• Breakheart Hill
• Ten Rod Road, Exeter, RI
• Trailhead: 41°34’37.86″N, 71°41’52.33″W
• Last Time Hiked: February 28, 2016
• Approximate distance hiked: 4.4 miles
• Moderate.

This hike covers some of the lesser used trails in the Arcadia Management Area. It is a rather lonely hike. The hike has some significant ups and downs and footing is a little unstable in areas. But there is unexplained beauty in this area, there are several stream crossings and the sound of the trickling water and wind through the tall pines can be a little settling. It is secluded. It was the hike I needed to take at this moment in time. Starting from a small parking area along Ten Rod Road I started my trek into the woods first following the Bliven Trail. The first four tenths of a mile are uphill and will increase you heart rate. The trail, an old road, then descends downhill coming to the first stream crossing. At the time of this hike it was flowing at a decent rate. Another trail soon appears on the left just after the stream. I would return on that trail. For now, continue straight, passing a gate. There is a house ahead to the right and what appears to be a driveway ahead. This is in fact the beginning of Breakheart Hill Road. After passing the stable on the right you are now back on an old dirt road. It is slightly narrower than the Bliven Trail and again I was heading uphill. Soon you will notice a pipe (painted orange at the time of this hike) on the right. This is a property marker and is just about where the trail enters West Greenwich. Continuing ahead you will notice some boulders to the left. At the row of boulders turn left and just beyond them is the beginning of the Newman Trail. At this point you are just about at the top of Breakheart Hill. It was here I saw a chipmunk. It seem as fast as she appeared, she disappeared. Continuing down downhill, the trail becomes quite challenging for footing. Be sure to exercise caution here. When the trail reaches the bottom of the hill stay to the left. The trail is now blazed yellow. It is part of the longer Breakheart Trail that reaches into the depths of the management area. Following the yellow blazes you will see Breakheart Pond through the trees to the right and soon thereafter you will come upon a small waterfall on the left. The trail then curves to the right. A trail appears on the left, you want to turn here. (If you want a view of the pond continue straight for a few hundred feet). After making the turn left the trail, which is part of Austin Farm Road, you will notice some interesting stone walls flanking the trail. After gradually climbing uphill you will come to another stream crossing. Shortly thereafter, turn right and retrace your steps back over the hill to the car.

Trail map can be found at: Breakheart Hill.

Along Austin Farm Road