This 120-acre wildlife refuge offers trails ranging from 0.5 mile to 1.25 miles through woods and wetlands, and beside a pond and a brook. The visitor center, which is also the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s headquarters, houses a library, where you can browse through a great selection of nature books. A gift shop and bird-feeding station are also inside. What is so striking here is that this sanctuary is just off two busy highways. Once you start walking, though, the sounds drop away and you’d never guess how close you are to civilization.

The shortest hike is along Orange Trail, which you can pick up from the center. You can either do the inner loop (0.45 mile) or the outer loop (0.85 mile). If you want to explore farther, you can connect to the 1.25-mile Blue Trail at three different points. Blue Trail then links to Yellow Trail (0.75 mile).

Visit in winter for great snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, or to take part in one of the Audubon events, such as winter wildlife wreath making or New England owl talks.

Remember: When you look outside the boundaries of this property, you’ll see a stark reminder of what our landscapes can turn into if we don’t protect them.

About 2 miles south of Powder Mill, Snake Den State Park is a 1,000-acre park with self-guided walking trails and a working farm.

You’ll see a lot of dining options on RI 5 and US 44.