RHODE ISLAND

Rhode Island is instantly recognized as America's smallest state but it is even smaller than most people realize - 14 percent of its territory is underwater courtesy of New England's largest estuary, Narragansett Bay. And what little land there is resides in private hands. Only 1.5% is public, the smallest percentage in the country. A sliver of that public land is along the shoreline behind America’s grandest mansions in Newport, protected by a provision in the Rhode Island Constitution. Your dog can enjoy this unique backyard Cliff Walk but other Ocean State highlights are few. Much of Rhode Island is heavily forested. Typical is the Arcadia Management Area, the largest of several such properties, with 14,000 acres of pine trees and hardwoods penetrated by 30 miles of trails. The highlight of the George Washington Management Area is the six-mile Walkabout Trail that was constructed by sailors from the Australian HMAS Perth who were ashore in the States while their destroyer was being repaired. The North/South Trail covers 78 miles - no mean feat in a state that is only 45 miles long. The best canine hiking is a half-hour ferry ride away on Block Island. Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round while the mainland beaches ban dogs entirely from April 1 to September 30. The only one of Rhode Island’s five national refuges that allows dogs is also out on the island. Dogs are at least welcome in all 12 Rhode Island state parks. That’s something.

The Best Day Hike You Can Take With Your Dog In Rhode Island

Rodman’s Hollow/Clay Head Nature Trail
Block Island Greenway Trails • New Shoreham

Most day-tripping canine hikers to Block Island arrive on the ferry carless and queue up with their dogs ready for some spirited walking. The ferry rate per person is less than $20 round trip and dogs ride free.

Once on the island there are two famous beach bluffs within walking distance: to the north is Clay Head, and to the south are the Mohegan Bluffs.To do both in one day on foot is quite an undertaking so you will be forced to pick a destination. This is not a win-lose proposition by any means - especially since your dog will demand to return to Block Island again.

To reach Mohegan Bluffs, you will cross through Rodman’s Hollow, including miles of trails crafted in the tradition of walking the English country- side. What is your dog interested in? Open fields? Sporty hills? Long vis- tas? A romp on the beach? A swim in a pond? Unique woodlands? TheGreenway here has them all.

Turning north, two miles on the CornNeck Road leads to a trail system known as “The Maze.” These grassy paths are unmarked but well-maintained and a delight for your dog - even when you are lost. You can pop out at a stone wall or one of the best views on the East Coast. The Clay Head Nature Trail runs for about one easy-going mile along the top of 70-foot bluffs. It may be one of the longest miles you’ve ever stepped with Seaman when you factor in frequent stops for watching crashing waves or charting the prog- ress of a passing vessel.

HIKING TIME: 4-5 hours

(from the book 300 Day Hikes To Take With Your Dog Before He Tires You Out: Trails where you won’t be able to wipe the wag off your dog’s tail)