Join us for our free guided trail walks on Thursdays. All walks begin at 10:00 AM unless stated to the contrary. We will visit various local conservation properties, including some of our Westerly Land Trust preserves. 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. Also, you’ll want to bring water and maybe a snack.
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 and 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 entrace trail will be the first part of the hike. Turn left at the intersecition 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 in a northely direction before turning to the south. Ahead a trail to the left will lead you into Woody Hill Management Area. We ill go into Woody Hill then return to continue straight to follow the blazes. When you reach the southern end of the loop you will come upon a large, open field filled with tall grasses and wildflowers. A path to the left will lead you back into the woods. Turn right here and follow 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 its long decent down hill. Keep an eye out for a spur trail to the left. This trial 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 towards Bradford. 131 Bradford Rd. Westerly, RI 02891
Leader: Sally Hanson (401) 348-9109 (h); (401) 932-5295 (c); [email protected]
*****************************************************************************
Due to COVID-19:
- We recognize many people still have concerns about gathering; therefore, please sign up with the designated hike leader, so that person will know how many will be attending and cap the group size if necessary.
- Maintain a safe and comfortable distance from other hikers.
- Please bring a face mask in case it is needed.
****************************************************************
PLEASE NOTE:
- There are still a few open Thursdays before the end of the year. If you would like to lead a hike, please contact Sally for availability. [email protected]
- Inclement weather will cancel the hike. If in doubt, please contact leader.
- Please notify the hike leader if you plan on attending.
****************************************************************
FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS:
In State Management areas everyone is required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from the second Saturday in September to the last day of February and the last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.