It’s really one of the best spots I’ve found (spoiler alert, there are fab WATER VIEWS at the end of the wooden walkway in the photo above) for clearing your head, reconnecting with nature, and appreciating the natural beauty of the biggest little state.

We had initially explored the grounds (the 25 acres of the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge that include a boardwalk which intersects with the East Bay bike path — Claire DesLauriers McIntosh, an animal and nature lover, died in 1992, leaving the land to Audubon Society of RI) about 4 years ago.

As someone who grew up in Providence (in the West End which the kids have now taken to calling the West Side) during the 1970’s and 80’s, and had never really ventured over to that part of Rhode Island as a kid, it was an eye opening experience to say the least.

Ecstatic to report that right now the McIntosh Refuge is as strikingly beautiful as ever. 

As a matter of fact late summer and fall are 2 of my favorite times of year to stroll the boardwalk there that leads out to Narragansett Bay. (See my photo diary below.)

Just wait until the trees start to turn and it starts gets a little chilly (hello sweaters and closed-toe footwear). That’s when there are even more treats for the eyes and ears.

Foliage and bird songs, my friends!

I also LOVE and respect The Audubon’s mission which is to protect birds and other wildlife native to the area along with the fields, woods, and wetlands that are their habitat. 

Find the McIntosh Refuge behind the Audubon Society of RI Nature Center at 1401 Hope Street in Bristol, Rhode Island.

Please let your friends and neighbors know you found out about it here via Patty J and PattyJ.com.