Rhode Island Cities, Rivers and Lakes

Rhode Island Cities, Rivers and Lakes

According to ABBREVIATIONFINDER.ORG, Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States, with a total area of just 1,214 square miles. It is roughly rectangular in shape and bordered by Massachusetts to the north and east, Connecticut to the west, and Rhode Island Sound and Block Island Sound to the south. The coastline of Rhode Island is dotted with numerous small islands as well as some larger ones such as Aquidneck Island, Prudence Island, Conanicut Island, and Block Island. The state has several rivers including the Blackstone River and Pawtuxet River which flow through its northern border.

The interior of Rhode Island is mostly flat with rolling hills in some areas. The highest point in the state is Jerimoth Hill which stands 812 feet above sea level. Much of Rhode Island’s interior is composed of forests and wetlands which contain many species of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, moose, beaver, coyote, foxes and numerous kinds of birds. There are also several protected areas such as Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve that protect these habitats from development.

The climate in Rhode Island can be classified as humid continental with warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures range from an average low of 24°F in January to an average high of 77°F in July. Precipitation levels are usually moderate throughout the year although there can be more rain during spring months due to thunderstorms coming off the Atlantic Ocean. Snowfall occurs primarily during winter months but can also occur sporadically throughout other parts of the year.

Cities

Rhode Island is home to two major cities: Providence and Newport. According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, Providence, the state capital, is the largest city in Rhode Island with a population of 179,000. It is a vibrant hub for arts and culture, boasting numerous galleries, museums, and performance venues. The city also has a thriving culinary scene with many locally-owned restaurants serving up delicious dishes from all over the world. Visitors to Providence can explore its rich history by visiting landmarks such as the Roger Williams National Memorial or take in the stunning views of Narragansett Bay from India Point Park.

Newport is Rhode Island’s second largest city with a population of 24,000. This seaside destination is renowned for its beautiful beaches and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Tourists flock to Newport each summer to enjoy its many attractions such as The Breakers mansion and Cliff Walk. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities along Thames Street and Bowen’s Wharf. The city hosts several festivals throughout the year such as the Newport Folk Festival which draws music fans from all over the world.

Rivers

Rhode Island is home to several major rivers, including the Pawtuxet, Blackstone, Wood, and Pawcatuck Rivers. The Pawtuxet River is the longest river in Rhode Island and runs from the city of Cranston to the Narragansett Bay. It is a tidal river that flows through several cities and towns in Rhode Island including Warwick, West Warwick, Coventry and Cranston. The Blackstone River runs from Worcester County in Massachusetts to Providence County in Rhode Island. It is a major source of power for many businesses and industries in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The Wood River runs from the Connecticut border to Narragansett Bay. It flows through some of the most beautiful areas of Rhode Island including South Kingstown, North Kingstown and Exeter. Finally, the Pawcatuck River runs along the border between Rhode Island and Connecticut before emptying into Little Narragansett Bay near Westerly. The Pawcatuck is known for its excellent fishing opportunities as well as its scenic beauty. All of these rivers provide recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy such as boating, fishing, swimming and bird watching. They also act as important sources of water supply for many townships throughout Rhode Island.

Lakes

Rhode Island has numerous lakes, ponds and reservoirs located throughout the state. Of the largest lakes in Rhode Island, Worden Pond is the largest. Located in South Kingstown, this natural freshwater lake is approximately 150 acres in size. Worden Pond is a popular spot for swimming, boating and fishing due to its abundance of fish species such as largemouth bass, chain pickerel and yellow perch. The pond has an average depth of 10 feet and a maximum depth of 21 feet.

Another popular lake located in Rhode Island is Watchaug Pond. This 100 acre freshwater lake is located in Charlestown near Ninigret Park. It has an average depth of 4 to 5 feet and a maximum depth of 15 feet. Watchaug Pond contains largemouth bass, yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish and brown bullhead catfish making it a great spot for fishing enthusiasts. There are also opportunities for boating, canoeing and kayaking along the shoreline with designated areas for swimming as well as picnic areas with grills available for use by visitors.

Rhode Island Cities