Hike at Bradford Preserve, Westerly

Join us for our free-guided trail walks on Thursdays. Walks are between 1 ½ to 3 hours and are open to all ages with our target group being agile seniors.  Please keep in mind that these are wooded trails with stumps, roots and rocks so be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Be aware that our hikes leave promptly so be on time!

COVID-19:

• RSVP is required and space is limited. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to the designated hike leader. See contact information below.
• Please follow social distancing of 6′
• Everyone must bring a face mask in case it is needed

All hikers are required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange in State Management areas from the second Saturday in September to the last day of February and the third Saturday in April to the last day in May, annually.

THIS HIKE: Bradford Preserve, Westerly

A hidden treasure along Rte 91 in Bradford. The trail is in fact a cross country trail for the Westerly High School but open to the public when not in use by them. The trail is blazed orange but be sure to keep an eye for them at turns and intersections. To access the trailhead from the parking area you must cross the large grass field to the right. You will find the trailhead at the back end of the field. A short entrance trail will be the first part of the hike. Turn left at the intersection to do the orange blazed loop. The trail climbs slowly and steadily uphill for a bit passing stone walls, a vernal pool and a fern covered forest first heading northerly before turning to the south. Ahead a trail to the left will lead you into the Woody Hill Management Area. Continue to the right here and continue to follow the blazes. When you reach the southern end of the loop you will come upon a large open field filled with tall grass and wildflowers. A path to the left will lead you back into the woods. Turn right here and follow the path along the edge of the woods keeping the field to your left. Take your time here and enjoy the sights. Soon the field path enters back into the woods and the trail starts it long descent downhill. Keep an eye out for a spur trail to the left. This trail leads you to a monument in the woods built in 1886 in honor of the Vars family who first came to the colonies in 1680. After stopping by the monument continue along the orange blazed trail, still descending to the entrance trail. Here you will want to turn left and cross the field once again to the parking area. Directions from Westerly: Take Rte 91 heading toward Bradford. Co-Leaders: Sue & Geoff Sewall, 401-377-2826 (h)