BI has done an outstanding job of preserving their green-space. Unfortunately they’ve done a miserable job of providing maps of any kind, most significantly lacking in trail maps. Rodman’s Hollow is gorgeous and can keep you meandering for an afternoon. If you’re an average hiker, or really anyone in good health, the BI trails will not be too challenging and they’re full of gorgeous rewards. If you’re not up for a long hike or any moderately challenging inclines, you may find yourself facing more of a hike than you’d hoped for since getting information about trails is the only downside to BI hiking.
Julie A.
Place rating: 5 San Francisco, CA
If you find yourself on Block Island, this is one the greatest little places to hike through! From above, you can overlook the treetops to the water. The trails are clear and I didn’t notice any poison ivy. When you reach the ocean, there’s a little way to slip down the dunes to the water. Loved the peaceful hike!
Jay D.
Place rating: 4 Providence, RI
Really beautiful view… ride by it on your scooter or bike. Really that is all you NEED to know… unless you want to ride inside. Which the mere thought of poison ivy keeps me from even Unilocaling about it. If you wanna beautiful view while you ride by… this is your kinda place.
Gavin R.
Place rating: 4 Branford, CT
I rode through the Hollow last weekend on my mountain bike. I crashed in the poison ivy, then the blackberry bushes, and finally into a stone wall. It was great, even if it takes all week to recover(the posion ivy wasn’t that bad, I washed it off as soon as I got home). My biking skills aren’t what they once were. The paths are getting a bit overgrown, not like the jeep trails that they once were in the section that I like to ride. It is quite a beautiful place just a bit more rugged than I remember. The main trail north to south is still in good shape, I did notice a bit of garbage at the trail head, tourists! I am still pulling thorns out of my hands, where did those gloves go?
Brian S.
Place rating: 5 Warwick, RI
This is one of those places I wish I could give more than 5 stars to. It’s that’s beautiful. Rodman’s Hollow is indeed a hollow, sort of a big hole in the landscape. It’s a bit under 50 acres and is crossed with hiking trails. 50 acres might not sound like much but since the trails go up and down and all around you can spend hours exploring this place. The Hollow was formed during the last period of glaciation, about 20,000 years ago and is the only know habitat of a small vole like creature. Don’t plan on actually seeing the beast because they are reported to be extremely shy, but I have seen very small trails in the grass that might be made by the voles. Unfortunately besides the voles Rodman’s Hollow is also home to an enormous amount of ticks. If you do go hiking make sure you take a bath in tick repellent or you might be taking home more than just fond memories. Rodman’s Hollow is a relatively short bike ride from the center of town and only a few miles from Southeast Lighthouse. It’s a incredible beautiful part of Block Island that unfortunately few people take the time to visit.
