Despite its small size, Rhode Island is home to a whopping fifteen state parks as well as seven state beaches and five other public use lands managed by the Division of Parks and Recreation. And while we love all of these stunning state parks as much as the last, we’re particularly drawn to this gem that is surrounded on three sides by water. If this spot hasn’t made it onto your spring bucket list yet, what are you waiting for?
Nestled along one of Rhode Island’s most stunning pieces of coastline, the Poppasquash Neck, in the township of Bristol, Rhode Island on Route 114, Colt State Park is a natural oasis that occupies approximately 464 acres.
RI State Parks/Flickr
Colt State Park is often described as the “gem of the state parks system,” and you’ll understand why as soon as you arrive.
Bogdan Tapu/Flickr
Once owned by industrialist Samuel P. Colt, this state park is a major component of the Poppasquash Farms Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a stop along the East Bay Bike Path. Colt built a majestic summer home here in 1905, but all that remains today is the stone barn, pictured below.
Roger Williams/Flickr
Open year round, the entire western border of this historic state park opens to the gorgeous Narragansett Bay, providing stunning views.
Bogdan Tapu/Flickr
Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll by the water…
Jim Willis/Flickr
…or enjoy a bike ride along the four miles of bike paths that meander through the park, you’re sure to be immediately enchanted by this state park.
Roger Williams/Flickr
In addition to terrific trails and waterfront views, Colt State Park is also home to picturesque picnic groves, boat ramps, an observation tower, an ADA-accessible fishing pier, and even an open-air Chapel-by-the-Sea.
Roger Williams/Flickr
This sprawling natural oasis of manicured green lawns, stone walls, carefully nurtured fruit trees, flowering bushes, and water views along what many consider to Rhode Island’s most spectacular stretches of shoreline absolutely must be added to your spring bucket list.
Roger Williams/Flickr
Just don’t forget your camera. Amateur and professional photographers alike can’t get enough of the scenery found here at Colt State Park, and you’re sure to find a gorgeous new view around every corner.
Bogdan Tapu/Flickr
So, what are you waiting for? If you’re hoping to get away from it all — if only just for an afternoon — Colt State Park is the place to go.
Bogdan Tapu/Flickr
Colt State Park is located at Route 114, Bristol, RI 02809, and is open daily from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information about this slice of paradise, you can visit the Rhode Island Division of Parks and Recreation website. Have you been to this ethereal state park before? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
RI State Parks/Flickr
Bogdan Tapu/Flickr
Roger Williams/Flickr
Jim Willis/Flickr
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