Lincoln Woods State Park —
Your Complete Guide
Rhode Island's first state park: 627 acres of boulder-strewn woods round Olney Pond, free to enter, with a freshwater beach, trout fishing and miles of trails.
What is Lincoln Woods State Park?
Lincoln Woods State Park is a 627-acre state park in Lincoln, Rhode Island, set round 130-acre Olney Pond, and it is Rhode Island's first state park. Entry and parking are free, it is open sunrise to sunset every day of the year, and it has a lifeguarded freshwater beach in summer, trout fishing, boulder-strewn woods for hiking and bouldering, bridle trails, and a paved loop road round the pond.
RI DEM calls Lincoln Woods one of the Blackstone Valley's greatest treasures, a short ride from Providence, Pawtucket and Cumberland, nestled between Routes 146 and 123. A covered bridge greets you at the main entrance. The park began officially on Abraham Lincoln's birthday, February 12, 1909, and was named for him (history).
Two things to plan for: from the second Saturday in April through October 31, state rules require a permit to use a picnic table here ($5 per day), booked through the park office (how to reserve); and dogs are welcome on a leash of six feet or less everywhere except the beach, where animals are banned from April 1 to September 30 (rules).
Lincoln Woods State Park at a Glance
What to Do at Lincoln Woods State Park
DEM lists swimming, trout fishing, boating, hiking, jogging, horseback riding, ball fields, picnicking, scenic overlooks, road races and ice skating.
Swimming
Frank Moody State Beach on Olney Pond: free, with lifeguards 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in season, a bathhouse and restrooms.
The Beach →
Olney Pond
The 130-acre reservoir at the heart of the park, ringed by coves, islands, boulders and the loop road.
About the Pond →
Fishing & Paddling
DEM stocks Olney Pond with trout in spring and fall. Paddle from the east-shore ramp; motors are limited.
Trout & Licences →
Hiking & Biking
Bridle and hiking trails through boulder-strewn woods. Zone B is open to mountain bikes; Zone A is horses only.
Trails & Zones →
Bouldering
State rules permit bouldering here. Every climber signs DEM's release and waiver first; groups need a permit.
Climbing Rules →
Horseback Riding
Guided rides from Sunset Stables, DEM's concession, and 6 miles of bridle trails.
Trail Rides →Trails at Lincoln Woods
DEM splits the woods at Quinsnicket Road: horses only to the west, multi-use to the east. DEM does not publish named trails or lengths beyond its six miles of bridle trails.
Walkers, runners and cyclists share it with one-way, counter-clockwise car traffic.
East of Quinsnicket Road: rocky, hilly woods past Tablerock Hill, Druid Circle and Pulpit Rock.
West of Quinsnicket Road, reserved for equestrian use by DEM.
How to Get to Lincoln Woods State Park
Two entrances, free lots round the pond.
Main Entrance
2 Manchester Print Works Road, Lincoln, RI 02865, off Route 123 (Great Road). Parking guide.
Twin River Road
Second entrance off Route 146, nearest the beach and the stable. Beach guide.
Park Office
RI DEM permit office by the main gate. Phone (401) 723-7892. 92 picnic sites, 4 shelters.
Nearby
On Great Road, Hearthside House, where the state's park commission met to launch Lincoln Woods, and the meadows of Chase Farm Park make a historic half-day. The Blackstone River Bikeway follows the old canal towpath through Lincoln, and Pawtucket's Slater Memorial Park, with its 1895 Looff Carousel, is a short drive away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lincoln Woods State Park free?
Yes. RI DEM's map says "None for Entry," and parking is free. The only charges are for reserved picnic tables ($5 per day), game fields, the Little League field and shelters.
Where is Lincoln Woods State Park?
In Lincoln, Rhode Island, between Routes 146 and 123. DEM lists the address as 2 Manchester Print Works Road, Lincoln, RI 02865; a second entrance is off Twin River Road by Route 146.
Can you swim at Lincoln Woods State Park?
Yes, at Frank Moody State Beach, the freshwater beach on Olney Pond. DEM says lifeguards are on duty 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seasonally and as staffing allows. Swimming elsewhere in the pond is not allowed.
Are dogs allowed at Lincoln Woods State Park?
Yes. DEM lists the park as pet-friendly for leashed dogs. The leash must be 6 feet or shorter, and animals are not allowed on the beach from April 1 to September 30.
What are the hours at Lincoln Woods State Park?
Sunrise to sunset, every day of the year. Restrooms are open May 1 to October 31.
Can you camp at Lincoln Woods State Park?
No. Lincoln Woods is a day-use park that closes at sunset, and state rules do not allow anyone in a state park overnight without written permission.
Is Lincoln Woods the first state park in Rhode Island?
Yes. RI DEM calls it Rhode Island's first state park. It began officially on February 12, 1909.