Archive for the ‘ ~EXETER RI~ ’ Category

Midway – Exeter

 

This three mile loop trail weaves through, well, the mid-section of the sprawling Arcadia Management Area. The parking for this hike is a half mile off of Ten Rod Road at the Midway entrance. Follow the road first over the bridge at Flat River and then the parking area will be on the right opposite the road on the left immediately after a observation deck. From the parking area, continuing following the road (the Midway Trail) to an intersection. Continue straight ahead until you reach the closed red gate by the Midway kiosk. The hike continues beyond the gate, first passing through an area of woods before coming to a large open field. There are a couple narrow trails on each side, however continue straight ahead along the prominent Midway Trail passing an area of cleared trees on the left. The trail then turns to the left and back to the right again. Shortly after the “S” curve look for a trail on the right. There is a faded “Flat River Trail” sign here. Turn right and follow the trail into a valley. The trail soon bends to the left and you will catch a glimpse of the river through the woods. At the next intersection stay to the left. The trail is joined by another a little further up. Continue straight ahead until you reach Plain Road opposite the Shelter Trail. Here you will want to turn left and climb uphill on the road for two tenths of a mile. But first take a peek at the Flat River at the bridge to your right. After checking out the river and climbing up Plain Road look for a parking area on the left with a kiosk and pavilion. First note the grass road directly ahead that climbs up a quick hill, that is the Thornley Trail. This is the trail you want to follow after exploring and/or resting a bit. Where the pavilion is and the surrounding area is a dog training area. Continuing the hike, climb up the grass road trail. It quickly levels out offering an area of cleared trees to the left and a large field to the right. The trail soon bends to the right. At the next intersection continue straight ahead bearing ever so slightly to the right and into the woods. There will be several trail crossings along this stretch. Continue straight until you come to a dirt road. This is the Brookie Trail. Turn left here and follow it just under a mile back to the Midway Trail. There will be a few spots on the right that lead to the Falls River if you want to view that. At the Midway Trail turn right. You will arrive at the parking area in just a few hundred feet. Orange is required here during hunting season.

Along The Midway Trail

2020
09/10
CATEGORY
Midway Trail
~3 to 5 Miles~
~EXETER RI~
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Tippecansett Pond – Exeter

 

Part unfinished business, part curiosity. A few years ago I had set out with Auntie Beak to do Tippecansett North from Stepstone Falls to Beach Pond. We ran into a trail closure at the South County Rod and Gun Club. That day we improvised and ending up hiking Escoheag Hill. After waiting a while, I decided to venture out along the Tippecansett from Beach Pond to the State Line and back making a stop at Wildcat Spring. For this hike I started from the parking area on the south side of Ten Rod Road at Beach Pond. After crossing the road I spotted the yellow and blue blazes I was looking for. The trail quickly climbs uphill into a pine grove. This short section will immediately test your stamina. Fear not, after a few ups and downs through this beautiful grove the trails level out for the most part. From the heights of this hill you can catch glimpses of Beach Pond below. Continuing along the trail you will come upon a dirt road. Turn left here and immediately right back into the woods. You are now at the split where the blue blazed Pachuag Trail veers to the left and yellow blazed Tippecansett Trail turns to the right. Follow the yellow blazes for the remainder of this hike (except for Wildcat Spring). The Tippecansett soon comes to an old dirt forest road. Turning left here, the road passes the blue blazed Pachaug Crossover trail, then climbs uphill, to the right, and then left, before coming to the intersection of the Deep Pond Trail. Staying to the left here the trail climbs to the top of a hill with stone walls and an old cemetery. From here the trail starts its descent. Start looking for a white blazed spur trail on the left. This is the trail to Wildcat Spring. The trail is not as well defined as the Tippecansett. Take your time and be sure to look for the next blaze before continuing ahead. At the end of the trail is a cluster of rocks and boulders with a natural bubbling spring. Take a few moments to linger here. Retrace your steps back to the Tippecansett Trail and turn left. The trail continues downhill to an area that is quite wide. To the right are “Posted: No Trespassing” signs. This is the property of the South County Rod & Gun Club and where the Tippecansett once turned to the right to points north such as the fire tower and Stepstone Falls. Continuing ahead an again slightly uphill a bit, you will be on Old Voluntown Road. The trail is still blazed yellow as this was to be the re-route of the trail before the closure of the Canonicus Trail (also crosses property of the Rod & Gun Club). Nonetheless, you will pass a “car wreck” on the left, then the road will turn slightly to the left as you start getting glimpses of Tippecansett Pond through the trees. The pond is entirely on Rod & Gun property as well. So you cannot access its shoreline. For this hike, I pushed forward to the State Line looking for a state line marker. It is a thousand feet plus or minus south of the road, however there is no trail to it. There are a few large boulders here. I sat for a moment, taking a short break before retracing my steps following the yellow blazes back to the parking area. I would suggest doing this hike in the spring or winter after the trees have shed their leaves or you may not be able to get a view of the ponds. Hunting is also allowed here, be sure to where orange during hunting season.

 

Map can be found at: Wildcat Spring & Tippecansett Pond.

TWRI-TPWS07

Tippecansett Pond from Old Voluntown Road

2020
04/12
CATEGORY
Tippecansett Pond
Wildcat Spring
~3 to 5 Miles~
~EXETER RI~
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Matteson Plain – Exeter/West Greenwich

  • Matteson Plain – Arcadia Wildlife Management Area
  • Matteson Plain Road, Exeter, RI
  • Trailhead: 41°35’53.32″N, 71°42’37.66″W
  • Last Time Hiked: August 21, 2016
  • Approximate distance hiked: 2.8 miles
  • Moderate.

 

This hike, relatively short in distance, can be quite challenging due to footing. Starting from a parking area near the end of Frosty Hollow Road (Straight ahead as Frosty Hollow Road ends at Austin Farm Road), first pass the gate and then head north on Matteson Plain Road. The first mile of this hike climbs uphill, into West Greenwich, on the old road that is predominantly loose stone and gravel passing Newman Trail on the right. Along the way on the left you will notice several “No Trespassing” signs. This is the Camp-E-Hunt-Tee property and is not open to the public. At the top of the hill (around the one mile mark) you will notice yellow blazes indicating a turn to the right. Follow the yellow blazes. This is part of the Breakheart Trail and will lead you to the Newman Trail. This segment is all down hill and tends to be a little rocky. It is much easier footing than the first mile. Stay on the yellow blazed trail when you come to the trail crossing at the small footbridge. Ahead you will see some stone walls and eventually a trickling brook. The yellow blazed Breakheart Trail turns left at the north end of Breakheart Pond. Take a quick peek. It is a nice view, but you will be turning right here (west) onto Newman Trail. Now heading west you will first pass the Hicks Trail to the left, continue straight. You will soon pass another trail from the right, again continue straight. Soon you will see a hill ahead of you. There should be a trail to your left here. Turn left and take it. It is unmarked, lesser traveled, and leads through a beautiful fern covered forest back into Exeter and to the parking area.

 

Trail maps can be found at: Matteson Plain

TWRI-MatPlainBH

Matteson Plain Road at Breakheart Trail

2016
08/21
CATEGORY
Matteson Plain
Newman Trail
~2 to 3 Miles~
~EXETER RI~
~WEST GREENWICH RI~
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Arcadia Trail – Exeter/Richmond

  • Arcadia Trail – Arcadia Wildlife Management Area
  • Ten Rod Road, Exeter, RI
  • Trailhead: 41°34’36.27″N, 71°42’13.25″W
  • Last Time Hiked: June 25, 2016
  • Approximate distance hiked: 7.0 miles
  • Moderate due to distance, some elevation and rocky footing.

 

This 7 mile one way hike leads you through the eastern parts of the Arcadia Management Area. Starting from Appie Crossing along Ten Rod Road follow the yellow blazes of the Arcadia Trail. The entire trail is blazed yellow and at times follows the blue blazes of the North South Trail as well. Soon you will come to an intersection. The white blazed Mount Tom Trail is to the right, continue straight following the yellow blazes. The trail soon traverses along the northeast face of Bald Hill before coming to a wider cart path of a trail. Turn left here and follow it, the trail is now joined by the North South Trail, to Bates School House Road. Turning to the right, follow the paved road briefly before turning left onto a narrower trail. The narrow trail will soon cross Arcadia Road. The next section of the trail winds through the trees crossing boardwalks before coming to Roaring Brook Pond. Here there is a long section of wooden walks that overlook the picturesque pond. Several types of birds are commonly spotted here. Continuing to follow the yellow blazes make your way through the parking area for Roaring Brook before turning left and towards Tefft Hill. The yellow blaze trail soon turns left, splitting briefly from the blue blazes of the North South Trail. Along this stretch you are on the backside of Roaring Brook Pond and may catch a glimpse of it. The trail soon comes to another wide cart path trail. Turn right here and then soon you will see markings on the left for the Arcadia Trail. After turning left the trail is rejoined by the North South Trail and hugs the west face of Tefft Hill. At the next intersection there is a small bench. The white blazed trail ahead is the Arcadia Crossover. Stay to your left here and continue to follow the yellow blazes. The trail becomes slightly hilly and much more rocky. In fact, along this part you will pass through a boulder field. After crossing a brook the North South Trail once again splits from the Arcadia Trail. Stay to the right following the yellow blazes. The scenery changes dramatically as you head through a grove of pines, then an area of stone walls, before coming to a series of boardwalks. The white blazed Arcadia Crossover comes in from the right at the brook crossing. Stay to the left here following the brook and yellow blazes. The trail then crosses KG Ranch Road and makes it over another small hill before concluding opposite of the Arcadia Headquarters on Arcadia Road.

 

Trail maps can be found at: Arcadia Trail

TWRI-Ar05

Large Boulder Along The Arcadia Trail

2016
06/30
CATEGORY
**BEST OF TRAILS AND WALKS**
Arcadia Trail
~5 to 7 Miles~
~EXETER RI~
~RICHMOND RI~
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Deep Pond North – Exeter

 

This is a relatively short hike in the western part of the Arcadia Management Area. The hike follows three main trails including the northern end of the Deep Pond Trail. If you want to actually see Deep Pond you would need to follow the southern end of the Deep Pond Trail. Starting from a gated trail head on the opposite side of the road from the Roscoe Dexter parking area, I followed the white blazed Deep Pond Trail. I immediately noticed several outcrops, and stone walls. About a thousand feet along the trail and on the left is a historic cemetery. The dates on the barely readable stones are from 1829 and 1837. Soon I reached a split in the trail. The white blazed trail continues ahead. I would return from there. For this hike I turned left and followed the unmarked trail through more areas of stone walls. The trail ends at the yellow blazed Tippecansett Trail where I turned right. At the time of this hike this section was quite muddy. I soon passed the blue blazed Pachaug Trail to the left while continuing to follow the yellow blazes. After a little bit of uphill hiking the Tippecansett Trail comes to Old Voluntown Road. The yellow blazes turn to the left here. The white blazes to the right represents the northern most portion of the Deep Pond Trail. I turned right here following the white blazes. Soon the trail leads to the end of the developed section of Old Voluntown Road. After a short stretch of road walking the white blazes lead you to the right and back into the woods. From this point follow the white blazes to the beginning of the hike.

TWRI-DPN

Intersection of the Tippecansett Trail and the Deep Pond Trail.

2016
04/25
CATEGORY
Deep Pond North
~2 to 3 Miles~
~EXETER RI~
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Shelter Trail/Frosty Hollow – Exeter/West Greenwich

  • Shelter Trail/Frosty Hollow
  • Frosty Hollow Road, Exeter, RI
  • Trailhead: 41°35’16.69″N, 71°42’33.17″W
  • Last Time Hiked: April 18, 2016
  • Approximate distance hiked: 6.2 miles
  • Moderate with some significant elevation.

 

This 6 mile hike takes you through some of the most serene parts of the Arcadia Wildlife Management Area and can be a bit of exercise as well. The hike starts from the Frosty Hollow Pond Fishing Area parking lot in Exeter. First, head out to the road and turn right crossing the bridge over Breakheart Brook. After the bridge immediately turn left onto the white blazed trail. The trail first follows the shore of Breakheart Brook for a bit before turning away from it and up towards a camp site. After passing the camp site follow the white blazes to an old road on the left. You will follow this road until it starts turning downhill. Look for a trail on the left. Turn here following the white blazes. This section will lead you through a beautiful stretch of pine trees. The older tower well above you and younger trees cover the forest floor. Among the birds you may hear the sound of the Flat River in the distance. The trail then comes to an open field in which you pass through. After passing the field you will come out to Austin Farm Road. Turn left here and cross the bridge over the Flat River. Then look for the trail on the right with the white blazes. This is the continuation of the Shelter Trail and leads into West Greenwich. Be sure to follow the white blazes through this section as there are several spur trails and roads. The trail climbs a hill and soon you will find yourself at the ruins of an old campsite. There are several buildings left here as well as a water tower and the remains of a fireplace. Continuing on you will next look for a trail to the left with a sign that reads “Penny Cutoff”. Turn left here and follow that trail to its end. It will lead you through a valley of boulders and uphill to the Breakheart Trail. If you care to climb to the top of Penny Hill, turn left here and follow the yellow blazes to the top of the hill. For this hike, however, turn right, and follow the yellow blazes of the Breakheart Trail until you reach the Shelter Trail. Turn right and follow the white blazes of the Shelter Trail pass the Penny Cutoff, the ruins of the camp, and back to Austin Farm Road. Turn left and follow the road back over the Flat River and look for the second gate on the right. (The first gate is the trail you came in on). Turn right at the second gate and follow the unmarked grass covered road for a bit. Soon the Shelter Trail rejoins it and you will follow the white blazes back to your car.

TWRI-FHS03

Along The Shelter Trail

2016
04/18
CATEGORY
**BEST OF TRAILS AND WALKS**
Frosty Hollow
Shelter Trail
~5 to 7 Miles~
~EXETER RI~
~WEST GREENWICH RI~
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Tippecansett South – Exeter/Voluntown/Hopkinton

  • Tippecansett Trail South
  • Ten Rod Road, Exeter, RI
  • Trailhead: 41°34’25.48″N, 71°47’7.67″W
  • Last Time Hiked: April 15, 2016
  • Approximate distance hiked: 5.5 miles
  • Moderate to difficult, some strenuous spots.

 

The southern end of the Tippecansett Trail starts at Beach Pond and ends 5 and a half miles south at the state line marker along Green Falls Road near Hidden Lake. The hike can be quite challenging at times especially at the beginning and the end. The trail is well blazed in yellow and, for the most part, easy to follow. The hike described here is a one way trail and a car spot is required. After leaving the small parking area on the south side of Route 165, we found ourselves traversing the eastern edge of Beach Pond. The trail has several small ups and downs and is quite root bound as it passes several boulders along the waters edge. Soon you will come to a large outcrop that juts out into the pond. This is a good spot for viewing the pond. The trail then continues as it starts to make its way around the southern edge of the pond. After crossing a small wooden bridge large ledges loom to the left. They are quite impressive among the forest of pines and hemlocks. Soon you will come to a trail intersection. Ahead is a sign and the white blazes of the Deep Pond Trail. To the left you will see a rock with the word “LOOKOUT” painted on it and a trail that leads to the Hemlock Ledges Overlook. (Well worth the climb if you have never been up there). For this hike, turn right here and continue to follow the yellow blazes of the Tippecansett Trail. The trail first descends back down towards the pond before turning away and heading westward. This stretch is rather rocky and slightly uphill almost in its entirety. The trail then comes to an old dirt road. Turn left here and follow the road passing the blue blazes of the Hemlock Ledges Trail on the left. A little further up the road the trail turns right and heads for the state line. You will find survey markers along the trail as you approach the state line. The trail then crosses Noah’s Arc Road and starts to follow an old road that straddles the state line for a bit before turning back into Rhode Island and the southwestern extremities of the Arcadia Management Area. The trail then comes to Route 138 at the Exeter/Hopkinton border. Following the yellow blazes still, the Tippecansett follows the busy highway for a couple hundred feet before turning off onto a dirt road across the street. The street has a few homes along it. At the time of this hike we were first “serenaded” by a pair of hounds, and then greeted by a black lab at the next house. The trail shortly thereafter makes an abrupt right onto Boy Scout property. The trail on the property winds quite a bit. Be sure to follow the yellow blazes and avoid making turns on unmarked trails. This area is also in abundance of mountain laurel and rhododendron and the trail at times is quite literally a tunnel through these magnificent shrubs. Soon the trail comes to a large table rock. The trail blazes are now at your feet along the rocks. A (darker) blue blaze trail now joins the yellow blazes of the Tippecansett. This is where the trail becomes quite strenuous in spots. From this point forward as well you will want to follow the yellow and blue blaze trail as there are some spurs that use the same color blazes. You will soon approach a rather impressive upward climb. Take your time and make the right steps. This one is easy in comparison to the next. After making the climb the yellow and blue blazed trail turns to the left. The trail to the right is part of the Narragansett Trail that leads towards Green Fall Pond. Follow the trail south toward the next climb, when you get to it take a good look at it first. If you are not comfortable with the climb there is an unmarked trail to the left that loops around Dinosaur Caves. After climbing up the trail you will then be up on the very large boulders that make up Dinosaur Caves. The trail then descends down the other face of the large boulders and continues south ending at Green Fall Road. This is the end of the Tippecansett Trail and where your second car should be parked.

 

Trail maps can be found at: Tippecansett South 1 & Tippecansett South 2.

TWRI-TippeSouth

Some Climbing Along The Tippecansett.

2016
04/16
CATEGORY
**BEST OF TRAILS AND WALKS**
Tippecansett South
~5 to 7 Miles~
~EXETER RI~
~HOPKINTON RI~
~VOLUNTOWN CT~
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Arcadia West – Exeter/Hopkinton

  • Arcadia West – Arcadia Wildlife Management Area
  • Ten Rod Road, Exeter, RI
  • Trailhead: 41°34’34.41″N, 71°46’18.98″W
  • Last Time Hiked: March 9, 2016
  • Approximate distance hiked: 5 miles
  • Moderate with significant elevation and rocky footing, muddy in areas.

I had awoke this morning to hear of the sad news of the passing of Dorian Murray. His fight with cancer truly inspired us all as a community as well as individually. May he rest in peace. With that said, I dedicate today’s hike to him. #Dstrong

***April 2021, per local hiker, “The Arcadia West hike is not completable by the currently listed route, as about 100 yards of the Brushy Brook trail have been flooded out by a swamp.”. This may be a seasonal issue, do keep in mind though that you may have to backtrack if you venture out on this hike.***

This hike in the western parts of the Arcadia Wildlife Management Area consists of three major trails, the Deep Pond Trail, the Brushy Brook Trail, and the Dye Hill Trail. It is about a five mile hike and some of the terrain can be a bit challenging. There are also many unmarked spur trails along this route. Be sure to stay on the blazed trails unless you are carrying a map or have GPS. Starting from a small parking area along Route 165 at the Roscoe M. Dexter entrance (there is a sign here) I made my way first along the white blazed Deep Pond Trail. The trail first parallels Ten Rod Road briefly before turning left into the depth of the woods. Immediately on the right is a swamp. At the time of this hike there were the sounds of wood frogs here. For the next half mile, the trail, an old service road, is flanked by mountain laurel and an occasional outcrop of ledge. Soon, on the left, you will see a sign for Deep Pond. Turn onto this trail, it is also blazed white. It is much narrower and again is flanked by mountain laurel. The trail raises gently above a valley below almost following a ridge line. Ahead in an area that seems to open up a bit are a series of cairns. After passing the series of unexplained piles of rocks the trail once again is towering above the land below. To the left is a rather high ledge before the trail starts to descend. Soon you will see a sign at a trail intersection. The sign indicates that this is the beginning of the Dye Hill Trail to the right, but first continue straight along the descending and rocky trail to the shore of Deep Pond. Spend a little time here, it is peaceful and you may catch a glimpse of wildlife. At the time of this hike, there was an otter or beaver swimming in the pond breaking the glass like flatness of the pond. I sure wish I had brought binoculars. After taking a break here, return back up the hill to the Dye Hill Trail (now on the left) and turn onto it. You will immediately have to scramble up a rather steep incline. Be sure to follow the blazes here as several spur trails appear here. This section of the trail is blazed both white and blue for a bit. When you right to point where the blazes split stay to the left and continue to follow the white blazes. (For this hike you will return from the blue blazed trail). The white blazed Brushy Brook Trail seems a lot like the Deep Pond Trail at first. It is rocky, hilly, windy, and towers above the land below for a while. The trail then descends quite substantially and you are soon into lower ground. Some of the area has patchy grass areas that the forest is slowly claiming. The blazes along this stretch become less, be sure to follow the main trail, keeping on eye out for the occasional blazes. The trail then starts to slowly turn to the west and soon you are in an area flanked by thickets and berry bushes. You have actually just crossed into Hopkinton. You will notice water on each side as you cross the swampy area and the trail here at times gets very muddy. Just ahead is a wooden bridge. This is where you first cross the aptly named Brushy Brook. After passing the brook the trail starts to climb. After passing a stone wall the trail now starts to turn slightly to the right. You will notice a stone wall now on your left. This wall is built approximately on the Exeter/Hopkinton border and you are now back in Exeter. For the next section of this hike you pass through an array of stone walls that was once part of an old farm. If you study the placement of them long enough you can make out where the road once was. After the former farm, the white blazed trail comes to an end. Ahead and to the right is the blue blazed Dye Hill Trail. The trail ahead will take you to near the top of Dye Hill. For this hike you will want to turn right, following the blue blazes. The trail will lead you down into a valley, crossing the Brushy Brook once again, before climbing back uphill to rejoin the white and blue blazed trail. When you reach the trail intersection with the Dye Hill sign. Turn left following the white blazes of the Deep Pond Trail and retrace your steps back to the parking area.

Trail map can be found at: Arcadia West.

TWRI-ArWest01

Foggy Sunrise on Deep Pond.

2016
03/10
CATEGORY
**BEST OF TRAILS AND WALKS**
Arcadia West
Brushy Brook
Deep Pond
Dye Hill Trail
~5 to 7 Miles~
~EXETER RI~
~HOPKINTON RI~
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The Pines – Exeter

  • The Pines – Arcadia Wildlife Management Area
  • Mount Tom Road, Exeter, RI
  • Trailhead: 41°33’52.54″N, 71°43’43.33″W
  • Last Time Hiked: March 6, 2016
  • Approximate distance hiked: 3.6 miles
  • Mostly easy, very difficult in areas.

 

This is one of those hikes I would not suggest for beginners or those uncomfortable with being in very remote sections of the woods. In order to do this hike as described you should have a good sense of direction, instinct, and balance. Bushwhacking is required in one spot. A copy of the Great Swamp Press map for this area is highly suggested as well as GPS for backtracking. There are three distinctively different parts to this hike. The beginning and the loop around Deep Pond are nice gentle trails, a good portion is walking along dirt roads, and a stretch that follows an unmarked narrow trail has many challenges. This hike starts at where the Mount Tom Trail crosses Mount Tom Road. The reason for that is that a large portion of this hike is in areas where the gates are seasonably closed to automobile traffic. From the small parking area, follow the Mount Tom Trail east following the shore of Parris Brook. When you reach the Blitzkrieg Trail, turn right and cross over the bridge. The Blitzkrieg Trail is a dirt road that is surrounded by mostly tall pines. Follow it about three tenths of a mile to the beginning of the Deep Pond Trail on the left. Soon another dirt road on the right appears. This is the road to Deep Pond. Take this and then follow the loop trail around Deep Pond. The trail is rather narrow in areas and some sections tend to flood after excessive rain. After doing the loop return back to Deep Pond Trail and then turn right. You will see a rather large swamp area to the left. At the time of this hike I saw several ducks here. At the end of Deep Pond Trail there is a gate to the right. Pass the gate and make your way to the Wood River. Here is a canoe launch and people fish here quite often. This is the point where you may want to turn back and retrace your steps if you are not comfortable with a rather challenging hike. To the right you will see a rather narrow, leaf covered trail. For the next 3/4 of a mile, take your time. This trail, root bound in spots, is very narrow at times and rises above the river below. One slip could be disastrous. The trail also becomes undistinguishable at points. Be patient and be prepared to backtrack. There is one spot where it seems impossible to complete. The trail comes out to a peninsula with the river to the left and what looks like an old mill race to the right and seems unable to cross. Backtrack a few feet looking for some old stonework below to the right. You can cross pretty easily here pushing the shrubbery aside. When you reach the other side the trail is visible again. Hunters and fisherman have also used flagging to mark parts of the trail. I found the flagging fairly reliable. There are a few spots to take in the beauty of the Wood River. Stop. Enjoy it. If you have come this far, you deserve to take a few moments to enjoy the remoteness. The trail will soon come out to a parking area at the end of the Waterhole Trail. This area is known as The Pines. There is another canoe launch here as well as a picnic table. To finish this hike, follow the Waterhole Trail west back out to Blitzkrieg Trail. After turning right, follow the Blitzkrieg Trail back to the bridge. Turn left and follow the Mount Tom Trail back to the parking area.

TWRI-Pines04

Wood River near The Pines

2016
03/06
CATEGORY
The Pines
~3 to 5 Miles~
~EXETER RI~
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Breakheart Brook – Exeter

 

This hike has it all! It follows some of the lesser used trails in the Arcadia Management Area that parallel some of the most used. While the John B. Hudson and Shelter Trails are heavily used, I decided to use the Tripp Trail, The Baton Trail, and an unnamed and stunningly beautiful trail along Breakheart Brook. This hike also visits two landmarks of Arcadia being Breakheart Pond and Frosty Hollow Pond. We started from the small parking area at the trailhead for the Tripp Trail at Ten Rod Road. The trail is an old dirt road the heads north into Arcadia. Almost immediately you will find a cellar hole and stone walls. Just ahead is a rather large vernal pool and mountain laurel starts to appear along the trail under the tall pines. There are a couple narrow spur trails along this stretch. Ignore them and continue straight. Soon you will reach and intersection with another dirt road to the left at about 3/4 of a mile into the hike. This is the Baton Trail and we would return on it. There is a sign on a tree here with an arrow directing toward Frosty Hollow. Continuing straight along Tripp Trail, we soon came upon the intersecting John B. Hudson Trail. It is blazed yellow. In fact it uses a short portion of the Tripp Trail. Continue straight here staying on the old dirt road. After a couple hundred feet the yellow blazes soon turn to the left and the old dirt road continues straight. Still continue straight. The trail soon to start slightly downhill before coming to its end. To the right is a small brook worth checking out before turning left onto Austin Farm Road. The road descends slightly downhill and soon the Breakheart Trail appears to the right. From here we continued straight to the dam and waterfall at Breakheart Pond. After crossing the bridge we stayed to the left on the dirt road briefly before turning left onto a very narrow path along the brook. The trail, unmarked and officially unnamed, follows Breakheart Brook for about 3/4 of a mile. It is one of the best stretches of trail in Rhode Island. The brook has several small rapids and waterfalls. The narrow trail, flanked by mountain laurel traverses along the bank and offers stunning views of the brook. Be sure to bring your camera. The trail climbs slightly uphill just as the brook turns to the left. After going up the hill, take the trail to the right. The trail to the left dead ends. The trail to the right soon bends to the left and passes another vernal pool before coming to Frosty Hollow Road. Turn left here and cross the bridge the crosses over Breakheart Brook. After crossing the bridge we turned left to the trailhead of the Baton Trail. But first we took a peek at Frosty Hollow Pond. The small kettle hole pond is known to be a great trout fishing spot. Today there was a thin layer of ice on it. Just after passing the gate at the Baton Trail, the white blazed, well known and well used Shelter Trail appears to the left. We continued straight and followed the Baton Trail to its end back at the Tripp Trail. Here we turned right and retraced our steps along the Tripp Trail back to the parking area.

 

For hikes in this area I would suggest obtaining a copy of the Great Swamp Press Map of the Arcadia Management Area.

TWRI-BHB05

Breakheart Brook and the trail that follows it.

2016
03/05
CATEGORY
**BEST OF TRAILS AND WALKS**
Breakheart Brook
Tripp Trail
~3 to 5 Miles~
~EXETER RI~
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