Division of
Forest Environment
Arcadia
Management Area
At over
14,000 mostly forested acres, the Arcadia Management
Area is the State’s largest, offering users a great
variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Co-managed by DEM’s Divisions of Forest Environment and
Fish & Wildlife, it is promoted as, and actively managed
for hunting, as well as fishing, swimming, boating,
hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, to name a
few. “Multiple use” management principles apply,
assuring a safe and satisfying experience for hunters
and non-hunters alike. Miles upon miles of gravel roads
and well marked and maintained trails entice hikers to
return to a different section each visit. These same
trails are often used by mountain bikers or horseback
riders so all users need to act responsibly, show
courtesy, and “share the road”. Recommended parking for
mountain bikers is at either the Browning Mill Pond
Recreation Area lot, or the Brook Trail lot which
accesses Midway Trail. For day use swimming, fishing, or
boating, try either the Beach Pond or Browning Mill Pond
Recreation Areas. Fishing and boating is allowed in
Breakheart Pond, but not swimming, cooking, or fires. If
you are 14 years old or under, try fishing for trout in
the stocked Frosty Hollow Pond, which has a handicapped
accessible fishing platform. The
Wood
River
, which flows through the heart of the Management Area
is also stocked with trout and offers anglers one of the
best freshwater fishing experiences available in the
state. But remember, some parts of the river are
available to fly fisherman only, and others are “catch
and release” only. (Contact DEM’s Division of Fish &
Wildlife for more information about fishing these
areas). For canoeists and kayakers the
Wood
River
’s Class I and Class II stream rating assures an
unforgettable outdoor experience for both novice and
experience. A designated canoe launch area is found at
the Deer Check Station on Route 165, and there are
put-in or take-out areas at each major road crossing.
Horseback riders can enjoy camping at the Reynold’s
Horseman Area. “Walk in” camping is also available, by
permit, at the “Backpack Area”, and a shelter is
available for overnight rental at the Frosty Hollow Pond
Recreation area.
Location:
Richmond
,
Exeter
, Hopkinton, and
West Greenwich
,
RI
Mailing Address:
Arcadia
Management Area
Headquarters
260
Arcadia
Road
Hope
Valley
, RI 02823
Phone Numbers:
Arcadia
Management
Area
Forest
Environment
Headquarters
[401]539-2356
Division of Fish & Wildlife Headquarters
401/789-3094
Size:
14,000 acres [approximately]
Fees:
No entrance fees for use of the Management Area or
Recreation Areas.
Other fees apply for specific amenities. Pavilion rental
fee = $15/day
Shelter rental fee = $15/night
Backpack Campsite = no fee, permit required
Horseman’s Area = $3/night
Groups:
Groups of
10 to 75 persons require a Special Use Permit prior to
use of these Areas. Groups of 75 or more require a
Special Event Permit. Contact the Arcadia Management
Area Headquarters for permit applications.
Directions From
Providence
:
To the Arcadia Headquarters building: From Providence
and points north take Interstate Rt. 95 South, to State
Route 102 South (exit #5A). Follow 102 south .8 miles to
State Route 3 South. Follow 3 south 1.2 miles, and turn
right onto State Route 165 West. Follow Route 165 West
approximately 1.4 miles to
Arcadia Road
. Turn left and follow
Arcadia Road
about 3 miles, turning left at the stop sign. The
Management Area Headquarters building will be on your
right. You will pass the Browning Mill Pond Recreation
Area on your way to the Headquarters.
Operational Times:
Year-round, 5 a.m. to sunset, except when actively
fishing which is allowed at night. Additional
restrictions may apply to specific areas.
Activities:
Hunting, camping, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking,
fishing, horseback riding, boating & swimming.
Special:
Management Area Rules & Regulations apply as well as
separate rules and regulations for the Reynolds
Horseman’s Area.
Additional boating and hunting regulations apply.
Florescent orange requirements apply for
all
users of the
Arcadia Management Area during the hunting season,
including, but not limited to hikers, & cyclists.
All Trash
Is Carry In Carry out Please!