Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

A State-Federal Partnership Program

>> Recreation

ATTENTION: Caution must be taken by visitors to Prudence Island to avoid exposure to ticks and tick-bourne diseases.

Guidelines for protection against tick bites are available here.

Click here for a printable "Points of Interest" Map of Prudence Island

Hiking

Hiking on Prudence Island is a popular activity. The paved and dirt roads that criss-cross the island are hiker friendly, and most of the Reserve's natural areas are accessible to hikers by an island-wide network of single-track trails.

NEW!

"A Self Guided Hike" has been installed! This 1.9 mile (3 km) hike explores the south end of Prudence Island and takes about a hour to complete. Pick up a booklet and follow along by stopping at the several numbered "discovery stops" marked along this paved loop trail.

Booklets can be picked up at the Estuary Ed Shed at the T-Wharf, at the Lab & Learning Center, or can be downloaded from this website.

Click here to download and print the "Exploring the South End of Prudence: A Self Guided Hike."

Biking

The south end of Prudence Island was paved with single-lane concrete roads by the Navy when they had an active presence on the island. Today these roads are within the boundaries of the Reserve and make excellent bike trails for people of all ages. The paved and dirt roads throughout the rest of the island are biker-friendly. The usual rules of the road are to be followed by all bikers on roads used by motorized vehicles. For those with more adventurous tastes mountain biking is permited on single-track trails except where posted otherwise.

Swimming

Prudence Island is home to a couple of great swimming spots including Sandy Beach on the island's west side, the small beach at the south end located inside the T-Wharf, and the south side of Sandy Point on the east side of the island. As with swimming anywhere in Narragansett Bay, caution should be taken in regards to tidal currents and beach closures.

*Swimming is permitted on the Reserve, but bear in mind that LIFEGUARDS are NOT present on any of the Reserve properties, so swim at your own risk.

Hunting and Fishing

For information about hunting on Prudence Island please click here.

For information about fishing on Prudence Island please click here.

Boating

People from all around Narragansett Bay enjoy visiting Prudence Island by boat. At both the south end of the island (T-Wharf) and at the north end inside Potter Cove there are floating docks for small boats. Boats may only stay at these docks for 5 minutes at a time to transfer passengers and gear. Anchoring is permitted around the island, but fines will be imposed on boats anchoring in eelgrass beds located around the Reserve. Eelgrass beds are clearly marked in the summer months with tall floating orange and white buoys.

Birding

A list of birds commonly spotted on and around Prudence is coming soon!

Activities such as beachcombing, kayaking, and sightseeing are encouraged in the Reserve.

For more information on group activities, interpretive programs and more check the Reserve's Calendar of Events and our Education Page!

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