Rhode Island Fall Foliage Drive

The Rhode Island State Tree is the red maple, which turns up in shades of gold, purple, and scarlet in fall.

This tiny state is also home to such diverse species as scarlet oak, white oak, northern red oak, yellow birch, gray birch, ash, and black cherry. Pine forests dominate southern woodlands, reserving the most dramatic leaf peeping for the northern and western regions. Along the way, you'll find dense forests, rolling meadows with centuries-old stone walls, an occasional orchard or pumpkin patch, and archetypal New England country stores.

This tour through the state's quieter corners begins in Providence, where you can stroll across Brown University's handsome campus of dignified academic buildings and towering shade trees. Drive north from Providence on Route 122 and then Route 114 north for about 12 miles to Cumberland, a small town with undulating woodland crowned by a canopy of sugar maple, scarlet oak, and birch trees. Stop at Diamond Hill Vineyards, whose grapevines and apple trees yield an intriguing selection of wines, including some sweet varieties made from fruits and berries grown on-site—perfect on a cool October day.

Best Time to Go

Foliage peaks in most of Rhode Island in the second and third weeks of October, beginning in the northwestern corner and moving south to the coast. Color can last more than two weeks in years with no big storms and plenty of cool, crisp autumn nights. If you don't have long to linger, check out the stunning views from Prospect Terrace, on Providence's East Side, or take a walk along the rural trails of Tiverton's Weetamoo Woods and Little Compton's Wilbour Woods.

The rest of the tour meanders through some of Rhode Island's most pastoral countryside. Drive west about 12 miles on Route 116 through Greenville, turning west on U.S. 44 for 7 miles to the hamlet of Chepachet, where Colonial and Victorian buildings contain antiques shops and quirky stores. Don't miss Brown & Hopkins, one of the country's oldest continuously operating general stores—complete with nostalgia-inducing candy counter—or the Tavern on Main, a rambling 18th-century restaurant some say is haunted.

Follow U.S. 44 west 5 miles through the burst of changing leaves in Pulaski Memorial State Forest. Turn left onto Route 94 and follow this for about 13 miles to Route 102, then continue southeast another 20 miles to Exeter. This mostly undeveloped route from Chepachet to Exeter is lined with pristine hardwood forests, with an abundance of red maple, white oak, beech, elm, and poplar trees.

From Route 102, continue east to the Colonial seaport of Wickford, whose pretty harbor opens to Narragansett Bay. The town's oak- and beech-shaded lanes are perfect for a late-afternoon stroll among the galleries and boutiques.

The drive totals about 80 miles and takes four–eight hours, depending on stops.

Need a Break?

Brown & Hopkins Country Store. Opened in 1809, this store carries candles, reproduction antiques, penny candy, and handmade soaps. 1179 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, Rhode Island, 02814. 401/568–4830; www.brownandhopkins.com. Mon.–Sat. 10–5, Sun. 11–5.

Diamond Hill Vineyards. This winery produces Pinot Noir from grapes grown on-site, as well as wines made from local apples, blueberries, and other fruit. 3145 Diamond Hill Rd., Cumberland, Rhode Island, 02864. 401/333–2751; www.diamondhillvineyards.com. Free. Thurs.–Sat. noon–5, Sun. noon–3.

Tavern on Main. For lunch, try the homemade seafood stuffies or the lobster roll. 1157 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, Rhode Island, 02814. 401/710–9788; www.tavernonmainri.com. Closed Mon. and Tues..