dam and Blackstone Gorge, Blackstone Mass. Right over the border from North Smithfield, these attractions are known for their abundant wildlife and natural beauty. A rocky trail takes you past stone walls, woods and a sizeable hill, while a mile-long hike can bring you to the dam and gorge to breathe it all in. Accessed from Blackstone River & Canal Heritage State Park, County St, Blackstone, Mass.

4. Cascade Brook, Smithfield. This mile loop in the Ken Weber Conservation Area takes hikers to stone ruins and the high points in the area. About 100 yards from the trailhead, the path leads to a small, but brilliant waterfall.

5. Fisherville Brook Falls, Exeter. After a stop at the waterfall, this easy trail takes walkers to a few historic graves and dense woods. White pines and mini-waterfalls are also to be seen.

6. Georgiaville Dam and Gorge, Smithfield. This dam is a combination of a manmade dam and natural waterfall. To the right there is a short trail that leads to a small area that overlooks the gorge.

7. Harrisville Falls, Burrillville. The gorgeous dam is located in the heart of Harrisville.

8. Hunt’s Mills Falls, East Providence. This dam in the shape of a half moon creates a unique waterfall split in the middle by a huge rock.

9. Kenyon Mill Falls, South Kingstown. In addition to the amazing beaches, this waterfall is located near Kenyon’s Grist Mill.

10. Ponagansett Falls, Scituate. Leading into the Scituate Reservoir, it provides a relaxing place to sit and think.

11. Robin Hollow Pond Falls, Cumberland. A popular fishing destination and home to a few gorgeous falls. 12. Roundtop Fishing Area, Burrillville. Stunning falls can be found at the Round Top Fishing Brook, a seasonally stocked fishing spot. 13. Shannock Horseshoe Falls, Richmond. This unique, horseshoe- shaped dam is found in the quaint village of Shannock in Richmond. Extra points if you knew RI had a village named Shannock.

14. Slater Mill Dam, Pawtucket. This dam is a massive and beautiful place to sit beside and have lunch while exploring the historic mills.

15. Stepstone Falls, West Greenwich. The Weather Channel lists this as the No. 1 falls in Rhode Island. The Falls River cascades slowly and evenly over a series of low, gray ledges, creating long, low curtains of falling water.

16. Woonsocket Falls Dam, Woonsocket. Yet another impressive dam along the Blackstone River rich in history going back to the Industrial Revolution.

Parks

17. Breezy Acres Picnic Grounds & Waterslides, Douglas, Mass. Three 300’ waterslides with unlimited rides, a beach and picnic area make up this beautiful, family-friendly area.

18. Colt State Park, Bristol. Rocky beach area, clothing gets more optional (by tradition) the farther down the beach you go.

19. Dyer Woods Campground, Foster. This campground is quiet, friendly and respectful. Spanning 200- acres, it is private, family-friendly, and the only nudist area in Rhode Island!

20. Esmond Park, Smithfield. This park is a combination of a short trail on a former railroad and a small town park. These two different areas are separated by a small river and waterfall.

21. Fort Wetherill, Jamestown. Cliffs, hike trails, snorkeling and rocky terrain. Great spot to learn scuba.

22. Lincoln Woods, Lincoln. One of the few non-salt water swimming holes in RI. The beach is on Olney Pond, which is the most popular freshwater beach in Rhode Island.

23. Mowry Conservation Area, Smithfield. An increasingly popular spot, this shady 44 acre retreat offers something for just about everybody: a place for fishing, picnics, hiking trails, an 18th century forge and a sawmill. In spring and summer, water still goes through the old dam creating a miniature but thoroughly delightful waterfall.

24. Point Judith, Narragansett. Harbor of Refuge breakwater shelters a shallow sand bar. Clear (for New England) ocean water flows through the Harbor of Refuge, making this an ideal swimming and snorkeling site. Located in Narragansett, RI.

Lakes

25. Spring Lake, Burrillville. This 80-acre lake is a great place to swim all day without all the salt of a beach. Burrillville residents $2.50, non-residents $5, younger than five free; cash only.

26. Tiogue Lake, Coventry. This is nice, it’s quiet, it’s close, and there’s no traffic to get here. And for the kids, there’s no waves or undertow. It’s $10 for nonresidents, and it’s never crowded. Entry is limited to 25 nonresidents and 50 residents at one time. 27. Wallum Lake, Burrillville. This massive lake sits on the border of Rhode Island and Massachusetts and is a fantastic place to swim.

Ponds

28. Asheville Pond, Hope Valley, Canonchet. A state owned pond with no fee and a man-made dam that has a couple of diving platform type rocks and some jumping cliffs up the road on the North side of the pond.

29. Block Island. While it is known for its 17 miles of beaches, Block Island is also home to 365 freshwater ponds of varying size from the larger Sachem Pond at the north, to the smaller Fresh Pond at the island’s southern end.

30. Georgiaville Pond, Smithfield. This town gem has a small beach, picnic area, and is popular for families with young children.

31. Gorton Pond, Warwick. This is where you can find total beach seclusion in an urban setting.

32. Little Nini Pond, Ninigret Park. The spring-fed pond is shallow with warm, clean water. Charlestown.

33. Peck Pond, Chepachet. Take a hike on one of the many trails at the George Washington Management Area, then cool off in the 13-acre freshwater pond.

34. Potter’s Pond, Matunuck. This saltwater pond is perfect for cooling off while visiting all that South County has to offer.

35. Quicksand Pond – Goosewing Beach Preserve, Little Compton: 75 acre preserve consisting of shore, ponds and dunes. Considered one of Rhode Island’s most scenic places.

36. Watchaug Pond, Charlestown. Covers 900 acres. However the Sanctuary Road Picnic Grove is the only Watchaug beach area that’s open to the public.

Rivers

37. Bradford Swimming Hole, Westerly. Just south of the intersection where Routes 216 and 91 come together in Bradford, this classic swimming hole has been a favorite for generations.

38. Wood River: A 25-mile river flowing between RI and Connecticut, it is considered one of the most scenic spots around. Great for paddling and trout fishing.

Reservoirs

39. Bowdish Reservoir, Chepachet: Offers some of the most amazing freshwater swimming to be found.

40. Wenscott Reservoir, North Providence. City-run Governor Notte Park, with full recreational facilities, includes a small beach on the reservoir. Paddleboat rentals, tennis courts, a ball field, swings, picnic sites, and a little waterfall churning under a wooden bridge are all included.