Please go to the Trail webpage for instructions on how to manage any trail obstacles and updates to trail closures and State coronavirus updates. I enjoyed Hiking and Biking the North South Trail in sections from February to April 2018
I discovered the North-South Trail When researching the Massachusetts Mid-state trail. The North-South trail becomes the Massachusetts Mid-state at the RI Massachusetts border. I decided I would start by touching to ocean at the Southern End of the RI Trail, work my way the 78 miles North, and then continue north along the Mass MId-State trail.
The North South Trail crosses many green spaces and old roads
Some of the photos from my trip can be found below to show the variety of terrain.
wear comfortable footwear as parts of the trail take you along roads.
Fun Fact
a quick side trip can bring you to Jerimoth hill the highest point in the state.
click here for more information https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g54077-d583450-Reviews-Jerimoth_Hill-Foster_Rhode_Island.html
Resources for the N/S trail:
Section MAPS these are the best up to date detailed maps with turn by turn details. send a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope (with enough postage to handle 7 legal sized papers) and at this time - send one dollar for printing to: NST MAPS 27 Post Road Warwick RI 02888
I also purchased a Patch for completing the trail from the above address.
Other Online resources My Facebook Resource page https://www.facebook.com/groups/1036451693520134 the official NST Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/North-South-Trail-Rhode-Island-1541038366146327
A page with a good writeup
And an open street map
Great Swamp Press once published a North-South Trail Guidebook, however it is difficult and sometimes costly to find copies today as it is presently out of print. www.greatswamppress.com
below is the link to the Arcadia Park map.
(Photo of map section with the campsite near stepstone falls)
- this map is Very helpful to find the way to the free Hikers overnight Campsite in the park.but you must call and tell the ranger you are coming. I have been told there is an online permit they would likepeople to fill out if you intend to camp there overnight.
there is also a pavilion nearby with picnic tables and 2 fireplaces where a fire can be made. however there is no camping allowed within the pavilion. https://www.greatswamppress.com/product/arcadia-r-i-trails-footpaths-roads/
Other camping opportunities along the trail
Burlingame State Campground three miles from the southern terminus,
Ginny B Campground at mile 46,
Dyer Woods Nudist Campground at mile 48,
Oak Leaf Family Campground at mile 61,
George Washington State Campground at mile 66.
RHODE ISLAND HAS STRICT RULES ABOUT WEARING BLAZE ORANGE Solid fluorescent hunter orange must be worn above the waist and be visible in all directions. Examples are: a hat that covers 200 square inches or a combination of hat and vest covering 500 square inches. Fluorescent camouflage does not meet this requirement. This applies to All users of State Management Areas and designated undeveloped State Parks, including but not limited to: hikers, bikers, and horseback riders are required to wear two hundred (200) square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from the second Saturday in September to the last day of February and the third Saturday in April to the last day in May, annually. During the shotgun deer season, five hundred (500) square inches (meaning both a hat and vest must be worn.) are required to be worn by all users. this applies to all users not only hunters http://www.eregulations.com/rhodeisland/hunting/general-information/
Here are the Maps i have. These may not be up to date. Follow the blazes.