Discover Rhode Island: AMC Guide to the Best Hiking, Biking, and Paddling

Freelance writer Matheson, a hiker and off-road biker, expounds on the all the beauty that the Union's smallest state has to offer in this enthusiastic travel guide. With 400 miles of coastline, the Ocean State has an abundance of water routes for paddling and kayaking. Matheson directs outdoorsy folk to Bristol Harbor, for example, where one can kayak in""quiet coves that offer glimpses of coastal birds feeding,"" and to the longer Fogland Beach,""a black stone beach that takes its name from the fog that often shrouds the area."" Looking inland, Matheson recommends biking the Great Swamp Management Area or hiking the George B. Parker Woodland, with its""mysterious rock cairns."" Throughout, Matheson offers helpful information, such as level of difficulty, distance of trail, time it takes to complete a round trip as well as many detailed maps.