Whale Rock Trail

Whale Rock Trail is a short, moderate hike in Rhode Island, set within the Whale Rock land unit managed by a non-governmental organization. The trail is an out-and-back route of about 1.6 miles, with a total elevation gain of 164 feet. The climb is back-loaded, meaning the steeper part comes toward the end of the route, and the steepest stretch is about 0.05 miles in, with a grade of 6 percent. The trail is a quick outing, estimated to take about half an hour. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Kingston show July highs around 80°F with lows near 60°F, while September cools to highs in the low 70s. Nearby, the Saugatucket River offers river fishing about 3.4 miles away, and the Chipuxet River is about 6.4 miles off. Cliff Walk, a hike roughly 6.7 miles away, and the Pawcatuck River, a canoeing route about 8.3 miles away, round out the options.