Archive for the ‘ ~CUMBERLAND RI~ ’ Category

Elder Ballou Cemetery – Cumberland

  • Elder Ballou Cemetery/Iron Rock Hill
  • Elder Ballou Meeting House Road, Cumberland, RI
  • Trailhead:  42° 0’22.74″N, 71°27’25.25″W
  • Last Time Hiked: April 29, 2023
  • Approximate distance hiked: 0.5 miles
  • Easy with some slight elevation.

                                                                            

The Elder Ballou Cemetery was established in the 1700’s when the family came to the “wilderness” of Cumberland. Across the road from the cemetery once stood the meeting house the road is named for. In this cemetery you find almost the entire Ballou family as well as others. Some graves of note are the Place Family grave. Note the entire family passed within months in 1849. Edward Wright, a Civil War veteran, is here and has the distinction of having two headstones. Captain Levi Tower is buried here as well. He served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Some of the oldest graves date back to the 1770’s. Behind the cemetery is a small network of trails the make up Iron Rock Hill. This is a rather significant geological location, as it is the only known location in North America that has a bedrock of Cumberlandite (The official State rock), meaning all boulders and rocks of Cumberlandite found throughout the area has been displaced from here via glaciers. This rock is a dense mafic igneous rock that went through magmatic differentiation, showing almost no crystals on its exterior. Break a piece open though and you will see all of its hidden crystals. The rock, made of iron, magnesium, and titanium, is also magnetic and can rust. The properties also offer several flowering spring trees and a grove of pitch pine. Squirrels, chipmunks, and songbirds were abundant on this spring morning. The two properties combined offer a short, but interesting saunter through local history and geological history.

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Cemetery

2023
04/29
CATEGORY
Elder Ballou Cemetery
Iron Rock Hill
~1 Mile or Less~
~CUMBERLAND RI~
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Ash Swamp – Cumberland

  • Ash Swamp
  • Nate Whipple Highway, Cumberland, RI
  • Trailhead:  41°58’57.94″N, 71°25’32.16″W
  • Last Time Hiked: September 4, 2022
  • Approximate distance hiked: 2.4 miles
  • Moderate due to lack of blazes and mapping, Some Elevation.

In the thickly wooded area behind the North Cumberland Middle School are a series of trails that meander across lesser known town owned land. Some of these trails are used by the schools cross country team and the remainder reach to Tower Hill Road. For this hike, I ventured into the woods with a map from “OpenStreetMaps” with the intention of finding and completing the two loops in the middle of the property. The first challenge was getting to the trail head. Passing through the main parking area for the school, drive behind the school to a smaller parking area at the back of the school. There is enough room for 2 or 3 cars here. From here follow the tree line around the bend and you will encounter a sign for the schools cross country program. This the trailhead! After entering the woods stay to the left. The trail to the right will lead you to Schofield Farm. In a little bit you will come to a four way intersection with some park benches. Turn right here. The trail winds northerly toward the first of the two loops. There will be a trail to the left just before a stream. Ignore it and continue ahead crossing the stream. Soon on the left you will get a glimpse of a boulder strewn landscape. At the next intersection stay to the right and you will cross a stream. A short distance ahead a trail comes in from the right. Ignore and stay on the main trail that veers to the left and starts a climb uphill. At the top of the hill the trail splits. Stay to the left and pass through the stone wall. The trail starts to turn to the left before straightening out. At the next split, stay to the left again. You will pass another stone wall before coming to the next trail intersection. Stay to the right here and continue ahead about sixty feet or so and there will be another intersection. Continue straight here and ahead to the next trail intersection. Ahead the trail is slightly overgrown. The main trail turns abruptly to the left. Follow the main trail as it starts a climb uphill. The trail turns to the right and levels out a bit, then turns left again and again uphill. There will be a trail to the left, ignore it and continue the climb uphill. At the top of the hill will be the next intersection. Turn left here and in about twenty feet or so will be another intersection, turn left once again. There will be a trail on the right, ignore it and continue ahead. You will now start a long descent downhill. Next, a trail comes in from the left, stay to the right and follow the main trail. And yet another trail to the right to ignore. Continue to follow the main trail downhill. At the end of the trail at the bottom of the hill turn right. Follow this trail about sixty feet to the next intersection. Turn right here and follow the main trail slightly uphill. Again a trail comes in from the right, and again ignore it. Near the top of the hill and on the left there is a narrow trail that leads to a footbridge. Take a moment to check this out. There is a babbling brook that cascades over the rocks here. Return to the main trail, it will turn slightly to the left and cross a stream. Shortly after the stream there will be another trail intersection. Stay to the left here. The trail descends downhill passing boulders and outcrops before ending at the next trail intersection. Turn right here and continue ahead to the four way intersection with the park benches. At the intersection turn left and follow the trail back to the trail head. During this hike, we encountered some chipmunks, squirrels, and a lone deer. A few suggestions and notes about this hike. Use GPS! You could easily get lost here and you will likely do some backtracking if you take a wrong turn. The map that I had used only showed the main trails. There are many other trails here that are not shown on the map. Some of the trails were blazed at intersections. These blazes are for the cross country team and are not typical “hiking blazes”. Also, it may be a good idea to tackle this hike on a weekend or holiday when the school is closed.

Trail map can be found at: Ash Swamp

TWRI-AshSwamp

Trail and Stone Wall at Ash Swamp

2022
09/05
CATEGORY
Ash Swamp
~2 to 3 Miles~
~CUMBERLAND RI~
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Mercy Woods – Cumberland

 

The Town of Cumberland recently purchased 229 of the 243 acres of the Sisters of Mercy property for conservation and passive recreation. With the help of the Cumberland Land Trust, the Rhode Island Land Trust Council, and volunteers, Mercy Woods has become not only one of the newest trail systems, but handily one of the most beautiful in Rhode Island. The nearly six miles of trails are well blazed and mapped. For this hike, I led a group, following the Perimeter Walk, from the Sumner Brown Road parking area just off of Route 121. We crossed the road to follow the yellow blazed Mercy Loop. After crossing a field and passing a gate we were onto the trail. The trail winds pass the red blaze trail and turns to the east where it intersects with the blue blazed Ridge Trail. Look towards the right here just before the blue trail. Up on the hill is a pile of rocks, possibly a cairn or an impressive “balance artwork”. Following the blue blazes of the aptly named Ridge Trail for the next two miles leads you up and down some impressive hills, crossing a few streams, passing several stone walls, winding by large boulders and outcrops, along a ridge, and through a forest floor of ferns. The trail intersects with four red blazed trails (Stone Wall, Fisher, Fern, and Fiske) and crosses Sumner Brown Road. For this hike, we followed the blue blazes to their terminus at the Mercy Loop. The Warner Trail also joins the Ridge Trail for a bit. You will see a few white circle blazes along the way marking the long distance trail. When we reached the yellow blazes once again we turned left. Keep an eye out for the blazes as there are two trails to the left (one being not blazed). The remainder of the hike winds through the woods at the southern end of the property, passing through an open field, by power lines, then crosses Highland View Road before the final stretch that leads you back to the parking area.

 

Map can be found at: Mercy Woods.

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Along The Mercy Loop

2019
07/01
CATEGORY
**BEST OF TRAILS AND WALKS**
Mercy Woods
~3 to 5 Miles~
~CUMBERLAND RI~
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Franklin Farm – Cumberland

  • Historic Metcalf Franklin Farm
  • Abbott Run Valley Road, Cumberland, RI
  • Trailhead:  41°57’59.58″N, 71°23’38.37″W
  • Last Time Hiked: December 3, 2017
  • Approximate distance hiked: 1.4 miles
  • Easy with some small hills.

 

In the rolling hills of Northeast Rhode Island is Franklin Farm. The 65 acre town owned property was once a dairy farm now used for community gardening and historic preservation. The farm consists of an old 19th century farm house (currently under restoration) and a turn of the century dairy barn. On each side of Abbott Run Valley Road are large fields with farm trails that are open to the public. The fields are separated from the winding road by century old New England stone walls. Parking is available at the dairy barn. For this walk, first cross the street to get to the East Field. The entrance to the east field is marked with a sign at an opening in the stone wall. Use caution while crossing as there is a significant blind spot for approaching traffic. Once entering the East Field turn to the left and you will see a post with the number 1 on it. The farm trail follows the perimeter of the field and there are 10 numbered posts all the way. From the front of the field looking to the east offers a great wide open view of the sky. Sunrises can be spectacular here. When you are on the backside of the field you can catch glimpses of Rawson Pond down the bottom of the hill. After completing the loop cross back over to the West Field. Going up the driveway and right around the dairy barn back towards the old chain link fence you will find a post with the number 1 on it. The farm trail is again marked by numbered posts that leads you partly along the perimeter and partly across the farm fields. There is a small pond along the way that is a small haven for birds offering cover of shrubs and a small tree. I came across an owl here who seemed quite interested in my presence before flying off. The marked farm trail ends at the small gardens and chicken coup at the backside of the farm house. From here turn left to the parking area. The farm is active in the spring and summer months with gardeners and children at programs. The farm trails are open to the public from dawn to dusk. Do keep in mind though to wear proper shoes as the trail is all grass. The frosty farm trail quickly turned in morning dew on this walk.

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Perimeter Path in the East Field

2017
12/03
CATEGORY
**BEST OF TRAILS AND WALKS**
Franklin Farm
~1 to 2 Miles~
~CUMBERLAND RI~
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Blackall Preserve – Cumberland

  • Blackall Preserve/Ballou Farm Preserve
  • Old West Wrentham Road, Cumberland, RI
  • Trailhead: 41°59’18.1″N, 71°27’39.8″W
  • First Time Hiked: March 23, 2017
  • Last Time Hiked: April 29, 2020
  • Approximate distance hiked: 3.0 miles
  • Fairly easy with some elevation.

 

The Blackall and Ballou Farm Preserves offer trails that wind around the property passing impressive stone walls from yesteryear. There are two main loops, blazed yellow and blue, connected by a red blazed trail. There are also two white trails that lead to other entrances. The blue loop is accessed from the main entrance. The trails wind up and down several hills while traversing under a canopy mostly of oak and maple with an occasional beech, pine, and birch. There is a small pond on the western edge of the preserve as well. The trails are easy to follow and are well defined. At the northern reaches of the property the yellow trail twice crosses a babbling brook. An abundance of birds were observed here singing in the trees above at the time of this hike.

 

Trail Map: Blackall/Ballou

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Crossing a Babbling Brook

2017
03/23
CATEGORY
Ballou Farm
Blackall Preserve
~2 to 3 Miles~
~CUMBERLAND RI~
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Blackstone River Byway – Lincoln/Cumberland

  • Blackstone River Byway
  • School Street, Lincoln, RI
  • Trailhead: 41°57’10.51″N, 71°27’9.88″W
  • Last Time Hiked: March 6, 2017
  • Approximate distance hiked: 0.5 miles
  • Fairly easy with some elevation.

 

The Blackstone River Byway is a utility road that follows the eastern shore of the Blackstone River in Cumberland just north of Albion Road. Between that road and the river is a short footpath of a trail that climbs up to an impressive outcrop of rocks that overlook the river. The trail is entirely in Cumberland but you must park at the bike path parking area just over the river in Lincoln. From the parking area follow School Street over the bridge that crosses the river. From here you will get a great view of the Albion Dam. Just after the bridge and before the gated road is a narrow footpath that heads north along the river. The path passes the dam before heading uphill to the overlook. This is a great little spot to sit and contemplate. This hike out and back (and for this hike description featuring just about all the highlights) is about a half mile. If you choose to further explore, follow any of the spur trails to the Byway road and head north. The utility road is heavily traveled by ATV’s and not so much utilized by hikers. The road follows a buried petroleum pipeline for a distance before pipeline crosses the river. You will see a clearing on the left with a sign down below warning of the pipeline crossing the river. A hike to this point (and back to the parking area) is just about 2 miles. If you care do a loop of 4 miles, a fellow hiker recently explored this option. You can do so by continuing along the dirt road after it passes the utility clearing on the left. Here is a link to her website with a description and a map.

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Sunset Along The Blackstone From The Overlook.

2017
03/07
CATEGORY
Blackstone River Byway
~1 Mile or Less~
~CUMBERLAND RI~
~LINCOLN RI~
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Lynch Park – Cumberland

  • James H. Lynch Jr. Memorial Park – Cumberland Monastery
  • Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI
  • Trailhead: 41°56’29.30″N, 71°24’7.27″W
  • Last Time Hiked: January 1, 2017
  • Approximate distance hiked: 0.9 miles
  • Fairly easy with some elevation.

 

The well known Cumberland Monastery has miles of trails that winds through woods and fields. Most do not know that there is another entrance a little further north along Diamond Hill Road at Lynch Park. These lesser visited trails, as well with the rest of the Monastery, has recently been blazed. For this hike we decided to do a short loop of just under of a mile that started at the gate by the parking area. We first followed the yellow blazed trail that follows the power lines. Just before an open field at one of the towers we turned right onto the orange blazed Lynch Trail that winds uphill and to the north before looping back to near the beginning of the hike. There are stone walls and young beeches among the older pines along this trail that towers over the valley below. To add more miles to this hike continue along the yellow blazed trail into the heart of the Monastery property instead of turning onto the orange trail.

Trail maps can be found at: Lynch Park

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Along The Lynch Trail

2017
01/01
CATEGORY
Lynch Park
~1 Mile or Less~
~CUMBERLAND RI~
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Lonsdale Marsh – Lincoln/Cumberland

This walk follows the southern most portion of the Blackstone River Bike Path into Cumberland. Starting at the parking area at the old Lonsdale Drive-In I followed the bike path south to John Street. The bike path crosses over the Blackstone River into Cumberland, then crosses Route 123. The remainder of the bike path follows the edge of the marsh and consists of a paved path and an area of boardwalk. After the boardwalk there is a trail to the right. The trail is narrow and overgrown in areas. The trail will bring you to the rivers edge. By walking to the end of the bike path and back and also following the trail you can achieve a little over a mile and a half.

Trail map can be found at: Lonsdale Marsh.

Approaching The Boardwalk

Approaching The Boardwalk

2015
08/25
CATEGORY
Lonsdale Marsh
~1 to 2 Miles~
~CUMBERLAND RI~
~LINCOLN RI~
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Blackstone River South – Cumberland/Lincoln

For the third a final leg of the Blackstone River Bikeway walk we completed the southern 3 or so miles. Starting where we left off in May at Front Street in Cumberland we immediately made our way into Lincoln by crossing the Blackstone River. The bike path then turns to the left passing the Kelly House. This stretch of the bike path follows the Blackstone Canal on the right for a couple miles. The river it self is on the left most of the walk. There are several spur trails to the left that lead to the river. Along this stretch we came across many animals and insects such as geese, ducks, chipmunks, squirrels, birds of all sorts, turtles, fish, butterflies, and dragonflies. Soon we were crossing the river again on a bridge that crosses at the Pratt Dam. This would lead us back into Cumberland again briefly before crossing Mendon Road. After crossing the busy road we again crossed a bridge back into Lincoln and into what was once the Lonsdale Drive In. It is now a restored marsh with several wildflowers. We concluded our walk here at the old entrance to the drive-in. The bike path from this point continues south for about a half mile before becoming a bike lane along city streets to Providence.

Trail map can be found at: Blackstone River South.

The Bike Path Following The Canal

The Bike Path Following The Canal

2015
07/14
CATEGORY
Blackstone River South
~3 to 5 Miles~
~CUMBERLAND RI~
~LINCOLN RI~
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Blackstone River Central – Lincoln/Cumberland

Starting where we left off a couple weeks ago (Blackstone River North), we continued our walk along the Blackstone River Bikeway. The first mile or so of this walk is along a stretch of the bike path that is flanked by the railroad on the right and the river on the left. Most of it is fenced, but there are occasional trailheads that appear along the left. The Albion Dam soon appears on the river to the left. The water cascades over the dam then ripples downstream under the School Street Bridge. This is a good spot to relax and take in the scene. At the halfway point of this walk we crossed a bridge that spans the river. We were now entering Cumberland and the bike path climbs a small hill. There is some impressive looking ledge at this location. Soon we came to a railroad crossing where the bike path switches sides. Do not walk down the tracks. These are active tracks and occasionally a freight train will come rumbling through. We then continued along the bike path crossing under Interstate 295. About 2/10 of a mile after the interstate a path appears on the right. It leads to the river. Another path follows the river downstream pass the Ashton Dam. This path loops back to the bike path. We then continued south along the bike path crossing under the arched bridge that carries Route 116 over the Blackstone River. We then came to the Ashton Mill complex where we concluded this leg of the Blackstone River walk.

Trail map can be found at: Blackstone River Central.

The Albion Dam Along The Blackstone River.

The Albion Dam Along The Blackstone River.

2015
05/21
CATEGORY
Blackstone River Central
~3 to 5 Miles~
~CUMBERLAND RI~
~LINCOLN RI~
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