Archive for January, 2021

Barlow East – Westerly

                                                                            

The Barlow Nature Preserve in Westerly is split into two sections separated by a swamp. The easstern portion offers a hike through an active farm and a wooded area behind the Westerly Land Trust headquarters. The blue blaze trail starts by the large pine tree just to the east of the greenhouse. The lollipop trail loops through the wooded area offering a dendrology lesson as many trees are labeled to what they are. A new boardwalk (circa 2021) has just been built. An option to return through the farm is available shortly after the boardwalk by turning left.

 

Map can be found at: Barlow Nature Preserve

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Along the Blue Loop at Barlow East

Barlow West – Westerly

                                                                            

The Barlow Nature Preserve in Westerly is split into two sections separated by a swamp. The western portion offers a hike through a wooded peninsula surrounded by that swamp. There are two trails here blazed yellow and red. Following one out and the other back will give you a hike just under a mile.

 

Map can be found at: Barlow Nature Preserve

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Newton Swamp from Barlow West

Wildwood – Westerly

                                                                            

This may be one of the shortest trails in the State. Being on a Land Trust property, I had to check it out… (part of hiking every trail in Rhode Island). The trail cuts through a wooded area in a residential neighborhood following the bank of a stream. The walk out and back is just under a quarter mile. There is a nice sitting area if you so choose.

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Stream at Wildwood

Handy House Heritage Trail – Westport

                                                                            

This lollipop trail is short and very informative. It starts at the parking area for the historic Handy House. The wide trail offers signage that explains the history of the property and surrounding area. There are also signs indicating the different types of trees along the trail. For more info click here.

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Along The Trail

Allens Pond Central – Dartmouth

                                                                            

This sprawling Massachusetts Audubon property offers all sorts of scenes. Farm fields, woodlands, marshes, and ocean views. To maximize visiting all of the trails here I broke the hike into three sections (East, West, and Central). This hike explores the central part of the property. Starting from the “Stone Barn” trailhead off of Horseneck Road, follow the trail to the west through an open field. The trail turns to the south and intersects shortly with another trail to the left. That trail will lead you to the eastern part of the property. For this hike continue ahead into the next field. Soon you will pass a shelter and a wooden fence. The trail turns to the left and then right into a stretch of woodlands. Just into the woods there is an inviting rock to sit. Take the moment. You will here will hear the chipmunks and squirrels rustling, maybe the sound of a woodpecker. I had got a glimpse of a deer here and some wild turkey. The trail continues ahead for a bit offering glimpses of Allens Pond to the left. When you get to the long stone wall stay to the left. This is the Ruebens Point Trail. Scramble up the outcrop to the left of the wall and ahead is a scenic view of the pond complete with a sitting bench. From here follow the trail down the stone steps and turn left at the next intersection. This trail leads to the point. Returning, take a left at the intersection onto the Zylfee Brook Trail and follow it to the next overlook. From here retrace your steps a few feet, turn left then right back onto the Quansett Trail. You will turn left and then follow the long stone wall (now on your right) back to the next trail intersection. From here continue straight and follow the trail back to the parking area.

 

Map can be found at: Allens Pond Central

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Allens Cove From the Rueben Point Viewpoint