Rodman’s Hollow Nature Preserve

Things to consider when visiting

• Parking

  The parking area is located about 3 miles from Old Harbor, on the south side of Cooneymus Road. Look for the trailhead approximately 500 feet from the Rodman's Hollow overlook.

• Trails

  The Rodman's Hollow Nature Preserve has just over 3.5 miles of walking trails. Ticks are very common on Block Island; please take precautions, such as tucking your pants into your socks.

  Black Rock Road Trail (0.9 miles one way): Starting from the trailhead, a sandy path winds through open fields and lush green shrublands. To reach the bluffs and their panoramic ocean views, proceed straight down the trail, walking toward the sound of the crashing surf.

  Plover Hill Loop: To return to the parking lot by a different route, turn right at the end of the Black Rock Road Trail and follow the grassy path along the bluff. This trail climbs toward Plover Hill, the preserve's highest point, with beautiful views of the fields and bluffs.

  Ridge and Hollow Loops: To explore the hollow instead, start from the trailhead and turn left at the stone marker honoring the Greenberg and Nevas families. A series of unmarked, interlocking trail loops wander through the bottom of the hollow and back up to the ridge tops, with views of the rolling topography.

  Another option is to walk the Black Rock Road Trail to the end, turn left and return via the ridge and hollow hollow trails.

  See the Block Island Trails Map to extend your hike along the Greenway, via Turnip Farm or the Fresh Pond Preserve. Printed, full-color trail maps showing all 28 miles of walking trails are available for $3.00 at TNC's office on High Street, at a drop box near the shed. Maps are also available at the Tourist Information Building in Old Harbor.

• What to See

  Plants: Rodman's Hollow is famous for its impressive stand of shadbush, which covers the landscape with white flowers in May.

  The fields are a mix of goldenrod, sumac, blackberry and grasses, including switchgrass, little blue stem and broom sedge.

  Along the bluff, the shrub layer is largely comprised of northern bayberry and poison ivy., with pockets of arrowwood and occasional eastern red cedar along the Black Rock Road trail.

  Birds: Rodman's Hollow provides excellent habitat for northern harriers, a large hawk that nests nowhere else in Rhode Island. Other common birds include gray catbirds, barn swallows, gulls and ring-necked pheasants. Watch for merlins and peregrine falcons streaking across the sky in September and October.

• Preserve Guidelines

  We hope you enjoy visiting TNC’s preserves in any season.

  Please be aware that ticks are very common on Block Island and can transmit several diseases. Wear long pants tucked into socks and consider treating your clothing with permethrin or other repellants.

  We ask that you please observe the following guidelines:

  • Stay on established trails, respect all "private" signs  and avoid the fragile edge of the bluffs for your safety.
  • Dogs are permitted but must be leashed at all times.
  • Bikes are not permitted.
  • Respect preserve hours (one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset). Overnight camping is not allowed.
  • Do not ride horses or any motorized vehicle through the preserve or on the trails.
  • Do not remove plants or other living materials from a preserve, and do not disturb any stone walls or other historic features.
  • Remove any trash you create and, if possible, any garbage that you see left by someone else.
  • Be careful! Your safety is your responsibility.