Hiking & Trails
Lincoln Woods State Park has bridle and hiking trails throughout its 627 acres, according to RI DEM, plus a paved road round Olney Pond that walkers and cyclists use. The trails wind through what DEM's history calls a rugged, hilly, tree-lined upland strewn with giant boulders. They are split into two zones: west of Quinsnicket Road (Zone A) is for horses only, and east of it (Zone B) hikers, riders and mountain bikers share the trails.
Trails at a Glance
Where to Hike: Zone B
Zone B covers most of the woods between Quinsnicket Road and the main entrance, north of Olney Pond. DEM's park page names it multi-use, so this is where hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers go. DEM's map marks the high points and landmarks you will pass, among them Tablerock Hill, Druid Circle and Pulpit Rock, and the trails thread between dozens of picnic sites before dropping back to the loop road. The park map is the only official guide; it does not name trails, so use the landmarks.
Zone A Is for Horses
DEM's rule is plain: the horse trails west of Quinsnicket Road are for equestrian use only. DEM brought in the zones because of the growing use of the horse trails by both riders and mountain bikers, to protect the trails for horses, keep people safe and cut down on conflicts. If you hike in Zone A anyway, step aside for horses. See horseback riding.
Mountain Biking
Mountain bikes belong in Zone B only. DEM's photo gallery for the park includes a mountain biker, and its policy page opens Zone B to mountain biking. State rules allow bikes, e-bikes and scooters unless DEM's regional manager finds conditions unsafe and orders them off, so obey any posted closure after heavy rain.
The Paved Loop for an Easy Walk
For a flat, paved walk, use the Les Pawson Loop round Olney Pond. DEM's history calls this circumferential road the park's basic feature besides the pond, favoured by walkers and bicycle riders. It is shared with one-way car traffic in season, so stay to the side.
What the Terrain Is Like
DEM describes the upland as rugged, hilly and strewn with giant boulders, so expect rock underfoot and climbs between the high points. Wear shoes with grip. Many of the boulders draw climbers; see bouldering.
Running
DEM lists jogging and road races among the park's experiences. Runners use both the loop road and the Zone B trails.
Dogs on the Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome. State rules require a leash no longer than six feet and that you clean up after your dog. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from April 1 to September 30.
Winter on the Trails
DEM lists Lincoln Woods as a park with open areas for hiking, sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and allows snowmobiles on the park's roadways; DEM's history counts three miles of snowmobile routes. The park stays open sunrise to sunset all winter.
Trail Courtesy
- Stay on existing trails. State rules do not allow anyone to create or mark new trails without written permission.
- Yield to horses, and talk to the rider as you pass.
- Carry out your trash. Rhode Island state parks are carry in, carry out.
- Be out by sunset. No one may be in the park after dark.
Hiking & Trails FAQ
How many miles of trails are at Lincoln Woods?
DEM gives six miles of horse trails and three miles of snowmobile routes, and says bridle and hiking trails run throughout the park. It does not publish a total for hiking trails.
Can you mountain bike at Lincoln Woods?
Yes, in Zone B only, east of Quinsnicket Road. Zone A, west of the road, is for horses only.
Are dogs allowed on the Lincoln Woods trails?
Yes, on a leash no longer than six feet. Clean up after your dog, and keep it off the beach from April 1 to September 30.
Is there an easy walk at Lincoln Woods?
The paved Les Pawson Loop round Olney Pond is the easiest walk in the park and is shared with cyclists and one-way car traffic.
Is the Lincoln Woods Trail in New Hampshire the same place?
No. The Lincoln Woods Trail in New Hampshire's White Mountains is a different trail. Lincoln Woods State Park is in Lincoln, Rhode Island, between Routes 146 and 123.