Picnicking

Shady Lea Grove is a small picnic area on the side of Route 4, right at the intersection of Route 4 and Route 1. Not huge and not quiet, given the proximity to the highway, but a good place to sit and eat a sandwich.

What a fabulous place to spend an afternoon! We picnicked on a hill overlooking a lake, walked over a dam and then took a leisurely stroll on a quiet, wooded half-mile trail. Parking was abundant and there were bathrooms in two different places. I look forward to returning in the summer and exploring the longer trails.

Official Description (from location's homepage)
At over 14,000 mostly forested acres, the Arcadia Management Area is the State’s largest, offering users a great variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Co-managed by DEM’s Divisions of Forest Environment and Fish & Wildlife, it is promoted as, and actively managed for hunting, as well as fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, to name a few. “Multiple use” management principles apply, assuring a safe and satisfying experience for hunters and non-hunters alike. Miles upon miles of gravel roads and well marked and maintained trails entice hikers to return to a different section each visit. These same trails are often used by mountain bikers or horseback riders so all users need to act responsibly, show courtesy, and “share the road”. Recommended parking for mountain bikers is at either the Browning Mill Pond Recreation Area lot, or the Brook Trail lot which accesses Midway Trail. For day use swimming, fishing, or boating, try either the Beach Pond or Browning Mill Pond Recreation Areas. Fishing and boating is allowed in Breakheart Pond, but not swimming, cooking, or fires. If you are 14 years old or under, try fishing for trout in the stocked Frosty Hollow Pond, which has a handicapped accessible fishing platform. The Wood River , which flows through the heart of the Management Area is also stocked with trout and offers anglers one of the best freshwater fishing experiences available in the state. But remember, some parts of the river are available to fly fisherman only, and others are “catch and release” only. (Contact DEM’s Division of Fish & Wildlife for more information about fishing these areas). For canoeists and kayakers the Wood River ’s Class I and Class II stream rating assures an unforgettable outdoor experience for both novice and experience. A designated canoe launch area is found at the Deer Check Station on Route 165, and there are put-in or take-out areas at each major road crossing. Horseback riders can enjoy camping at the Reynold’s Horseman Area. “Walk in” camping is also available, by permit, at the “Backpack Area”, and a shelter is available for overnight rental at the Frosty Hollow Pond Recreation area.

Official Description (from location's homepage)
One of the state's most popular beaches with over one-half mile of beach front. There are also many local attractions for children. This modern pavilion includes many new concepts including rails, outside showers, tower and composting toilets. This beach does fill to capacity during sunny summer weekends.

Though we've only ventured to Lincoln Woods once, I look forward to going back. It is a spacious, open, quiet area with lots of picnic areas, a few baseball fields, lots of trails and a pond. (Picnic sites are reservable and fill up fast, I believe). A wonderful place to spend an afternoon playing, hiking or just getting some fresh air.

Official Description (from location's homepage)
Goddard Park attracts thousands of visitors each year as Rhode Island’s most popular Metropolitan Park. The park offers a beautiful natural environment with spacious lawns, fields, and forested areas with a variety of trees from all over the world, including 62 deciduous and 19 evergreen species. Visitors can make use of a nine hole golf course, an equestrian show area, 18 miles of bridle trails, 355 picnic tables, 11 game fields, and a new performing arts center for weddings, concerts, picnics and special events