Jerimoth Hill | Rhode Island (#9)

At 812 feet, Jerimoth Hill is the highest point in Rhode Island. It ranks #46 among all U.S. state high points and was my 9th on the journey to visit the high point of every state.

Located in Foster, Rhode Island, near the Connecticut border, Jerimoth Hill is about 30 minutes west of downtown Providence. Named after early settler Jerimoth Brown (1783–1830), it’s one of the most accessible high points in the country—and also one of the easiest to overlook if you’re not paying attention.

Finding the Trailhead

There isn’t much fanfare here, which is part of Jerimoth Hill’s charm. Parking is roadside along Route 101, followed by a short walk—about 800 feet—along a dirt path to the high point. I managed to drive past the trailhead once before realizing my mistake. Mental note for future visits: the entrance is marked at utility Pole #212. Preparation matters, even when the hike barely qualifies as one.

Photos: Trailhead Sign | Trail to the “Summit”

The Summit (Yes, I’m Using That Word Loosely)

The path first leads to a small sign and the official station mark. A bit farther on, you’ll reach a clearing with a large boulder topped by a cairn—this marks the high point itself. Nearby is the Highpointers Club “ammo box,” complete with a logbook and pen. Signing in is a small ritual, but it’s one that makes even the simplest high point feel earned.

Scattered nearby are small, unexpected art pieces attached to trees. Whether intentional or accidental, they gave the forest a slightly watchful feel—proof that even the flattest states can still surprise you.

Photos: Jerimoth Hill Highpoint Sign | Jerimoth Hill Summit Benchmark

Photo: Summit Selfie | It was a tough climb, but I made it to the top!

Photos: Highpointers Club Ammo Box | Boulder with a Cairn

Photos: The forest is watching you! | Artwork on a Tree

Camping Before the Climb:
Pachaug State Forest

The night before visiting Jerimoth Hill, I camped at Pachaug State Forest, the largest state forest in Connecticut, encompassing more than 26,000 acres. I was able to easily reserve a site through the ReserveAmerica app or their website, which made planning this stop simple.

The campsite itself was no-frills—no electricity, just a fire ring and quiet woods. After setting up my tent, a ranger stopped by to check me in and gently reinforce the forest’s strict no-alcohol policy. Using local firewood (always the right move to prevent spreading pests), I settled in for a simple dinner and watched fireflies flicker through the trees. It was the kind of peaceful, unhurried night that makes camping feel timeless.

Photos: Camping at Pachaug State Forest

An Unexpected Night at Gibson Hill

After I “summited” Jerimoth Hill, I decided to try a private campground I’d found on HipCamp: Gibson Hill RV Park and Campground. There were several available sites, and not knowing which one would be best, I messaged the owner through the app. I never heard back.

Photos: The Campground | The Stage

Since it wasn’t far from Jerimoth Hill—and knowing I had a backup option—I decided to drive over and see what the situation was. As I pulled up, I noticed a lot of activity and more campers than I expected. I drove past the entrance, parked at a nearby convenience store, and debated what to do. Curiosity won out.

When I turned back into the campground, I realized I’d accidentally arrived at an experience. I was greeted by a very friendly, free-spirited guy who asked if I was there for the festival. “No,” I said, “just looking to camp for the night.” That’s when he explained there was a new owner—hence the unanswered message—and that the weekend was shaping up to be a full-blown Grateful Dead festival, complete with one of the best tribute bands in New England and a light show coming in from Maine.

This was the pre-festival night, and they could absolutely fit me in. We agreed on the $30 I’d planned to pay through the app, I checked in, and then—since they couldn’t make change—I paid $29, got a wristband, and was told to pick any campsite I wanted. It didn’t surprise me too much; this campground has a long history with music and festivals.

Settling In

I set up my tent—after abandoning my first spot thanks to a healthy patch of poison ivy—then headed back to the convenience store area to pick up a cheese pizza and a few supplies. By around 9 p.m., the music started. I grabbed my chair, headed toward the stage, and spent the evening listening to a Grateful Dead tribute band under the stars, surrounded by tie-dye vendors and some genuinely kind, welcoming people.

Moments like this are why I travel the way I do—to stay curious, take small risks, and remain open to whatever I might stumble into along the way.

Photos: Some of the Tie-Dye and other clothes for sale

Photos: The Friday night band

Photo: A peaceful goodbye at Gibson Hill campground

Final Thoughts

Jerimoth Hill may be one of the easiest state high points in the country, but everything around it—quiet forests, peaceful camping, and a surprise festival—made it memorable. Not every summit is about elevation gain; sometimes it’s about what happens along the way.

This experience couldn’t have been more different from my next summit—Mount Katahdin. More on that climb soon.

Catch you on the “summit!”

Dates of Visits:
Pachaug State Forest — 6 July 2023
Jerimoth Hill & Gibson Hill Campground — 7 July 2023