Narragansett Chapter Local Hikes and Walks

Mary Ann Topp and Christine Galvin, Local Hikes Co-Subchairs

Check for last minute status on the On-Line Gazette or the Message Board.
Sign up for local hikes or dog hikes announcements on our List-Server.
The Conservation Committee also offers local walks.

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General Notices

Gear for Local Hikes and suggestions for new members.

• Foot wear for hiking: This important item should be suitable for rough terrain. Shoes or hiking boots can be found in discount stores to sporting good stores. Heavier socks are needed for comfort. Bring an extra pair for wet conditions.
• Clothing: Synthetics will wick water away from you skin and is better than cotton because it adsorbs water. Synthetic fleece and wool will keep you warm even wet during cold weather. Synthetic pants are best for hiking and those designed for hiking are the most comfortable. Have rain gear, wind breakers, jackets, hats and mittens to counter the weather conditions.
• Backpacks, Hiking Poles: Small backpacks can be found at many retailers. They should be large eought to carry what you need. Fanny packs if large enough are good for some local hikes. Hiking poles have been found at discount stores.
• Items to bring for local day hikes: Extra clothing, insect repellant, sunscreen, personal medications, sunglasses, first aid items, snacks, plenty of water, cameras.
  

Enjoyable Local Hikes for New Members

This is a list of some favorite local hikes for both new members and members who are looking for a less demanding hike or walk. Check our schedule to see when we offer these activities. These are also suitable for hiking with friends or family. (HBS)

• Lincoln Woods, in Lincoln RI. -- This hike takes us off the beaten path to areas seldom seen by most people. It also includes the Chase Farm on Great Road. A great place for bird watching. Spring, fall and winter are good times for this hike.
• Blue Hills, South of Boston on I-93 -- This area offers extraordinary diversity for easy and challenging hikes (2.8MB pdf map) to the weather station with views of Boston. Spring and Fall are good times to go. There is snowshoeing in the winter. We are fortunate here in southeastern New England to have this area. Check with leader if fit enough to do it.
• Long Pond - Ell Pond Trail, Exeter RI -- This trail is in the Arcadia Management Area ((27KB pdf map)). Hikers enjoy going through the rhododendron forested section of this trail. It is also known for the spectacular views from ridges high above the large ponds, which is a great place to have lunch. Spring and fall are favorite times to go.
• Wednesday Evening Walks -- These walks are held in a different place every week. From the towns of Lincoln to Newport. They are two to three mile walks starting at 6 pm. If the hikers choose to do so, they go for a light dinner afterwards.
• Two easy scenic hikes -- The Great Swamp and Trustom Pond. These two are favorites. The Great Swamp (1.2MB pdf map) is a historical Indian site that is noted not only for hiking but is adjacent to two popular canoeing streams. Trustom Pond hike may include a MoonStone Beach (short history) walk when allowed by DEM.

There are many other hikes. New members are invited to inquire about them from you local hiking leaders, listed on the web site and in the Gazette.

Summer Advisory - Get Ready for the Sun and the Bugs

Articles suggest that using DEET products and sunscreen together may not be in your best interest. But not all sources have the same recommendations. Read articles on the proper use of insect repellants by the US Center for Disease Control, one by Undercurrents magazine, and one by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

State Land Use Permits for Groups of 10 or more Hikers

(updated) Hiking leaders note the following applicable all year.  The Rhode Island DEM Hunting and Trapping Abstract (870KB pdf) states under "State Lands" on page 20, "...In order to effectively manage and safeguard these open areas for people, wildlife, and habitat, the following regulations are to followed: ... Groups consisting of 10 or more persons must obtain a group use permit available from the Division of Forest Environment."

This regulation is also in the "Park and Management Area Rules and Regulations (Nov. 2010) (pdf) on page 17.

(Section)14.2 Groups of 100 persons or more utilizing public reservations under the jurisdiction of the Division of Parks and Recreation, scientific collectors and groups of ten (10) or more in other public reservations, must submit prior written request to and have official written permission for a Special Use Permit from the Director or his/her authorized representative.(See Section 23 for Large Event Permits for groups between 75 –150 people.)

Note that for public land under the jurisdiction of the Division of Parks and Recreation, permits are only required for groups of 100 or more.

For the Arcadia management area and all other State lands (except the George Washington area), print a copy of the Arcadia Activity/Special Use Permit (pdf) for submittal. For the George Washington area, print and submit this permit form (pdf). Jay Aron (Div. of Forest Environment) suggests calling him at 401-568-2013 so the request can be discussed prior to submitting an application.

For locations that are regulated, there are two maps to assist hiking leaders. The newest is a RI DEM interactive map that provides pdf cutouts of topo maps for selected locations in the State, but does not identify the areas on the map. The pdf maps are nice color printable topo maps with the State areas in shaded portions. The other map is an older version which does identify the management areas by name and gives a better overview of the State lands. It is the same as referenced below for trail maps for Wildlife Management Areas. For your convenience, these are the Wildlife Management Areas affected.

Hunting Season and Orange

Fluorescent Orange must be worn in Rhode Island State Management areas from the third weekend in October thru the end of February (small game hunting season)and again from April 25 thru May 26, 2009 (turkey hunting season). The requirement is to wear 200 square inches during these hunting periods, except during the shotgun deer season, when 500 square inches is required. On the mainland, the shotgun deer season is from December 1-9 on private and state management areas and also from Dec. 10-16 on private land only. However on Jamestown and Aquidneck Island, the shotgun deer season is Dec. 1-16, Dec. 29 & 30, and Jan. 5 & 6. Details are available on the Rhode Island DEM Hunting and Trapping Abstract (870KB pdf).

The requirements give specifics to what qualifies. "Fluorescent orange safety clothing is required during the hunting season statewide for all hunters. To meet this requirement, safety clothing must be solid daylight fluorescent orange. Fluorescent camouflage does not meet this requirement. The hunter orange must be worn above the waist and be visible in all directions. Examples are: a hat that covers 200 square inches or combination of hat and vest covering 500 square inches."

"In addition to the above hunter requirements, all other users (hikers, bicy-clists, horseback riders, etc.) of State Management areas are required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from the third Saturday in October to the last day of February and the last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually."

Hiking leaders are referred the following for information on the hunting season in CT and MA.
http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2700&q=323414&depNav_GID=1633
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/regulations/abstracts/hunting_dates.pdf

Note: Both Connecticut and Massachusetts do not allow hunting on Sunday so orange is not required on those days. But hunting is legal in Rhode Island on Sunday.

Fluorescent orange vests, jackets and hats are available at any of the local sporting and big box (eg. Walmart, Dick's) stores at very reasonable prices. If you are xc-skiing in the George Washington/Pulaski management area this winter you will need the fluorescent orange, so buy something big enough to go over your ski jacket.

Local Winter Hiker Advisory.

When below freezing or there has been snow on the trails, local hikers need to think about not slipping on ice. You can hike just about anywhere with proper winter foot gear. Get Microspikes (kahtoola.com) or Stabil-icers (The ones with bolts over entire sole). If you’re not yet committed to winter hiking and want something less expensive, go to the hunting/fishing department of your local sporting goods store and buy slip on fishermen's cleats that will serve you well for several seasons. Yaktraks are not recommended for serious hiking. For more information and sources, see the Snow Resources page.

Find your Favorite Hiking or Walking Trail

Hiking Areas in Rhode Island State Parks, Preserves, and Recreation Areas

Rhode Island has many parks, recreation areas, preserves, beaches and campgrounds, all managed by the RIDEM. Many are suitable for hiking and walks. The ones listed below offer sufficient space for short hikes, or long walks. All the State Parks can be found by region with this map. The page uses Google Maps so it is a large site to download.

Aerial photographs are useful to explore various hiking areas. All aerial photos on this page are interactive, which means you can pan and zoom the image. The largest size saved (via screen capture) is limited by the size of your display monitor. The photos are not necessarily taken in the Spring and tree leaves will obscure some trails. (Some images over the Bay are currently to dark to view details.) The photos are taken at various times, the latest in Rhode Island are May 1, 2010.

• Beavertail State Park - is less than a mile long and only about 1/2 mile wide and consists of dense brush, open field and a perimeter road. While more suited for easy walks, it offers shoreline scrambling and wide open view of the ocean. (Google Map)
• Brenton Point State Park - has a similar terrain mostly suited for easy walking, and again a magnificent view along the ocean shoreline. (Google Map)
• Colt State Park - is large enough that long walks or short hikes are possible. It is 2 1/2 miles long and at the widest 3/4 mile. Being up farther in the Bay it has a gentler shoreline and none of the surf that Beavertail and Brenton have. Any walks from the park can be enhanced by the multiple-use bike path that runs through part of the park. The chapter has hikes (and bike rides) in this park each year. ( (Google Map)
• Fort Wetherill State Park - is suitable for short walks. It has high bluffs and coastal fort emplacements that offer a grand view to the south out over the ocean. (Google Map)
• Goddard Memorial State Park - is probably one of the most popular parks in the State. Quite large and suitable for long walks or short hikes. It offers trails and roadways and large grassy areas for recreation. The entire property has shoreline on Greenwich Cove of which a large part of it is adjacent to the hiking paths. It is about 2 miles long and 3/4 mile wide. This is a full service park with bathing beach, restrooms, etc. This park is used by our chapter often for mid week hikes. (Google Map)
• Lincoln Woods State Park - is another very popular park. Large enough for hiking and long walks. Plenty of woods to hike in and large grassy areas. A perimeter road around the Pond are a very popular place for walking and exercising. This is also a full service park, with a small sandy beach front area for swimming. The chapter has several hikes at this park each year. (Google Map)
• Pulaski Memorial Recreation Area - is a 100 acre park in the northern part of the State and is within the 4000 acre George Washington Management Area. There are more than 10 miles of trails which can be hiked in the summer or skied in the winter. (Google Map)
• Snake Den State Park - is a 1000 acre undeveloped area which has plenty of hills and trails to hike on. This park has a hilltop view of Providence about 5 miles away. The chapter hikes this park at least once a year. (Google Map)
• John H. Chafee Nature Preserve - Commonly referred to as Rome Point. This is a RIDEM managed site with the town of North Kingstown holding a conservation easement over the land. It consists of 230 acres traversed by a series of trails leading to Narragansett Bay. Very popular for seal watching in winter. Has several miles of trails. (Google Map)

For Serious Mapping Inquiries

(new) The RI DEM uses Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to create, manipulate and analyze spatial data that you can use in an interactive mode. There are two maps that may interest hikers. The "Geographic Data Viewer has down the page, the "DEM Guide to Outdoor Recreation". It is a popup window, but expandable to a full screen, which is a guide to State Management Areas, including information on "..Public Hunting Land & Management Areas, Fishing & Boating Access and new information on the state's extensive network of multi-use trails."

The "Topo Map & Aerial Photo Viewer" (same URL) is described as a "..Fast & easy viewer including aerial photography dating back to 1939, USGS Topographic Maps, & NOAA Navigational Charts." This application uses the interactive arcGIS Explorer which allows you to view different maps, customize them and print. Both these interactive programs are difficult enough that you may want to look at the tutorial page on using GIS software that the DEM offers.

DEM Guide to Outdoor Recreation

Topo Map & Aerial Photo Viewer

Click either image for maps.

Trail Maps for Hikes in Rhode Island Wildlife Management Areas

(new) Many of the woodland places to hike in Rhode Island are located in the State Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). The RI DEM has produced maps that are suitable for locating these areas and exploring the trails. Some trails are marked but not identified. The maps include topographic features. RIHunts.com includes WMA maps, including named trails (but no topographic features) on one set, and topographic maps on another set. All the maps are primarily designed to identify the boundaries of the State WMA's. Use the images below to start finding WMA maps.

DEM maps

RIhunters maps

Click either image for maps.

Hiking Trails in National Wildlife Refuges in Rhode Island

The new Kettle Pond Visitor Center and headquarters located in Charlestown, RI, is the central location that manages the five National Wildlife Refuges in the State. Several are suitable for hiking, the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, and the Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge. A location map of the refuges is on this page.

• Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge - is a point of land on the mouth of the Sakonnet River that has about 2 1/2 miles of level trails. This isolated peninsula has a modern visitors center and is ideal for ocean side walks. (Google Map)
• Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge - is a large parcel of land that is part of the previous Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Air station. The area has many trails and paths on the northern side of Ninigret Pond. The barrier beach is the longest undeveloped shoreline in Rhode Island and suitable for beach hiking. (Google Map)
• Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge - is also on the southern coastal area. It surrounds the state's only undeveloped salt pond. It is ideal for walks and but with less trails than the Ninigret area. The barrier beach is closed for part of the year due to nesting of the Piping Plover. (Google Map)

The Rhode Island North South Trail

This trail (although not a trail for the entire distance) runs from the Massachusetts border in the Buck Hill Management Area, to the Atlantic Ocean on East Beach Road, Charlestown, at Blue Shutters Beach. It consists of about 75 miles of trail that is a mix of trails, paths, and some roads. A map of the route is available, and a book describing the trail can be purchased at REI. (New) Topo Maps for the North-South trail are available.

Nearby Out-of-State areas

• F. Gilbert Hills State Forest (on some maps labeled as Foxborough State Forest or Wrenthem State Forest) is in Foxboro and Wrentham Massachusetts, next to the northeastern part of the Rhode Island. This comprises three separate forests, F. Gilbert Hills, Franklin State Forest, and the Wrentham State forest. There are about 23 miles of hiking trails including mountain bike and equestrian paths. (Google Map)
• Bigelow Hollow State Park - Located in upper NE Connecticut within Nipmuck State Forest, consists of 9,000 acres, in one of the largest unbroken forest areas in Eastern Connecticut. There are about 10 miles of hiking trails including a loop around Breakneck Pond. (Google Map)

The Nature Conservancy in Rhode Island

There are many properties in Rhode Island under the ownership of the Nature Conservancy. Many of them have short trails suitable for walks and hikes. A map of the preserves can be used to investigate hikes. Use the Visit tab to see the Google maps. All the preserves require that you honor their rules and conditions for visitation.

• Lime Rock Preserve
• Fogland Marsh Preserve
• Quicksand Pond/Goosewing Beach Preserve
• Beaver River Preserve
• Canonchet Brook Preserve
• Ell Pond Preserve
• Francis C. Carter Memorial Preserve
• Grass Pond Preserve
• Pasquiset Pond Preserve
• Tillinghast Pond Management Area
• Queen's River Preserve

Rhode Island Land Trusts

(new) There are many land trusts in Rhode Island, some offer hiking and walks. Some require visitation is by scheduled walks only. The following are some of the more popular ones, and can be visited without scheduling.

• Tiverton Land Trust, Weetamo Woods and Pardon Gray Preserve. - The 230 acre Pardon Gray Preserve is an active farm and forest preserve adjacent to the 550 acre Weetamoo Woods. (Google Map)
• Charlestown Land Trust - The 80 acre Mill Pond Preserve is owned and managed by South County Conservancy. (Google Map)
• Barrington Land Conservation Trust - Doug Rayner Wildlife Refuge at Nockum Hill is a 83 acre conservation easement on George Street, extending into Hundred Acre Cove. (Google Map)
• East Greenwich Land Trust - The largest is the 69 acre Frenchtown Park. (Google Map)
• Glocester Land Trust - The Sprague Farm is the largest and most popular property and has miles of trails. (Google Map)
• Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy - The level ground at the base of the Hill has playing fields, a swimming pool, water and skate park. The 88 acres of open space on the steep slopes and the forested land on top of the Hill has hiking trails. (Google Map)
• South Kingstown Land Trust - Popular hiking areas include the DuVal Trail (Google Map) and the Crawley Trail (Google Map).
• Watch Hill Conservancy - Manages the Napatree Point Conservation Area. For information see the Napatree Point Conservation Area Ecosystem Management Study. (Google Map)
• The Westerly Land Trust - The 482-acre Grills Preserve has more than 2½ miles of frontage on the Pawcatuck River. (Google Map)

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Audubon maintains nearly 9,500 acres, including 13 refuges in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts which are open to the public and have groomed trails for hiking and other nature activities. The Society requires that you abide by their rules to ensure that the refuges remain as healthy habitats. The following areas are suitable for hikes of walks from 3 to 5 miles.

• Caratunk Wildlife Refuge - The 200 acres parcel consists of fields, forests, and wetlands. (Google Map) The Chapter has hikes in this area each year. See the Photo Album.
• Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge - The 25 acre area has a new Environmental Education Center and a board walk to the Bay. The East Bay bike path crosses the land. (Google Map)
• Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge - The 937 acre property contains fields, diverse forest habitats, pond, and streams. (Google Map)
• Fort Nature Refuge - A 235-acre woodland with three small ponds. (Google Map)
• Kimball Wildlife Sanctuary - A 29 acre property on the southern shore of Watchaug Pond and abutting Burlingame State Park. (Google Map)
• Lathrop Wildlife Refuge - A 86 acre property situated along the northern shore of Winnapaug Pond. (Google Map)
• Long Pond Woods - A 218 acre parcel of hemlocks and rock outcrops bordering Long and Ell Ponds. The Chapter has hikes in this area each year. (Google Map)
• George B. Parker Woodland - A 860 acre property consisting of old forest, brooks, and fields. (Google Map) The Chapter has hikes in this area each year.
• Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge - A 120 acre refuge which houses the Audubon's headquarters. (Google Map) The Chapter has hikes in this area each year.
• Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge - A 50 acre parcel of woods and salt marsh with trails and fine views of the Sakonnet River. (Google Map)
• Touisset Marsh Wildlife - The 66 acres of Touisset Marsh include salt marsh and bordering upland field and wooded land. (Google Map)
• Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge - Noted artist Maxwell Mays, a dedicated conservationist and philanthropist, donated his 295-acre tract of land in Coventry to Audubon in 2000. (Google Map)

Town and Municipal Parks and Recreation Areas

Many of the town and cities of Rhode Island have places to hike as a result of the rugged terrain and unbuildable land. Many towns and cities also are becoming concerned with the open land and farms being developed and have taken advantage of special conservation easements. The result is a variety of landscapes suitable for hiking and walks. A few are listed below.

• Cumberland Monastery Grounds - located on the site of a former Cistercian Monastery, is owned and maintained by the Town of Cumberland. There are several miles of trails in an area about one mile square. (Google Map)
• Birchwold Farms and Joe's Rock - located in Wrentham near Diamond Hill State Park (now Cumberland Diamond Hill Park). This conservation area in Massachsetts offers several miles of trails on 129 acres of woodland and open fields. Adjacent across Rt 121 is Joe's Rock which gives a view of a pond and Providence way to the south. See photos in the Photo Album and Conservation pages. (Google Map)
• The Newport Cliff Walk - is about 3 1/2 miles long (7 mile round trip) along the ocean cliffs behind the opulent Newport Mansions, of which about 2/3 of the trail is an easy walk on paved sidewalk, but the southern end is over rocky terrain. It was designated a National Recreation Trail in 1975. (Google Map)
• Osamequin Nature Trails and Bird Sanctuary, Barrington - has two to three miles of trails in the sanctuary adjacent to Hundred Acre Cove and bordering wetlands. Just off Rt 114/103. (Google Map)
• Napatree Point Beach - This is a favorite beach walk at Watch Hill in the Fall when all the tourists have left the area. Easy parking and access. The hike out and back is about 3 miles. (Google Map)
• Wolf Hill Conservation Area - This is a network of trails that start near the Smithfield Conservation Center on Pleasant Ave. More Hiking trails in Smithfield Conservation are no longer listed on the Smithfield Town website. See the Photo Album for a previous hike in this area. (Google Map)
• Neutaconkanut Hill Park (King Park) This recreation park is owned by the City of Providence, and is currently getting more attention and appreciation. Neutaconkanut is the highest point in Providence and consist of 88 acres of open space adjacent to the town of Johnston. Parking is at the Neutaconkanut Hill Recreation Center on Plainfield St. (Google Map)

Massachusetts Dept. of Conservation and Recreations Areas

There are many places to walk and hike near Rhode Island in neighboring Massachusetts. Below are places of interest.
Massachusetts Dept. of Conservation and Recreation - This page has trail maps for online viewing or downloading of Mass. State Parks, State Forests and Conservation Areas.

Commercial Maps and Books for hiking in Rhode Island

• Great Swamp Press - Great Swamp Press publishes authoritative maps and guides for hiking and mountain biking in recreational areas in and near Rhode Island, plus maps and guides of historic and architectural interest. Old fashioned field research, the latest technology and top quality materials provide you with the most accurate, completely detailed, yet easy to read maps available. They have specific maps for Arcadia, Big River, Carolina & Burlingame, Long & Ell Ponds, North South Trail, Pachaug, and Cliff Walk & Bellevue Avenue.
• The Map Center - Located on North Mail St. just above Branch Ave Exit from Rt 95 has a selection of maps and books for hiking in RI.
• Various online books - Amazon (there are other distributors) has a selection under a search of "rhode island hiking".
• Books by Ken Weber - Currently two books are available in his Walks and Rambles in Rhode Islandupdates.

Leadership Requirements

The overall AMC Leadership Requirements and Guidelines will apply to all our leaders. There are two categories for leading.

Hike leader: Co-lead two non-Wednesday local hikes of at least five to ten miles in length, under guidance of two different qualified hike leaders. Then lead one local hike with a qualified hike leader acting as co-leader.
Walk leader: Co-lead two local hikes/walks Then lead one local hike/walk with a qualified hike or walk leader acting as co-leader.

"Elaine: I don't even know where I'm going."... "That's the best way to get someplace you've never been." -- J. Peterman