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Mourning Doves at Powder Mills Wildlife Refuge
Powder Mills Wildlife Refuge

Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge

and Audubon Headquarters

Address: 12 Sanderson Road (Rt.5), Smithfield, RI 02917
Phone: (401) 949-5454
Hours: Refuge open sunrise to sunset daily. Headquarters office open by appointment only, Monday - Friday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. The Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open daily from 9:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Acres: 100
Trails: 2.5 miles
Trail Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

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

Powder Mill Ledges is home to 100 acres of habitat graced with deep woodlands and interesting rock outcroppings. You will also find the Audubon Society of Rhode Island headquarters at this refuge. The location serves as a hub for nature hikes, programs, lectures and events. In addition to hiking and bird watching, it is an ideal winter destination for snowshoeing.

Refuge Highlights

  • Habitat: deep woodlands, small pond, meadows, pine forest and rock outcroppings
  • Wildlife to watch for: red fox, grey fox, spring peeper, grey tree frog, green frog, painted turtle, deer
  • Birds commonly found: Wild Turkey, Cooper's Hawk, Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Pine Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Ovenbird, Red-eyed Vireo
  • Offerings: Birdwatching, Birthday Parties, Programs/events, Snowshoeing/cross-country skiing. Restrooms are available for visitor use when staff is present during operating hours (M-F, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm) - just ring the doorbell!
  • Available for birthday parties and facility rentals. Contact Kim Calcagno at kcalcagno@asri.org or (401) 949-5454 x3021.

Wildlife Refuges

Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge Self-Guided Trail

Auto Guía de Senderos del Refugio de Vida Silvestre Powder Mill Ledges

  • Use this mobile-friendly, self-guided trail guide to explore 15 different stations along the trails, each featuring highlights of this natural space. 
    Utilice esta guía de senderos autoguiada y apta para móviles para explorar 15 estaciones diferentes a lo largo de los senderos, cada una demostrando los aspectos más destacados de este espacio natural.

    Click to Explore: English | Español

  • Image by Phoenix Aviary

  • Image by Glenn Osmundson

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:

  • Permitted (and encouraged!):

    • Hiking on the trails
    • Observing & learning about wildlife
    • Photography
    • Bird watching
    • Enjoying the area's natural ambiance and solitude
    • Picnicking only at the designated areas at the Nature Center and Aquarium

  • Not permitted:

    • Dogs, horses and other pets
    • Motorized vehicles and bicycles beyond the parking lot
    • Hunting, fishing or trapping
    • Picnicking (except in designated areas at the Nature Center and Aquarium)
    • Camping
    • Littering
    • Alcoholic beverages and smoking
    • Collecting plants or other natural objects
    • Geo-caching or Letterboxing
    • Jogging, running and excessive noise

  • Dogs can be best friends, good companions and even part of the family, but dogs are not allowed on Audubon Wildlife Refuges for a number of reasons. Read More.
    *Service dogs are welcome.

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium

Visit Rhode Island's largest nature center and aquarium. Walk the trails through meadows and marshes to Narragansett Bay. Say hello to Zach, our Common Raven.

Plan Your Trip Today →

Shop Online: Audubon Nature Shop →

Birding in Rhode Island

Stay involved with Audubon's birding programs and resources:

Audubon Events Calendar →

Audubon Avian Research Initiative →

Audubon Avian Ambassadors →

Recent Bird Sightings (eBird) →

Red-bellied Woodpecker by Jason Major

Stormwater Innovation Center

Roger Williams Park is home to the Stormwater Innovation Center. The Center has been developed by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and its partners! Learn more about the nature-based solutions we are using to learn about and protect urban water quality.

Learn More →