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Florence Sutherland Fort & Richard Knight Fort Nature Refuge
Florence Sutherland Fort & Richard Knight Fort Nature Refuge

Florence Sutherland Fort & Richard Knight Fort Wildlife Refuge

Address: 1445 Providence Pike (Rt. 5), North Smithfield, RI 02896
Hours: Open sunrise to sunset
Acres: 235
Trails: 3.5 miles
Trail Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Dogs are prohibited. Click here to learn why and review other trail guidelines.

Hikers and birders alike will appreciate the Fort Wildlife Refuge for its diverse habitat in Northern Rhode Island. This 235-acre property includes miles of trails that lead to three idyllic ponds. Teeming with a variety of animals as well as beautiful wetland plants, these ponds provide visitors with scenic destinations for wildlife observation and photography. In addition to hiking and bird watching, Fort Wildlife Refuge is a popular winter destination for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Refuge Highlights

  • Habitat: forest, ponds, wetlands
  • Wildlife to watch for: beaver, otter, muskrat, fox, deer, frog, turtle
  • Birds commonly found: Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, Pine Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Ovenbird, Wild Turkey, Great Blue Heron, Scarlet Tanager, Wood Duck
  • Offerings: Birdwatching, Programs, Snowshoeing/cross-country skiing

Fort Wildlife Refuge Self-Guided Trail



Using the Trails: Refuge Guidelines

All Audubon Society of Rhode Island land is protected. Our public wildlife refuges are for everyone to enjoy. Please respect the natural habitats of Audubon's refuges and avoid disturbing their inhabitants. Also, respect the rights of others when using the trails.

In order to ensure that these areas remain as healthy habitats, we ask you please to abide by these simple rules, enjoying the natural settings with quiet enthusiasm and a respectful sense of adventure. By conserving these open spaces, Audubon Society of Rhode Island, along with its members and partners, is able to fulfill its mission of protecting the nature of Rhode Island.

To accomplish this, we kindly request the following: