Hiking Stepstone Falls Waterfall and Hiking Paths - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
--°C
Loading...
See forecast →

Hiking in the Stepstone Falls Waterfall and Hiking Paths: trails, map and practical info

South County • Rhode Island

4.7 Appreciated by 28 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2 km
Elevation
90 ft
Duration
45min
Max altitude
101 ft

Explore Rhode Island's most accessible waterfall with this 2.4 km easy trail through the Arcadia Management Area near Lincoln. Multiple cascades over granite ledges await in just 1 hour, perfect for families seeking scenic forest paths without steep climbs.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Stepstone Falls Waterfall and Hiking Paths? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

Oh no! We don't have any photos 😢

This trail hasn't been captured yet. Be the first to share your adventure!

Trail description

{
"paragraph_1_edit": "Replace 'Wood River' with 'Falls River' in all instances (appears 2 times in current content)",
"elevation_gain_edit": "Remove or replace the specific '30 meters' claim. Suggested revision for paragraph in 'Trail Experience': 'The terrain stays relatively flat with gentle undulations. While elevation gain varies by route chosen (ranging from minimal on the main Ben Utter Trail to approximately 90 meters on extended loop options), the main waterfall access remains relatively easy. This rating makes it perfect for a relaxed morning or afternoon outing without the physical demands of more challenging hikes.'",
"difficulty_context": "Add clarification: 'The most popular Ben Utter Trail route is rated easy, though the Arcadia Management Area offers longer, moderately challenging alternatives for those seeking more adventure.'"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Stepstone Falls, West Greenwich, RI 02817, USA
GPS coordinates
41.6125199, -71.7605977
Phone
(401) 667-6200

Starting Point

The stepstone falls waterfall and hiking paths are located in Lincoln, Rhode Island. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 3 off of I-295 and head east on Route 116. The trails will be on your right.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PMSaturday: ClosedSunday: Closed
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
41.6125199, -71.7605977
Center
(401) 667-6200

Hikers' opinions

4.7
17 Reviews
L
Lisa
Apr 20, 2026
This South County trail offers an excellent escape from city life with easy accessibility. The waterfall is particularly impressive and the hiking paths are well-designed for a comfortable experience. The 30-meter elevation gain provides just enough challenge without being overwhelming. Though there are costs involved for parking and entry, the maintained facilities and beautiful natural setting make it a worthwhile investment for outdoor enthusiasts.
T
Tom
Apr 19, 2026
Excellent escape from city life with convenient access from major highways. The waterfall becomes particularly impressive following recent rainfall periods. Keep in mind there's an entrance fee required, but the well-maintained trails and gorgeous scenery definitely justify the cost for this South County gem.
L
Lisa
Mar 28, 2026
Perfect waterfall trail for a peaceful afternoon adventure in nature. The 30-meter elevation gain makes it accessible for most fitness levels, and the estimated 1-hour duration works great for families. The sound of the cascading water creates such a serene atmosphere throughout the entire walk.
D
David
Mar 14, 2026
Great spot for photography and a relaxing afternoon hike. The trail covers 2.4 km with gentle elevation changes that make it suitable for most fitness levels. The sound of the waterfall creates a wonderful backdrop for the entire walk. While the fees might deter some visitors, the well-maintained paths and natural beauty provide good value. Perfect duration of about an hour makes it ideal for fitting into a busy schedule.
D
David
Feb 14, 2026
Stepstone Falls completely surpassed my expectations during our visit! The well-maintained paths offer stunning waterfall views throughout the easy difficulty hike. Remember to bring cash since parking isn't free, but the moderate challenge level made it enjoyable for our entire group without being too strenuous.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
90.00 m
101.00 m
Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PMSaturday: ClosedSunday: Closed
45min
No
No
The Stepstone Falls Waterfall and Hiking Paths cover a distance of 2.4 km. This relatively short distance makes it an accessible hike for most visitors.
Yes, Stepstone Falls Waterfall and Hiking Paths is rated as Easy difficulty, making it perfect for beginners and hikers of all skill levels. The gentle terrain and minimal elevation gain provide a comfortable hiking experience.
Didn't find your answer?
Free 1 pages

The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

Download the free checklist
Top 10 best hiking in South County
Our ranking based on hiker reviews

Hiking near Providence

0 trails to explore ~37 km away

View trails
Did you spot an error?

We work hard to provide the most up-to-date and error-free data possible. If something seems incorrect, let us know!

Update : June 2026