John H. Chafee Nature Preserve
230-Acre Narragansett Bay Coastal Preserve — Rome Point Seasonal Harbor Seal Viewing October Through Spring, Woodland Trails to Bay Shoreline, Birding in Coastal Edge Habitat, Dog-Friendly, North Kingstown Rhode Island
The John H. Chafee Nature Preserve (commonly known as Rome Point) is a 230-acre undeveloped nature preserve on Boston Neck Road (Route 1A), North Kingstown, Washington County, Rhode Island. The preserve features 230 acres of undeveloped woodland and coastal habitat on Narragansett Bay, wooded hiking trails from the parking area to the Narragansett Bay shoreline at Rome Point, seasonal harbor seal viewing from October through spring on offshore rocks visible from shore, birding opportunities in diverse woodland and coastal edge habitats, wildlife including white-tailed deer, raptors, shorebirds, and seasonal waterfowl along the shoreline, easy to moderate hiking terrain suitable for families with children, and dog-friendly trails with leash requirement throughout the preserve.
The Chafee Preserve is Rhode Island’s harbor seal destination — the Rome Point shoreline provides seasonal viewing of harbor seals hauled out on offshore rocks from October through spring. The seals are visible from shore without disturbing their natural resting habitat.
The wooded trails wind through 230 acres of undeveloped coastal preserve to the Narragansett Bay shoreline, offering year-round birding in woodland and coastal edge habitats.
Things to Do
- Harbor seal viewing — Oct–spring, offshore rocks
- Hiking — woodland trails to bay shoreline
- Birding — woodland + coastal edge habitat
- Wildlife — deer, raptors, shorebirds, waterfowl
- Dog walking — leash required throughout
- Photography — bay views, seals, coastal scenery
Preserve Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Boston Neck Rd (Rte 1A), North Kingstown, RI |
| Size | 230 acres — undeveloped coastal woodland |
| Also Known As | Rome Point |
| Seal Season | October through spring — visible from shore |
| Terrain | Easy to moderate — family-friendly |
| Managed By | Rhode Island DEM |
| Coordinates | 41.5360° N, 71.4380° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see harbor seals at Rome Point in Rhode Island?
Yes — the John H. Chafee Nature Preserve (Rome Point) in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, is one of the best locations in the state for viewing harbor seals from October through spring. The seals haul out on offshore rocks visible from the Narragansett Bay shoreline without disturbing them. The 230-acre undeveloped preserve features wooded hiking trails from the parking area on Boston Neck Road (Route 1A) to the bay, year-round birding in woodland and coastal habitats, and easy to moderate terrain suitable for families. Dogs welcome on leash.
Last updated: May 2026
