Chockalog Swamp State Natural Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chockalog Swamp State Natural Area is located in the state of Rhode Island and is a popular destination for nature lovers.


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Summary

This area is an example of a glacial kettle hole and contains a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, and ponds.

There are several reasons to visit Chockalog Swamp State Natural Area, including birdwatching, hiking, and photography. The area is home to a diverse range of bird species, including wood ducks, great blue herons, and red-winged blackbirds. Visitors can also explore the area's hiking trails and enjoy scenic views of the wetlands and forests.

One of the most notable features of Chockalog Swamp State Natural Area is the presence of "quaking" bogs. These unique wetland habitats can be seen by visitors as they walk along the trails. The bogs are formed by the accumulation of organic matter, which creates a floating mat that can be felt to "quake" or shake as people walk on it.

The best time of year to visit Chockalog Swamp State Natural Area is during the spring and summer months, when the wetlands are teeming with wildlife and the hiking trails are in their best condition. Visitors should be aware that the area can be prone to flooding during heavy rain, so it is important to check current conditions before planning a visit.

Overall, Chockalog Swamp State Natural Area is a unique and beautiful destination that offers visitors a chance to explore Rhode Island's diverse natural habitats. Whether you're a birdwatcher, hiker, or nature photographer, this area is sure to provide a memorable experience.

       

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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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