A northern Rhode Island classic just off your favorite highway, Lincoln Woods State Park was purchased for public use back in 1910 and has since become a favorite for locals from all walks of life.
Whether you’ve seen it for yourself or never even heard of it until today, we hope to offer you an honest review and helpful guide to the park. Let us know if you have any questions or comments!
| Location 2 Manchester Print Works Rd, Lincoln, Providence County, Rhode Island Arrival Car Trail Length 3.1 miles Trail Type Loop, Paved Elevation Gain 300 feet Swimming Lake, Lifeguards on duty Memorial Day to Labor Day Trail difficulty Easy Wheelchair Access Yes Pet-Friendly On leash Parking Free Camping Paid, Reservations required Highlights Nice lake beach, Variety, Amenities, Runner/biker-friendly |
Honest Review of Lincoln Woods State Park
Overall, we love this park. It’s a great place for people of all ages, with or without families, to spend a day (or more).
While you may not be seeking lakes or ponds when traveling to The Ocean State, it is a very scenic area with great views of hilly woods. It’s a unique spot for Rhode Island, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Whether you’re kayaking, fishing, swimming, working out, or just relaxing, there’s something here for you!
Amenities Offered
You will notice the map of the park is essentially a giant loop with a two-lane road. Most often, one lane is used for slow, careful driving while the other is filled with walkers and runners.
Moreover, each lap around the park (on the road) is 3.1 miles or 5 kilometers around. The distances are clearly marked around the loop for those looking to walk, run, or bike a certain distance.
As a fair warning, the terrain is fairly flat with sporadic hills that can challenge even experienced athletes. In other words, if you’re planning on setting your 5K record, then this probably isn’t the best place for you.
Downsides
Lincoln Woods is an excellent stop if you live close by, and locals definitely spend a lot of their time here. However, that can cause some problems.
For one, there is often traffic in the area, and impatient drivers may make the roads a little less safe for pedestrians. Although, if you’re from Rhode Island or Massachusetts, then this isn’t even worth mentioning.
Also, the park is located directly next to Rt 146, which makes it convenient, but also noisy, even when there are no crowds. However, if you can tune that out, then this won’t be a problem either!
Hidden Gems
We’ve spent plenty of time at this park, as we used to live only ten minutes from it. It helped keep us sane during the first six months of the Covid-19 pandemic, and we always look back fondly at our time spent here.
At the risk of spreading the secret, we’ll let you know about both the hidden berry bushes and the frog pond!
Facing away from the beach toward your left, there are walking trails that enter into the trees. In there, you will find plenty of fresh raspberries and blackberries that are ripe for the taking between July and September. Also in that trail, you’re bound to see plenty of fireflies as the sun begins to set.
Take a few steps back from the beach and you’ll come to a bridge that goes over a small, unappealing pond. If you or your children enjoy catching frogs, then this is a perfect place to stay entertained!
Best Time to Visit
Of course, if you’re looking to go swimming, then the summer is the perfect time. However, this is truly one of the best locations in southern New England to see the fall foliage, in our opinion.
Taking a blissful walk or running around this loop trail during the early spring or during fall’s gorgeous peak is breathtaking.
If you decide to go during peak seasons, then we suggest going during the week while everybody is at work. This is the closest you’ll get to having such a beautiful park to yourself!
Planning a Day Trip to Lincoln Woods
A trip to this park is entirely free, even for parking. As long as you bring the food and gear you need with you, you won’t need a wallet for an entire trip!
What to Bring
Depending on what you want to do, there’s a lot you can bring to Lincoln Woods! The most popular activities include walking, running, biking, and swimming. Right near the entrance, there’s even a privately-run horseback riding place if you’re interested!
If you have a dog, this is a great place for a walk. Otherwise, simply bring the gear for the activity of your choice.
Exercise isn’t the only thing you can do here. You can hang out on the beach, play games on the picnic table, sit on big rocks overlooking the scenery, or hang out by the frog pond away from the crowd.
Is a Day Trip Right for Me?
If you live in the Providence/Pawtucket area (most of Rhode Island), then a day trip to Lincoln Woods should be quick and easy. Central Massachusetts residents with easy access to 146 should also find a trip to take no more than 30 to 45 minutes each way. If you live in those areas, then we would suggest a day trip to start!
Camping at Lincoln Woods
Whether you live close by or far away, you may consider camping at Lincoln Woods. Well, there are plenty of camping spots available during the warmer months that will allow you to enjoy the park for longer.
It isn’t exactly a “rough it” type of camping spot, but if you want easy access to the park and little hassle with your family, then there are excellent campsites away from the high-traffic roads available to you.
Take a Lap & See for Yourself
Pictures of Lincoln Woods won’t do it much justice. There’s nothing quite like taking a 3-mile lap of stunning New England scenery and enjoying it for yourself.
As always, stay up to date with our latest reviews of your favorite areas, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions! If you want to enjoy the ocean, check out Colt State Park, which is only 40 minutes away!
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