Landmark
Carbuncle Pond
MI ≈41.8 · ≈342 ft
78 miles from the Atlantic coast near Ninigret north to the Massachusetts border, crossing Rhode Island DEM management areas and state parks. No permit to walk it.
“Traverse North-South Trail (RI) on the North-South Trail.”
Plan your North-South Trail (RI) trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get North-South Trail
North-South Trail is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
North-South Trail permit season
- route distance, point to point
- 78mi
North-South Trail elevation profile
Ninigret Park (south terminus area) to Buck Hill Management Area (north terminus)Landmark
Ninigret Park (south terminus area)
Mile 0 of 75.4
0 Ninigret Park (south terminus area)75.4 Buck Hill Management Area (north terminus)
- Mile
- 0
- Elevation
- ≈21 ft
North-South Trail landmarks
Map of the North-South Trail, Ninigret Park (south terminus area) to Buck Hill Management Area (north terminus)
13 of 13 places in this section
This device cannot draw the interactive map.
Terrain USGS 3DEP · Water USGS NHD · Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors
How to get a North-South Trail permit
As of September 2026, North-South Trail in North-South Trail (RI), Rhode Island requires a permit issued via walk-up. North-South Trail rates 3/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The North-South Trail route covers 78 miles, rated moderate.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- RI
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Official permit page →Step 1: Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued (and any fee) at riparks.ri.gov before your trip.
Step 2: Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served. Where the agency sets a daily quota, popular trailheads can run out on weekends and holidays.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Popular trailheads fill fast. Know alternate routes or dates.
Learn more:
More on North-South Trail: Live availability activityNorth-South Trail permit itinerary
How much a North-South Trail permit costs
North-South Trail permit fee: free (day hiking); no permit or fee to walk the trail. Blaze orange required during firearm deer season per a general RI DEM management-area rule.
The North-South Trail hike
- Distance
- 78 miles
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 4-6 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
How hard the North-South Trail hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
When to hike North-South Trail
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
☁️
67°
54°
Wed
☁️
68°
58°
Thu
☁️
70°
60°
Fri
🌧️
78°
63°
Sat
☁️
72°
52°
Sun
☁️
68°
49°
24%
Mon
☁️
65°
52°
24%
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
North-South Trail rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for North-South Trail.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for North-South Trail · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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North-South Trail FAQ
How do I get a North-South Trail permit?
North-South Trail is issued directly by the agency. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit North-South Trail?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the North-South Trail permit?
This permit has a demand score of 3/10, making it relatively accessible.
What if I can't get a North-South Trail permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
North-South Trail trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
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Write the First ReportAlternatives to a North-South Trail permit
Where to stay near North-South Trail
- East Beach CampgroundRhode Island
- Charlestown Breachway CampgroundRhode Island
- Burlingame State CampgroundRhode Island
- All Rhode Island campgrounds
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
Build your full itinerary start to finish
Add your dates and get a day-by-day plan: what needs a permit, what gear to bring, and one link to share with your whole group to coordinate every step.
Plan a trip here
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