Location and surroundings
Jerimoth Hill is located in the United States, specifically within the state of Rhode Island. Regionally, it sits in Providence County inside the municipality of Foster. As the highest point of the state/region, it rises in a wooded landscape near the border with neighbouring areas. The surrounding terrain is characterized by gentle rolling hills and dense forests typical of the region.
Neighbouring peaks
The surrounding area features several nearby summits and elevations. Compared to these local heights, Jerimoth Hill stands as the culmination of the state. The nearest peaks and passes include:
- Alva Pond Hill (peak), 197 m, 1.4 km W
- Mount Hygeia (peak), 224 m, 1.6 km E
- Bear Hill (peak), 215 m, 2.4 km SW
- Whites Hill (peak), 240 m, 3.1 km N
- Pray Hill (peak), 216 m, 3.4 km E
- Pine Hill (peak), 235 m, 3.9 km NE
- Chestnut Hill (peak), 223 m, 4.0 km NW
- Slater Hill (peak), 199 m, 4.5 km SW
The view from the summit
While the top is largely surrounded by trees, higher elevations within a broader radius include several regional hills. The highest peaks within 25 km of the summit are Coatney Hill (283 m, 23.2 km NW), Wood Hill (277 m, 22.3 km N), Ragged Hill (265 m, 21.7 km W), Rocky Hill (264 m, 22.7 km NW), Sprague Hill (257 m, 24.2 km W), and Davis Hill (257 m, 24.0 km NW). These distant formations shape the wider horizon of the region.
Getting there
Access to the area is straightforward via local roads, including Route 101 which runs past the hill. The nearest settlements are the town of Foster, located 1.8 km E, and the village of North Foster, situated 3.1 km SE of the top. For visitors arriving by vehicle, there is one car park located within 2 km of the summit, with the nearest parking spot positioned 210 m N.
Walking to the top
Reaching the summit involves a short and manageable walk. From the car park situated 0.2 km N of the top at about 250 m elevation, the walk is about 0.3 km on foot with a 10 m height gain, requiring roughly 5 to 10 minutes following an estimate by Naismith's rule from distance and height gain. Alternatively, walking from Foster (town), which is 1.8 km E of the top at about 220 m elevation, involves about 2.3 km on foot and a 40 m up, taking roughly 25 to 40 minutes. Note that these figures are rough estimates from distance and height gain, and real trail times may vary.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER covering monthly means from 2001 to 2020, adjusted to the summit elevation, indicate that the warmest month is July with a mean temperature of about 22 °C, while the coldest is January at about -4 °C. Months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit include March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 1,200 mm a year, with October being the wettest month at about 125 mm and January the driest at about 80 mm.
Best time to visit
Given the temperature profile, the months from March through November experience mean temperatures above freezing at the summit, making them the most comfortable periods for a visit. During these warmer months, visitors can experience the transition of seasons from spring bloom through summer warmth to autumn foliage. Winter months bring colder conditions with mean temperatures dropping below freezing, requiring appropriate winter clothing for outdoor activities.
Nature and wildlife
The protected area at or near the summit is Jerimoth Hill itself. The local landscape features typical mixed woodlands of the region, including areas where pine trees have historically grown around the high point. The rocky outcrop forms a natural feature within the forested environment. Visitors should remain mindful of ticks during the warmer months, a common hazard in local wooded and grassy habitats.
Practical tips
An outing to this destination requires minimal specialized gear due to the short walk, but standard outdoor precautions are recommended. Sturdy footwear is helpful for uneven ground or exposed rocks, and carrying a wind layer is advisable given changing weather conditions. Visitors should stay on designated paths to respect the protected area. In case of emergency, dial 911, which serves as the general emergency number where dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team.
History and name
The hill was named after Jerimoth Brown (1783–1830), an early settler. Historically, the high point was donated to Brown University by Walter Raymond Turner, a class of 1911 alumnus who purchased surrounding land in 1938. For decades, Brown University used the location as an astronomy observatory to view the skies away from light pollution in Providence. For many years, access was restricted due to private landowner Henry Richardson, but after subsequent property acquisition by the Mosley family and eventual transfer to the state, public access was permanently established.
Interesting facts
Jerimoth Hill holds the distinction of being the lowest state highpoint in New England, standing at an elevation of 256 m. The summit area features a rocky outcrop in the woods on the northwest edge of a clearing, where visitors can sign a summit register traditionally kept inside a mailbox. The location combines a history of astronomical research with its status as a sought-after objective for highpointers visiting Rhode Island.
FAQ
How high is Jerimoth Hill? Jerimoth Hill has an elevation of 256 m.
Where is Jerimoth Hill located? It is located in the town of Foster within Providence County, Rhode Island, United States.
How do I get to the top? You can walk from the nearest car park 210 m N of the summit or walk from the town of Foster.
How long does it take to walk to the top? From the car park 0.2 km N of the top, it takes roughly 5–10 minutes over about 0.3 km on foot; from Foster (town), it takes roughly 25–40 minutes over about 2.3 km on foot, based on estimates from distance and height gain.
What can be found at the summit? The top features a rocky outcrop in the woods, a clearing, and a summit register in a mailbox.
What is the view like from the summit? The summit area is mostly surrounded by trees, but higher regional hills like Coatney Hill and Wood Hill lie further out within a 25 km radius.
How is the mobile phone coverage in the area? Coverage in the hills can be patchy and depends on your operator; maps should be downloaded before setting out, though 911 reaches emergency services over any available network.