Meredith, NH to Block Island, RI Scenic Road Trip Guide

Your journey from Meredith, New Hampshire, to Block Island, Rhode Island spans roughly 165 miles of New England's diverse landscapes. The most direct route follows I-93 South, I-495 South, I-95 South, and RI-102, taking about 3.5 hours of pure driving time — but don't skip the ferry crossing from Point Judith, which adds 55 minutes.

A quirky historical fact: the Block Island Southeast Light was moved 300 feet inland in 1993 to save it from erosion, costing $2 million. This exact route crosses the former bed of the New Haven Railroad's 'Boat Train' that once carried passengers directly to ferry terminals.

For a deeper dive on optimizing stops, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The primary route uses I-93 S, I-495 S, and I-95 S, which are well-maintained toll roads. Tolls on I-95 in Massachusetts and Rhode Island can total around $15 round trip, so carry change or use E-ZPass.

• Fuel stops: Exit 4 on I-93 (Hooksett, NH) and Exit 10 on I-95 (Attleboro, MA) have competitive prices.
• Average gas cost: $45-55 for the entire drive (mid-size sedan).
• Best rest area: Kenison Corner Rest Area (I-93 southbound, Mile 60) with clean facilities and vending.

Ferry logistics: Book Block Island Ferry in advance (summer sells out). Walk-on or vehicle service available. Car ferry costs ~$100 round trip, walk-on ~$30. Check wind forecasts — crossings can be cancelled.

Road quality is excellent throughout — high-speed interstates with periodic construction in summer. Safety tips: watch for sudden fog near the Rhode Island coast, especially near Point Judith. Deer crossings are common at dawn/dusk in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

• Best family stop: The Children's Museum of New Hampshire (Dover, 20 min detour) or the Mystic Aquarium (CT, 30 min detour).
• Pet-friendly stops: Borderland State Park (Easton, MA) has pet-friendly trails and restrooms.

Fatigue management: Plan a break every 2 hours or 100 miles. Ideal mid-point is the town of Woonsocket, RI (Mile 90), with the Blackstone River Theatre for a short cultural break.

• Hidden off-route spot: Diamond Hill State Park (Cumberland, RI) offers a 1-mile summit trail with panoramic views.
• Rest zones: The Block Island Ferry waiting area has a large parking lot and a snack bar.

The Lakes Region of New Hampshire gives way to the rolling hills of central Massachusetts, then coastal flats of Rhode Island. Several natural attractions worth a detour include Pawtuckaway State Park (NH, mile 40) and the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor (RI, mile 120).

• Pawtuckaway State Park: Granite boulders and a fire tower view, ideal for a 30-min leg stretch.
• Blackstone River Bikeway: A 14-mile paved trail parallel to the river, accessible from I-295.

Local commerce highlights: Wrentham Village Premium Outlets (MA, Exit 15) for brand deals, and the historic Wickford Village (RI) for art galleries and antiques.

• Wickford sunset views: Watch from Wilson Park Pier, free parking.
• Block Island treats: Ice cream at The Ice Cream Place and fresh seafood from The Oar.