If you’re planning a ghost town road trip to Pine Hill, Rhode Island, you’re actually heading to Hanton City — a centuries-old abandoned settlement hiding in the forests of Smithfield. Access the site via the Hanton City Hiking Trail at 70 W. Reservoir Rd., where crumbling stone foundations and old cellar remnants await. No fees or permits are required, but wear sturdy shoes and visit during daylight. Stick around and there’s much more to uncover about this hauntingly fascinating destination.
Key Takeaways
- Pine Hill is actually Hanton City, a centuries-old ghost town hidden in the forests of Smithfield, Rhode Island.
- Access the site via the Hanton City Hiking Trail at 70 W. Reservoir Road, Smithfield, with free parking at the trailhead.
- The self-guided trail runs approximately three-quarters of a mile, leading to crumbling stone foundations and an old cellar.
- No fees or permits are required; visit during daylight hours for safety on the uneven, unstable terrain.
- Extend your road trip by exploring nearby Rhode Island ghost towns like Ramtail and hurricane-devastated Napatree Point.
What Is Pine Hill: And Why It’s Really Hanton City?
While Rhode Island does have a ghost town worth exploring, it isn’t called Pine Hill — that’s actually a misidentification of Hanton City, a centuries-old abandoned settlement tucked into the forests of Smithfield.
Rhode Island’s real ghost town isn’t called Pine Hill — it’s Hanton City, hidden deep in Smithfield’s forests.
Locals sometimes call it Haunted City or the Lost City, and it’s earned both names through decades of local legends swirling around its crumbling stone foundations.
If you’re drawn to urban exploration and the thrill of discovering forgotten places, Hanton City delivers the real deal.
The site was abandoned in the early 1800s, leaving behind stone walls and cellar remnants that nature has slowly reclaimed.
No Pine Hill exists on any Rhode Island map — but Hanton City does, and it’s waiting for you at the end of a trail off West Reservoir Road in Smithfield.
Where Exactly Is Hanton City in Rhode Island?
Tucked into the forested terrain of Smithfield, Rhode Island, Hanton City sits just off West Reservoir Road — and getting there’s straightforward once you know where to look. Your starting point is the Hanton City Hiking Trail, accessed at 70 W. Reservoir Rd in Smithfield.
From there, you’ll hike roughly three-quarters of a mile before spotting an old cellar on your right, nestled within a quiet forest clearing.
The site carries haunted legends and local myths that have drawn curious explorers for generations. Stone foundations and crumbling walls are all that remain of a colonial settlement abandoned in the early 1800s.
No tours exist, so you’re free to explore at your own pace — just stick to the marked trail and visit during daylight hours.
What to Expect on the Hanton City Trail?
Once you’ve found your trailhead at 70 W. Reservoir Rd, you’re stepping into over 300 years of historical significance. The trail is self-guided, so you move at your own pace through forested terrain that nature has quietly reclaimed. No crowds, no guided tours — just you and the remnants of a forgotten colonial settlement.
Around the 0.75-mile mark, watch your right side for a clearing where an old cellar emerges from the landscape. That’s your destination. Natural preservation has done its work here — stone foundations and walls stand as the sole physical evidence of Hanton City’s past.
Come during daylight, wear sturdy shoes, and stay on marked trails. Unstable terrain surrounds the foundations, and private property borders the site. Respect both, and the experience rewards you fully.
How to Get to Hanton City: Parking, Timing, and Trail Access
Getting to Hanton City is straightforward: head to 70 W. Reservoir Rd in Smithfield, where you’ll find the trailhead. Park along the roadside and hit the trail on foot — no fees, no permits, no bureaucratic hoops. You’re free to explore on your own terms.
Plan your visit during daylight hours since there’s zero lighting along the route. Morning arrivals give you the best light and the best chance of spotting local wildlife before foot traffic disturbs the area.
The cellar ruins appear on your right around the 0.75-mile mark.
For trail safety, stick to the marked path — the terrain near the stone foundations can be unstable and uneven. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and respect the private property boundaries flanking the trail.
Other Rhode Island Ghost Towns Near Hanton City
Rhode Island has 17 documented ghost towns, so Hanton City is just your starting point. Once you’ve explored its stone foundations, hit the road and chase more forgotten history across the state.
Napatree Point, now a wildlife preserve near Watch Hill, became a ghost community after the devastating 1938 hurricane swept entire neighborhoods away. It’s raw, coastal, and haunting.
Ramtail, another eerie stop, carries dark urban legends about a mill worker’s mysterious death that still fuel local storytelling today.
Each site reflects different preservation efforts — some led by land trusts, others by conservation groups — ensuring these remnants survive for future explorers.
Rhode Island rewards the curious traveler who refuses to stick to the tourist map and digs deeper into what’s been left behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pets or Dogs Allowed on the Hanton City Hiking Trail?
While pet policies aren’t officially posted, don’t let dog restrictions stop you — you can bring your pup on the Hanton City Hiking Trail. Keep them leashed to respect private property borders nearby.
Is Hanton City Accessible During Winter Months or After Heavy Snowfall?
You can visit Hanton City in winter, but heavy snowfall makes trails slippery and tough to navigate. You’ll discover a stunning snowy landscape and enchanting winter wildlife, so dress warmly, hike freely, and embrace the adventure!
Who Currently Owns the Land Where Hanton City Ruins Are Located?
You’ll be thrilled to know that private companies and a land trust own Hanton City’s land — an endless victory for historical preservation! Their land ownership guarantees the ruins stay protected, keeping your freedom to explore alive.
Has Hanton City Ever Been Featured in Paranormal Investigations or Ghost Shows?
You’ll find that Hanton City’s eerie stone ruins have attracted paranormal investigations over the years. Its historical hauntings and mysterious abandonment make it a compelling destination if you’re drawn to exploring Rhode Island’s unexplained supernatural legends firsthand.
Are There Any Guided Tours or Ranger-Led Programs Offered at Hanton City?
No guided tours or ranger-led programs await you at Hanton City. You’ll freely forge your own path, self-navigating this site of historical preservation and archaeological significance, discovering stone foundations independently along the scenic, self-guided Smithfield trail.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpy7zlXYrAU
- https://weird-island.simplecast.com/episodes/57-ghost-town-hanton-city-ky53imy0
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ghost_towns_in_Rhode_Island
- http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~gtusa/history/usa/ri.htm
