Rocky Point Walking Path

This place is were you go to destress! Even on Christmas Eve it’s the place to be! Looking out at the water and spending time on the path is worth all day of craziness

An absolute treasure and hidden gem of Rhode Island culture.
My girlfriend and I love to explore, and after 2 years, we are still finding cool, new spots to spend some of our free time. We decided to look for parks near by to enjoy a late afternoon walk before making our way over to Iggy’s for dinner. Don’t regret making the detour.
If you are looking for a new view, a great spot to kick back, go for a nice walk and catch some sea shore action, this place is spacious and a top 5 spot in Rhode Island.

My boyfriend and I had half of a day in Warwick to explore. We were craving some physical activity after chowing down at Iggy Doughboy’s the night prior. The Rocky Point Walking Path is truly a hidden gem. We absolutely loved this little slice of Americana. Although we only saw a couple abandoned rides, there was plenty on the trail to explore. We found so much seaglass (an obsession of mine!) while hiking along the coastline. It was fun to stumble upon a really private beach not too far from the start of the trail. If we ever come back, that is where we are packing a lunch and spending the day! While not very physically demanding for us, Rocky Point provided beautiful scenery and exciting adventure. This hike was definitely a highlight of our weekend! I absolutely recommend it for anyone seeking the outdoors in Warwick.

I didn’t grow up in Rhode Island but I did come to rocky point before it was rehabbed. They did a great job! There is a paved walking path, about a mile long. There is a small beach area, not really for swimming but for sun bathing. They transformed the old amusement park into a large grassy area. Good for a picnic, kite flying, or for kids to run around.

We visited Rocky Point State Park because we were in Warwick for another reason, and this was the nearest place with paths for hiking.
When we got there, there was a tiny parking lot, and the old road into the now defunct amusement park, so I really had no idea what we were walking into.
Wow. We hiked 2.5 miles out, without covering the same ground twice. We saw secluded beaches, ocean, waves, sea life, trees, grass, fishing, dogs, bike riding, running hiking and more. We only had a few hours, so we did not have a chance to see it all. We reviewed our trip in our travel blog, #ThisIsNewEngland at

While I really miss the old Rocky Point amusement park, it is nice to see that the state bought the land and are turning it into a nice park. I hope that it eventually becomes more developed and accessible (boat launches, a beach, bathrooms, and cooking areas would be nice) like Colt State Park which is right across the bay. But as of now it has some great walking paths, woods to explore, and big grassy areas to hang out and picnic. There are a few old ride remnants left to explore as well.

Worthless if your an older person and cant walk that well. I dont know why they cant open this up and let us park inside so EVERYONE can enjoy it.

I would have loved to have seen it in its glory days. I’ve heard about it during its grand opening in 2014. I ended up convincing my husband to check it out (he loves to metal detect) and I loved the view. They cleaned up the park very well judging by the photos I’ve seen when it was abandoned not to long ago. A very fun place to explore and then the gorgeous view of the bay itself is also worth it. I love abandoned and decaying places and seeing the skyliner pieces still in tact made me nostalgic, and I’ve never seen it in operation. Beautiful view and a bunch of history. Love walking around here.

I’m a walker, so I always like to try out different paths and trails. We headed here on a recent Sunday morning. It’s definitely short, I’m not sure if it is even a mile in one direction. On one side you have beautiful water views and some small, not very busy beaches. We some saw people enjoying the beaches as well as sailing and stand up paddle boarding while we were walking. The walk is paved, with not a lot of trees to shade the path itself, so it does get quite hot in the summer if there isn’t a breeze off the water.
The falling down park on the other side is fairly depressing. The chain link fence, burned out buildings and no trespassing signs are a turnoff. It will be interesting to see what the state does with the land now that demolition is starting. There is so much potential. I hope to visit again and be able to rate the path higher.

Ive never been to Rocky Point in its Prime I would have loved to. This place tells a story every time I come and I’m sure it will tell it to you too if you listen very carefully.
it is my favorite spot ever. Perfect place to bring a chair and a book and relax. One of the only beaches I’ve found that isn’t littered with people. I have, and probably always will swim here but warwick is notorious for dirty water and I don’t care just don’t put your head in or something. Orrrr just come with your dog to walk the path.

The new park/​path has a bit of a three part deal going on. You have the old Rocky Point Park, fenced off on one side with dilapidated buildings and rusty arches. You have the new Rocky Point path, well manicured and paved. You also have a little bit of wilderness with overgrown fields, private beaches, and rocky shores. I kinda dig the combo deal they have going on.
It was the first time I had been there since the amusement park days way back when I was in middle school. I was there crack-​ass early one morning. Believe me, you were probably still in bed. I walked the quarter mile from the parking lot to the shore, not really knowing what to expect. It was pretty surreal. The sun was just starting to peak over the horizon and the bay was full of fishing boats. For a while I was the only person on the path yet the water was bustling with activity.
It’s a fairly small park. The paved path along the water is probably good for a quick jog or a morning stroll. Any time you’re walking within a few feet of the ocean you can count on the views being pretty decent. It’s no Newport Cliffwalk, but it’s still an ocean front stroll.
The wild bits of the park are worth a little bit of exploring. There are the rocks by the shore that are just begging to be climbed on. I watched a guy fishing off of one of the further out rocks. There are also a few paths that lead off into the woods. They don’t go too far, but they’re worth checking out. I followed one that lead me over the rocky shore to a private beach-​like setting. The beach is a bit rocky and the waters are lacking in waves so I’m not suggesting you bring a towel and stay for the day. But a quick dip while you’re already there? Yeah, probably a great idea on a hot day.
The fenced off bits of the park are just begging to be explored. I’m a bit old to be ignoring «no trespassing» signs and hopping fences to explore buildings that are falling down on themselves. But if you’re a teenage hoodlum, you’ll probably love it here. It looks like all the old Rocky Point rides have been swept away, but there are a few buildings that are still standing including the old chowdah house. I suggest you go take a look and when you do, send me some of the pics*.
I liked it here. The old buildings added a bit of an eerie quality. The waterfront property gave some scenic views. The wooded paths allow you to explore and find your own slice of wilderness. It’s worth checking out and spending an hour or so there.
*Brian M is not responsible for any damage you might do if you happen to hop the fence. Brian M will not pay your hospital bills if you happen to get hurt on a rusty building structure. Brian M certainly will not bail you out of jail if you happen to get pinched. Ignore the no trespassing signs at your house risk. But yeah, send some pics to Brian M if you happen to hop the fence and explore the old chowdah house.

There is a fantastic film that was made about the history of the park. Check it out, it’s called: «You Must Be This Tall: The Story of Rocky Point Park»

i was so excited to hear that rocky point was going to be an open space and land for everyone to enjoy. i spent the summer weekends of my youth at rocky point beach. my Maternal grandparents had a cottage there. i remember weekends spent with my cousins aunts and uncles. we had a great view of the bay, concerts and fireworks could be heard and seen from the cottage. no music was needed during the day we got all the music right from the rides of the park. chowder cakes rides and games were the best times of my youth. went up to rocky point twice since it was reopened. nice walk and nice views. was also shocked to see cottages still standing. including my grandparents cottage. they also have picnic benches. come for a walk bring a blanket and some lunch relax on the quite rocky point beach.

Rocky Point.
Oh how I miss that place. Such fond memories. Thank you for not turning into condos or businesses! I kinda hope they keep the property ‘as is’ the walking path is so nice and the fact that you can peek through the fence and see parts of old attractions, that is just a great feeling! I still get excited going there! I wish I lived closer! A once a month visit is gonna have to do for now I guess. I also enjoy seeing the old cabins and let’s not forget the shore dinner hall! Yes, it may be a little creepy, but oh, the memories!
Thank you for turning it into a great public walking park! Let’s keep it that way!

So I never went to the original Rocky Point, so I don’t have the previous that went with it in my memories. However, in reviewing it simply as a walking path (it’s not a hike, it’s a walk), it was just meh. the dilapidated buildings are a bit creepy — like you walked by a previous area. Along the water which is nice, but it can get a bit windy in the winter.

«Rocky Point is so exciting, Rocky Point where you can come alive, Rocky Point you are all invited to share the summertime, Rocky Point!»
It’s an honor to dedicate my 300^th review to Rocky Point Park.
For all of you old Rocky Point Park fans this trail is a must visit! It brings back memories of driving past the flume as you enter the park and seeing people splash each other on the ride. You also can walk over the cemented in salt water pool that they had decades ago. You walk by the food hall — you can almost smell the endless bowls of chowda and clam cakes!

A
new
beginning
Rocky Point Amusement Park was once the largest attraction in Rocky Island and one of the most popular amusement parks in the whole country. It opened way back in the 1840’s and entertained millions of people, including presidents, foreign dignitaries, famous movie stars and of course common folk.
It survived devastating hurricanes in 1938 and 1954 and rebuilt better than ever but couldn’t weather the storm of the changing priorities of the people and economy difficulties. It finally closed it doors and shut down it’s rides for good in 1996. The cottages and great buildings decayed or were vandalized by idiots. It was fenced off and this great land right on Narragansett Bay just sat dormant and forlorn. However it was not forgotten.
Because of it’s prime and desirable location lots of grandiose and economically profitable ideas were thrown about. The most persistent and horrible was to built a large waterfront condo complex. That meant this great parcel of land would be forever closed to the public.
Fortunately a small but determined group of individuals would not let this happen. They fought to have the town of Warwick buy the land and keep it open as a park. Politicians are frequently vilified, vituperated and denigrated, usual for good cause. However great credit has to go to Mayor Advedisian of Warwick, Governor Chaffee of the state of Rhode Island and others for getting involved and not just engaging in lots of the usual grandiloquent political verbiage but actually making it happen.
The town of Warwick did indeed buy 41 acres of the land right on the water and on June 24, 2011 the park and hiking trail was officially opened. A nice ceremony and ribbon cutting, with the mayor, governor and television cameras attending, was held and the beautiful waterfront was once again open to the public.
I live only a short walk from the park so I consider this my back yard but I will gladly share with others. It’s just to lovely to keep for a few, everyone should have a right to come here. There still are another 81 acres from the old amusement park that is still just sitting there but people continue to fight against development and want the 81 acres to be Incorporated into the park. It just might happen. Sometimes individuals, backed by strong leadership, can indeed win out over corporations and big business.