• Grills Preserve (Hopkinton)/How-Davey Preserve
• Alton Bradford Road, Hopkinton, RI
• Trailhead:  41°24’31.52″N, 71°44’52.53″W
• Last Time Hiked: May 2, 2020
• Approximate distance hiked: 4.2 miles
• Fairly easy.

There are actually three separate “Grills” properties here on the Hopkinton-Westerly border. There is the Grills Preserve in Westerly, Grills Preserve in Hopkinton (also known as the Route 91 trailhead or Grills/How-Davey), and the Grills Sanctuary also in Hopkinton. This hike, Grills/How-Davey, is the lesser known and the newest of the three. It spans over Hopkinton Land Trust property and the Nature Conservancy’s How Davey Preserve. From a parking area off of Route 91 (Alton Bradford Road), pass the two gates along the dirt road. The trail behind the kiosk you will return on. After passing the second gate you will follow the dirt access road for a bit. This section of the road is the blue trail, however it is not blazed. The road winds gently by some swampy areas and a couple boulders. Ahead on the right is the properties only (currently) blazed trail. Turn right here onto the red blazed trail. Immediately ahead of you is a cemetery. The most notable grave is quite a sad story, “two infants” who died a day apart. Continuing following the red trail to its end. You will want to turn left here, but first take a glimpse of an old cellar hole straight ahead. You may also catch a speeding train here (and at other points along this hike). The tracks are off-limits! After checking out the cellar hole continue with the hike. You will want to follow the un-blazed yellow trail, now to your right. Follow it to its end back to the access road. Make note of the railroad tie as a reference point. You will use this trail upon exiting. Turn right onto the road. It will wind back toward the railroad tracks and then parallel them for a bit before turning to the left, away from them, and slightly uphill. At the next intersection stay to the left. The trail continues to climb slightly uphill. There will be a four way intersection next. Turn right onto the narrower path and follow it to its end. Here turn left, making your way slightly downhill and passing through a stone wall. You are now on the How-Davey Preserve. Continuing ahead you will come to another split. Stay to the left here. In a few feet you will cross a small stream with a series of shallow waterfalls. The trail climbs uphill again. Turn right at the next trail intersection (the trail ahead leaves the property). After turning right the trail loops through the woods high over the Pawcatuck River below. This area is quite beautiful and will be going through a transformation over the next couple years as many of the trees here have fallen victim to the gypsy moth invasion a few years back. The ground shrubs cover nearly the entire hill and several saplings have already reached above them. After crossing two small streams this trail eventually loops back to the intersection by the series of small waterfalls. Here you will turn left making your way off of the Nature Conservancy property. At the next trail intersection continue straight ahead and then left at the next intersection. You are now back on the dirt road. Follow it back to the railroad tie at the beginning on the “yellow” trail. Turn left here, passing by the red trail. Continue straight the remainder of the hike. The trail will wind through some wet areas and over some boardwalks before ending back at the parking area. Hunting is allowed here, be sure to wear orange.

No map on-line. Map available to view at kiosk.

Cemetery at Grills Preserve