Believe it or not, there was a time when the highest point in Rhode Island was harder to "summit" than Mount Everest. I’m not talking about the physical climb—obviously, we’re in Rhode Island—but about the human element. For decades, a trip to the top of the Ocean State involved ducking motion sensors and dodging a very grumpy man with a reputation for chasing hikers off his land. Honestly, the drama surrounding this 812-foot hill is way more interesting than the view from the top.
Why Jerimoth Hill is the Weirdest State High Point
If you’re looking for a jagged peak or a grueling vertical trek, you’re in the wrong place. Jerimoth Hill sits in the town of Foster, just a stone's throw from the Connecticut border. It is officially the 46th highest state point in the U.S., beating out only Florida, Delaware, and Mississippi.
The "hike" is basically a five-minute stroll through some pine trees.
You park on the side of Route 101, walk about 0.3 miles on a flat path, and suddenly you’re there. The total elevation gain from the road is maybe ten feet. You’ve probably climbed more stairs getting to a movie theater seat.
But for "highpointers"—the folks who try to stand on the highest spot of every state—this place was the ultimate boss level. Why? Because of a man named Henry Richardson.
The Legend of the Gatekeeper
From the 1980s until the early 2000s, Richardson owned the land that provided the only real access to the summit. He didn't just dislike trespassers; he turned property rights into a contact sport. Stories from that era are legendary in the hiking community. People talked about being screamed at, threatened, and even having dogs set on them.
He even installed a security system to alert him the second someone stepped onto his driveway. It got so bad that the Highpointers Club officially listed Jerimoth Hill as "inaccessible." It was the only state high point in America where you basically needed a tactical plan or a legal decree just to touch a rock in the woods.
Eventually, things thawed. Richardson's son worked out a deal to allow hikers in a few times a year. Then, in 2005, the property changed hands, and the new owners were much more chill. Finally, in 2014, the state of Rhode Island bought the land, and the drama officially ended.
What You’ll Actually See Up There
Don’t expect a gift shop.
When you reach the high point, you’re looking for a small rocky outcropping in a clearing. It’s surrounded by a few survey markers and a mailbox. Inside that mailbox is the "summit register."
You should definitely sign it. It’s a weirdly satisfying tradition. You’ll see names from all over the country—people who flew in just to tick this tiny hill off their list.
The clearing exists because Brown University uses the site as an astronomical observatory. Since it’s tucked away in Foster, it’s one of the few places in Rhode Island where light pollution doesn't totally ruin the night sky. They call it "Little Mauna Kea," which is a bit of a stretch, but hey, we take what we can get.
Planning Your "Expedition"
If you’re going to tackle the highest point in Rhode Island, here is the lowdown on how to do it without making it a whole thing.
- Location: Route 101 (Hartford Pike), Foster, RI. It’s about 15 miles west of Providence.
- Parking: There’s a small gravel pull-off on the side of the highway. It fits maybe three cars. If it’s full, just wait five minutes; someone is bound to finish their "climb" by then.
- The Trail: It’s marked with a large white sign. Follow the path into the woods. It’s well-maintained and flat.
- Hours: Generally dawn to dusk.
One thing to keep in mind: even though it’s public land now, there are still private residences nearby. Stick to the marked trail. Don’t go wandering into people's backyards looking for a better view (there isn't one).
Is it Worth the Drive?
Honestly, it depends on who you are. If you’re a peakbagger, it’s a mandatory stop. If you’re just looking for a nice Sunday afternoon activity, it’s a quirky piece of Rhode Island history. You can stand on a rock, take a selfie, and tell people you conquered the highest point in the state before heading to a nearby diner for coffee milk and a clear chowder.
It’s not Denali. It’s not even Mount Washington. But it’s ours.
Your Next Steps for Jerimoth Hill
If you're ready to head out, here is exactly what you should do:
- Check the weather: Even though it's a short walk, the trail can get muddy after a heavy rain.
- Download an offline map: Cell service in Western Foster can be spotty, though you're right on a main road.
- Bring a pen: Sometimes the register in the mailbox is missing one, and you’ll want to make your mark.
- Visit the nearby towns: Foster and Glocester have some great antique shops and local spots that make the trip feel like a real getaway.
Once you've "conquered" the hill, you might find yourself catching the highpointing bug. Just remember, they aren't all this easy.