• Neutaconkanut Hill
• Plainfield Street, Providence, RI
• Trailhead: 41°48’40.99″N, 71°27’45.71″W
• First Time Hiked: March 17, 2013
• Last Time Hiked: March 28, 2020
• Approximate distance hiked: 1.8 miles
• Moderate with some significant elevation.

Providence is a bustling New England city with miles and miles of blocks of brick buildings, mills, and tenement houses.In the western end of the city a large tract of land is preserved as open space. When you are on the trails of Neutaconkanut Hill you soon forget that you are still in fact in the city. The hill once served as the northwestern boundary of Providence as agreed upon by the founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams, and the Native Americans. Starting at the parking area by the Recreation Center on Plainfield Street, first follow the orange blazed trail into the woods. You will soon come to a trail intersection. Turn left onto the red blazed Pond Trail. You will first soon King Pond below to the left before coming to the Great Stone Steps. This stretch is very steep and can be difficult. Just beyond the top of the hill is a four way intersection. Turn left onto the orange blazed trail. It will eventually come the first of several outlooks. From this side of the hill on clear days you will be offered sweeping views to the southeast. A glimpse of the Easy Bay and Newport is possible during the weather conditions. After a quick stop at the outlook continue along the orange blazed trail to the Pinnacle Boardwalk. There is a nice bench here to take a quick break. Continuing to follow the orange blazed trail will lead you next to the remains of two Camaros. This site is a testament to how nature reclaims the land and objects left there. The trail then wraps to the left. A trail to the right leads down a steep bank and over a stream. For this hike do not take that turn, continue straight and follow the straight, level trail that descends slightly downhill. The trail then turns to the right a bit and winds towards the King Monument, named after the family who donated the land. After the monument, look for the blue trail on the left. Follow the blue trail in its entirety. The trail winds through the hillside offering another (unmarked) overlook near its southern most bend before looping back to the north passing well above an area of swamp to the left. At the end of the trail turn left onto the orange blazed trail and follow it to the road. Across the road is a meadow, walk through this area to a set of rock outcrops. From these outcrops is an impressive view of Downtown Providence. There is also the ruins of a bandstand here. In the early to mid 20th century this spot was used for concerts and gatherings. Make your way down the hill to the road below. Along the timber guardrail is an opening that leads to the WPA (Works Progress Administration) steps and path that will lead you down to the bottom of the hill to the park and ball fields by the parking area.

Trail map can be found at: Neutaconkanut Hill

Overlooking Providence