The centerpiece of Block Island’s [1] conservation land is Rodman’s Hollow (Cooneymus Rd.), a 230-acre basin scooped out by glaciers 10,000 years ago, and now filled with forested meadows and maritime shrubland. Among its trails you can find some 40 different endangered species (most of the insect variety) as well as migratory birds looking for a rest on the Atlantic Flyway.
The Hollow is part of a larger network of some 25 miles worth of trails known as the Greenway, which stretches throughout much of the southwest corner of the island. On the north side of the island, stunning views grace the tops of Clay Head, where a series of intertwining paths known as “the maze” provides fodder for hours of wandering among shrub-forested heights.
For maps and information on all of these properties, contact The Nature Conservancy (401/331-7110, www.nature.org [2]). The gentle paved roads of the island are ideal for biking, with 40 miles of country lanes sweeping along the fields and shoreline and occasionally climbing to scenic vistas along the cliffs. (See Getting to Block Island [1] for information on bike rentals.)
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-england/rhode-island/newport-and-south-county/block-island
[2] http://www.nature.org