• Skunk Hill – Arcadia Wildlife Management Area
• Skunk Hill Road, Hopkinton, RI
• Trailhead: 41°32’36.79″N, 71°43’35.60″W
• Last Time Hiked: June 13, 2016
• Approximate distance hiked: 3.1 miles
• Moderate.

This hike, on lesser known trails in the Arcadia Management Area, offered a wide array of animals and insects to view. Chipmunks, woodland birds, hawks, the aptly named Green June beetle, and an abundance of gypsy moth caterpillars were all observed on this hike. Thankfully, no skunk! I’ve also listed this hike as moderate for a couple of reasons. Though most of it is fairly easy, the trails here are not blazed, and in one section almost non-existent. There is also one stretch, being a hill, that climbs upward for a bit. I strongly advise having a trail map and/or GPS before doing this hike. Starting at a small parking area by a red gate on Skunk Hill Road I headed east descending slowly down Skunk Hill. The trail, named Richardson Trail, is a wide cart path. At about two-tenths of a mile there is a four way trail intersection. Turn right here. For the next half mile the trail follows the edge of the hill weaving through areas of mountain laurel. At the time of this hike the gypsy moth caterpillars were feasting on the woodland trees. The trail splits, stay to the left and again you will be descending downhill. There area tends to get wet and the trail can be muddy. About three tenths of a mile from the last intersection you will want to look for a narrow trail on the left. There is a small clearing in the area of the turn, but if you are not looking for it you will miss it. After turning left, follow the narrow trail out to Blitzkrieg Trail and turn left again. If you went the right way you should be on a dirt road with a gate. A driveway to the right will have a “Private” and “Deaf Cat” sign. For the next six tenths of a mile you will follow the Blitzkrieg Trail passing the unmarked but gated Richardson Trail on the left. After you come around the bend you will see a red gate ahead of you in the distance. Start looking for a trail on the left with a hill at its beginning. If you came to the stream you went too far. After turning onto the trail you will be following a small stream for a bit. It is on the right but the ferns hide it very well. Soon the trail starts it climb back up hill. After climbing the hill and about a half mile from the beginning of this trail there is a trail on the left. If your are adventurous then turn left here. It is a very narrow trail that is very overgrown and leads you back to the four way trail intersection at the Richardson Trail where you came in on. If you take this trail turn right at the Richardson Trail and follow back to the parking area. For the less adventurous, continue straight, the trail will lead you back to Skunk Hill Road where you can turn left and follow the road back to the parking area.

Per a fellow hiker (see comments):

As of March 14, 2020 the final overgrown trail of this hike has been obliterated by logging. You will have to follow the road back to the parking lot.

Trail on Skunk Hill