6 Most Scenic Drives in Rhode Island

Rhode Island, known for its scenic beauty, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The Narragansett tribe inhabited a large portion of modern-day Rhode Island before colonists arrived in 1636. This history, along with a dynamic landscape, including rolling hills, opens up the opportunity for epic road trips along Route 102 and coastal lowlands on Route 1. A drive through the state is well worth the trip along these six scenic routes, which traverse diverse landscapes, historic towns, and quaint eateries. So, buckle up and prepare for a relaxing ride on Rhode Island’s many scenic roads.

Shannock Road

This scenic road is 1.7 miles long and provides a glimpse into the past with a village that is frozen in time. Shannon Road is located between the cities of Charleston and Richmond. It begins on Route 2 and ends at Route 112. Designated as a scenic road in 1991, Shannock Road reflects the natural beauty of Rhode Island with a diverse landscape of marshes, woodlands, and farm fields. Shannock Village and the Pawcatuck River are two exceptional features of the route.

Shannock Village is a well-preserved timeless village. Reflecting the 19th and early 20th centuries, the village includes a mill, housing, stores, public buildings, walls, and fences. A majority of the community is situated along Main Street, a two-lane road along the Pawcatuck River. Most buildings in the village date back to 1850 to 1900 and few homes have been renovated or built in the area.

The Pawcatuck River runs through the wooded area along the byway, providing a beautiful landscape that delights the eyes. The river's surrounding area is underdeveloped but ideal for recreation and exploring open spaces. Those interested in a short scenic drive that previews the past and diverse landscapes will enjoy all that Shannock Road offers.

Ministerial Road

Located in South Kingston, Ministerial Road or Route 110 covers six miles from Route 1 to Route 138. The road passes through dense forests filled with mountain laurels and rhododendrons. Several small brooks, wetlands, stone walls, farmland, and pastures are also along the way. Larkin Pond has a public beach surrounded by trees and wildlife.

Travelers can relish the vast wilderness of the Great Swamp Management Area, which features abundant wildlife and various bird species. The area also contains freshwater wetlands, red maple trees, and cedar swamps. Ministerial Road is ideal for road enthusiasts seeking peace and tranquility along a winding road. This tree-lined road will surely delight nature lovers as well.

Paradise Avenue and Associated Roads

This 8.3-mile-long scenic drive in Middletown includes Paradise Avenue, Berkeley Avenue, Wyatt Road, Mitchell’s Lane, Wapping Road, Peckham Avenue, Indian Avenue, and Handing Rock Road. Designated a scenic road in 1993, the route features historic homes and passes Paradise Rock and Hanging Rock. The byway leads to the Atlantic Ocean, including the landmark Paradise School and Norman Bird Sanctuary.

Paradise School was built in 1875 by Joseph Coggeshall for $2,394. The school is 38 feet long, 25 feet wide, and 15 feet high. It is a classic one-room country schoolhouse with a bell tower and a small brick chimney. Travelers can step back in time and see how students learned in the past. The drive to Paradise School is peaceful and tranquil, featuring a two-lane blacktop dotted with houses, trees, and open spaces.

The Norman Bird Sanctuary, founded by Mabel Norman Cerio in 1949, includes over 300 acres of protected land, seven miles of hiking trails, over 300 bird boxes, and 40 acres of grassland. Bird lovers and nature enthusiasts will appreciate the sanctuary's scenic beauty. Paradise Avenue and Associated Roads are excellent places to see Rhode Island's beauty while traveling to the Atlantic Ocean.

Great Road/Breakneck Hill Road

Located in Lincoln, this 1.4-mile roadway runs along Route 123 from Route 146 to Manchester Print Works Road. Designated a scenic road in 1993, it traverses the Moshassuck River Valley, passing open spaces, farmlands, sycamore trees, and fir trees leading to a picturesque landscape. Previously, the route was a Colonial road dating back to 1683. Named by the Narragansett tribe, the Moshassuck River means the river where the moose watered.

Chase Farm, situated along the route, was once a dairy farm from the late 1800s until 1965. The farm is now a historic site and includes a butterfly garden, green space, and places for sledding and hiking. The Great Road and Breakneck Hill Road are ideal ways to see the natural abundance of Rhode Island while enjoying a bit of history.

Route 102

Route 102 is in Exeter and runs between Route 2 and Route 3. This 7.3-mile-long route was designated a scenic road in 1993. The drive includes rolling hills and narrow valleys running north to south, streams, pine trees, red maple trees, and agricultural open spaces. Most of the route follows the 18th-century Ten Rod Road and includes stone walls.

Route 102 is a tree lovers paradise and includes the historic resting place of Mercy L. Brown, the "last vampire," and the nearby Middle of Nowhere Diner. A short drive from Route 102 off Route 3, the diner serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers patrons a variety of meals, including fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and classic dinners. A journey down Route 102 is an ideal way to appreciate nature, discover history, and enjoy dining.

Route 1 (Post Road)

Designated a scenic road in 2002, Route 1 starts at the South Kingston town line and goes to the Westerly town line across southern Rhode Island. The route is 7 miles long and features the 1667 Stanton Inn and Burlingame State Park.

A tranquil drive to the 1667 Stanton Inn, located on 6.7 acres of land, provides views of one of the oldest Colonial Inns in the US. The inn's history dates back to 1650 when a Native American tribe called the Niantics rewarded Thomas Stanton with the land after he helped return the tribe's princess.

Burlingame State Park is an outdoor recreational hotspot. A drive to the area leads to an undeveloped coastline, salt ponds, and a campground. Route 1 is a great way to take in nature while exploring the local history of South Kingston.

Rhode Island's scenic roads provide a glimpse of the past with spectacular natural views. The state's landscape will not disappoint the inquisitive traveler, from the rolling hills of Route 102 to the coastal lowlands of Route 1. Tranquil drives, historical tours, and outdoor exploration are just some of the perks of these scenic roads. Tourists can relish the freedom the drives offer and create long-lasting memories.