Join us for our free-guided trail walks on Thursdays. Walks 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. If the weather is icy you should bring stabilizers or something for traction. If a lot of snow bring snowshoes. Be aware that our hikes leave promptly so be on time!
The Woody Hill Wildlife Management Area was purchased by the state in 1936 and consists of over 700 acres and 12 old homesites, now largely buried in deep woods. While much of the landscape is now nearly impassable due to greenbrier, there are extensive trails allowing for passage without major bodily harm. What makes the management area so interesting to me are the stone structures left behind by both the Native American population as well as the colonial and post colonial peoples who once inhabited the land. This hike will take you to many interesting and somewhat enigmatic sites where stonework is nearly all that remains. We will visit quarries, homestead sites, and ceremonial stone structures left behind by the indigenous population. While much of the hike is on trails, the landscape can be stoney, so walking sticks are strongly advised. As the hike proceeds at the pace of the slowest hiker, it is hard to predict the overall time but it should be around 4 hours. Bringing a snack and water is highly advised. Directions to parking lot: Heading East out of Westerly on RT 1, go past the old Bennys at Dunn’s Corner. Take a left turn onto South Woody Hill Road – right before the new, large, walk-in medical facility on the left. Go just over 1.4 miles to the end of South Woody Hill Road and turn left on Fallon Trail. Go just over .2 miles and you will see new homes under construction on a side road on the right and a sign to the RIDEM parking lot. Park all the way down at the end. Questions – email Marc.
To sign up please contact leader: Mark Starr, email: [email protected]
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Due to the COVID:
• We realize lots of people have concerns about getting together. Therefore, please sign up
with leader so that person will know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader
may not show up.
• Social distancing of 6’ apart.
• Everyone needs to have a face mask in case it is needed.
• Carpooling is up to you or the leader. Keep in mind some folks may be uncomfortable having
someone share their vehicle. An alternate way is to caravan.
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PLEASE NOTE:
- Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact leader.
- If you wish to bring a dog please contact the leader as some properties do not allow them.
However, if a dog is present they must be leashed at all times. - If you wish to get the hiking schedule emailed to you contact Lauren Barber,
[email protected] and ask her to put you on the Thursday hiking group email list.
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.
