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.
More about North-South Trail (RI)Planning 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)Ninigret Park (south terminus area)
- Mile
- 0
- Elevation
- ≈21 ft
North-South Trail landmarks
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.
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 the managing agency's website 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.
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)
Backcountry Tips
- Today: Wind gusts to 54mph. Secure tent, avoid exposed ridges.
- Today: 81% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
- Tomorrow: 78% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
Today
68°
59°
81%
Mon
65°
55°
78%
Tue
64°
54°
23%
Wed
72°
57°
Thu
78°
60°
Fri
81°
58°
Sat
64°
49°
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
Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
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
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
Be the first to ask about North-South Trail.
Trip Reports
Write ReportNo trip reports yet
Be the first to share your experience at North-South Trail.
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.
No permit needed to start
One tick helps us more than you’d think
Google lets you pick the sites it highlights for you. Add PermitSnag and our permit pages get marked as one of yours in AI Overviews and AI Mode.
Takes less than a minute.