Visit

“If you spend time in the North Woods, you will come to love the North Woods.” ~Dr. Nancy Karraker

Thank you for your interest in visiting this special part of the University campus! Here you will find information to help prepare for your trip. You could spend as little as a few minutes, or several hours. Along the way, you may pass by stone walls and old foundations from 20th century homesteads, such as the Underwood Site. You’ll walk the same paths as Grey Tree Frogs and White-tailed Deer.

A salamander smaller than a pen rests on an outstretched palm.
If you’re especially observant, you may encounter salamanders such as this one during your visit.

Trail Maps

Know before you go! Trails in the North Woods are easy to navigate. It’s important to be familiar with the maps to follow public trails and avoid off-limits areas.

https://web.uri.edu/north-woods/visit/trail-maps/

Recreation

Hiking, trail running, dog walking, birdwatching, and mindfulness meditation are some of the activities North Woods visitors enjoy.

https://web.uri.edu/north-woods/visit/recreation/

Leave No Trace

Principles of land stewardship to make sure that we all work together to protect the North Woods.

https://web.uri.edu/north-woods/visit/leave-no-trace/

Tick Prevention

Always be tick aware! Ticks are small, but they can be dangerous, and are common in the North Woods as with other areas in the region.

https://web.uri.edu/north-woods/visit/tick-prevention/

Poison Ivy

This unassuming plant is important for wildlife, but it can cause rashes if it comes in contact with human skin. Learn what to look for, how to stay safe, and the special role this plant plays in the ecosystem.

https://web.uri.edu/north-woods/visit/poison-ivy/

iNaturalist

iNaturalist is an app that gathers scientific data from community observations. Anyone can contribute and view the open-access data. To date, over 1,500 observations have been submitted in the North Woods.

https://web.uri.edu/north-woods/visit/inaturalist/

Parking Information:

Parking adjacent to the North Woods is limited during the academic year. Students with an active parking permit may use the Fine Arts lot, or take the shuttle to the Coastal Institute and use the trailhead across the street. Community members without a permit can visit the URI Visitor Center to obtain parking information. Although there are restrooms on the University campus, be mindful that there are no facilities inside the North Woods or at trail entrances. There are outdoor trash receptacles on campus, but not in the woods.