Arcand Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Arcand Park is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Rhode Island.


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Summary

Located in North Smithfield, the park covers 103 acres of land and features many points of interest and activities. The park is situated along the Blackstone River and offers visitors a chance to explore the region's natural beauty.

One of the main attractions in Arcand Park is the hiking trails. There are over four miles of trails that wind through the woods, meadows, and wetlands of the park. These trails offer a chance to get up close with wildlife, including many species of birds, turtles, and frogs.

Another popular spot in the park is the fishing pond. Stocked with trout, the pond is a great place for anglers to fish and relax. There is also a picnic area near the pond with tables and grills, making it an excellent spot for a family picnic.

Visitors can also take a stroll through the park's butterfly garden, which is home to many species of butterflies and plants. The garden is a peaceful and tranquil spot to relax, and visitors can learn more about the park's ecosystem and the importance of pollinators.

In the winter, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, with sledding hills and cross-country skiing trails. The park is open year-round and is a great place to visit during any season.

Overall, Arcand Park offers visitors a chance to experience Rhode Island's natural beauty and wildlife. With hiking trails, a fishing pond, a butterfly garden, and winter activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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