The Westerly Land Trust

Thursday Hike: Cottrell Family Preserve
2025-01-23 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Cottrell Family Preserve, 13-29 Christian Hill Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
This is a WLT preserve. It is 21 acres which is bordered on the north by the nationally designated Wild and Scenic Pawcatuck River and on the south by the Westerly Town Forest. It will be a moderate woods walk. It is within walking distance of Flora Whitely Preserve at the Potter Hill bridge on Potter Hill Road. Parking is still a challenge so we will meet at Flora Whitely Preserve.
Leader: Casey Merkle Phone: 847 970-0229 Email: coordinator@wpwildrivers.org

Thursday Hike
2025-02-03 08:00 - 17:00
Join the Thursday Hikers for free guided trail hikes on Thursday mornings. These hikes begin at 10:00 AM unless otherwise stated and leave promptly, so please arrive on time. This group will visit various local conservation properties, including some Westerly Land Trust (WLT) preserves. If you would like to lead a hike for the next series, please contact Sally at sallyhanson242@gmail.com.

Important Notes

Sign Up Required: Sign up with the listed hike leader so they know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up!
Thursday hikes are FREE.
Distance/ Target Group: Walks are 1 ½ to 3 hours and are open to all ages with the target group being agile seniors.
Estimated Times: Ending times are estimated as it is difficult to ascertain when it will finish due to the number of people, how fast/slow the hikers walk, etc. Hikes leave promptly.
Inclement weather: Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact the leader.
Dogs: If you wish to bring a dog, contact the leader as some properties do not allow them. If a dog is present, they must be leashed at all times.
Trail Safety: These are wooded trails with stumps, roots, and rocks so be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Make sure you bring water and a snack if you want one.
Thursday hike/WLT events: CLICK HERE to sign up for WLT’s email list and receive a monthly email including the Thursday hike schedule and other WLT events/programs.

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.

Thursday Hike: Wahaneeta Preserve
2025-03-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Let’s wander the varied trails of this former Girl Scout Camp, Homestead and Saw Mill. Trails are well maintained with mostly gentle ups and downs. Parking will be available at Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly. Gate will be open; drive through the gate and park in the field. Meet at the cabin just up from the parking area. Please contact the hike leader to sign up!

Leader: Deirdre O’Connor
Phone: 860 287-7281
Email: deirdreo@snet.net(preferred)

Thursday Hikes occur every Thursday but only the ones on Westerly Land Trust property appear on our calendar of events. To see the full Thursday Hike schedule click here.

Thursday Hike: Grills Preserve
2025-03-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
This walk on WLT’s 500-acre preserve is over primarily flat terrain often along the Wild and Scenic Pawcatuck River on clear, wide trails. We should be able to see most of the popular attractions, including the Polly Coon Bridge, the Larkin Foundation dating from the 1660s, and views from Big Hill after a short but steep climb. Meet at the parking lot at the cul-de-sac at the end of Bowling Lane in Bradford Village. Please contact the hike leader to sign up!

Leader: Casey Merkle
Phone: (847) 970-0229
Email: coordinator@wpwildrivers.org

Thursday Hikes occur every Thursday, but only the ones on Westerly Land Trust properties appear on our calendar of events. To see the full Thursday Hike schedule click here.

Thursday Hike: Wahaneeta Preserve/ Woody Hill
2025-04-24 10:00 - 12:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
This walk goes through Wahaneeta Preserve and adjacent Woody Hill Management Area. The hike is about 4 miles long and will go past interesting geological features, foundations from the 1800s, remains of an old quarry, and the Woody Hill Marsh. Moderate terrain with several flat sections on dirt roads, but note there are also a few short hill climbs. Meet and park at Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly. The gate will be open; drive through the gate, turn left, park in the field at Wahaneeta. Please contact the hike leader to sign up!

Leader: Jeff Walker
Phone: 401-447-1879
Email: jeffrey.walker@cox.net

Thursday Hikes occur every Thursday, but only the ones on Westerly Land Trust properties appear on our calendar of events. To see the full Thursday Hike schedule click here.

Thursday Hike: Champlin Farm Preserve
2025-05-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 boombridge Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
This will be the first walk at the newly acquired Chaplin Preserve at 64 Boombridge Road in Westerly. The entrance is just north of a swamp area on the west side of Boombridge Road. Take the dirt road up the hill to parking at the top of the hill. The walk is through the woods, past granite outcropping, along the Pawcatuck River, and past the gravel pit. It is moderate walking on new trails. Please contact the hike leader to sign up!

Leader: David Prigmore
Phone: 401-348-2855
Email: d.bprigmore@gmail.com

Thursday Hikes occur every Thursday but only the ones on Westerly Land Trust properties appear on our calendar of events. To see the full Thursday Hike schedule click here.

CANCELED! Thursday Hike: Riverwood Preserve
2025-05-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Riverwood Preserve, 5 Boy Scout Drive, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Unfortunately, the hike has been canceled due to anticipated rain.
This property is part of the Westerly Land Trust’s Pawcatuck River Corridor Initiative. It consists of 148 acres of woodland, rocky ridges and freshwater wetlands adjacent to the Pawcatuck River and the Boy Scout Camp. It has interesting quarry remnants, river views and descent through a beautiful gorge. Some climbing in rocky areas may be involved as the best views are from the higher elevations. Meet on Old Hopkinton Road at the end of Boy Scout Drive. Please park along Old Hopkinton Road – we will walk into the preserve from there.

Leader: Marc Doherty
Phone: 508-308-9787
Email: mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org

Thursday Hikes occur every Thursday but only the ones on Westerly Land Trust property appear on our calendar of events. To see the full Thursday Hike schedule click here.

Thursday Hike: Wahaneeta/ End of Season Get Together
2025-06-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
End of season get-together will start as soon as the hike ends!
WLT has recreated the old Girl Scout trails on interesting moderate terrain. After the hike, we will return to the starting point and have a picnic at the pavilion to celebrate the end of the hike season. Bring your own lunch, beverage and lawn chair. Wahaneeta Preserve is on left side of Moorehouse Road off Dunns Corner-Bradford Road. Turn in at Trombino Fields sign. Continue down the dirt road and stay left at the sign for Wahaneeta, continue up the road, through the gate, and park in the field.

Leader: David Prigmore
Phone: 401-348-2855
Email: d.bprigmore@gmail.com

Thursday Hikes occur every Thursday but only the ones on Westerly Land Trust property appear on our calendar of events. To see the full Thursday Hike schedule click here.

Thursday Hike: Grills Preserve
2025-09-18 10:00 - 12:30 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
This walk on WLT’s 500-acre preserve is over primarily flat terrain often along the Pawcatuck River on clear, wide trails.  We will be able to see some newly discovered foundations. There is a gorgeous scenic view from the top of aptly named, Big Hill, which requires a bit of steep climbing. Meet at the parking lot at the cul-de-sac end of Bowling Lane in Bradford Village. Be aware of the construction being done on Bowling Lane, you are still able to drive all the way down though! Please let the hike leader know you will be joining!
Leader: Janice Fifer Phone: 401-213-6479 Email: jhfifer@verizon.net
Important Notes

Distance/ Target Group: Walks are 1 ½ to 3 hours and are open to all ages with the target group being agile seniors.

Estimated Times: Ending times are estimated as it is difficult to ascertain when it will finish due to number of people, how fast/slow the hikers walk, etc. Hikes leave promptly.

Inclement weather: Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact the leader.

Dogs: If you wish to bring a dog, contact the leader as some properties do not allow them. If a dog is present, they must be leashed at all times.

Trail Safety: These are wooded trails with stumps, roots and rocks so be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Make sure you bring water and a snack if you want one.

Thursday hike/WLT events: CLICK HERE to sign up for WLT’s email list and receive a monthly email including Thursday hike schedule and other WLT events/programs.
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.

Thursday Hike: Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park
2025-10-30 10:00 - 12:00
A walking tour of the WLT’s Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park featuring wooded trails with gentle hills and some rocky sections. This site’s unique geological features are worth the trip. Meet at the trailhead off of Tom Harvey Road just outside the entrance to Winnapaug Cottages. Please park in the designated area outside of the Winnapaug Cottages gate or in the parking lot across the street.  Please let the hike leader know you will be joining!
Leader: Janice Fifer Phone: 401-213-6479 Email: jhfifer@verizon.net
Important Notes

Distance/ Target Group: Walks are 1 ½ to 3 hours and are open to all ages with the target group being agile seniors.

Estimated Times: Ending times are estimated as it is difficult to ascertain when it will finish due to number of people, how fast/slow the hikers walk, etc. Hikes leave promptly.

Inclement weather: Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact the leader.

Dogs: If you wish to bring a dog, contact the leader as some properties do not allow them. If a dog is present, they must be leashed at all times.

Trail Safety: These are wooded trails with stumps, roots and rocks so be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Make sure you bring water and a snack if you want one.

Thursday hike/WLT events: CLICK HERE to sign up for WLT’s email list and receive a monthly email including Thursday hike schedule and other WLT events/programs.
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.

Turkey Trot: Wahaneeta Preserve
2025-11-28 10:00 - 12:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join us for a post-Thanksgiving Turkey Trot!
This is a walking tour of the WLT’s Wahaneeta Preserve and a section of the adjoining Woody Hill Management Area. Parking will be available at Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road. The gate will be open; drive through the gate and park in the field at Wahaneeta. All parking must be inside the Preserve.
Leader: Sally Hanson Phone: 401 932-5395 Email: sallyhanson242@gmail.com
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.
500 square inches by all hunters (including archers)and all users of management areas and undeveloped state parks during all portions of shotgun deer seasons.

Click to view the full Thursday Hike Schedule

Thursday Hike: Grills to Grills
2025-12-11 10:00 - 12:30 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
For something different, this 4-5 mile walk will be a point-to-point (one way) walk, visiting a few highlights in both the Grills Wildlife Sanctuary in Hopkinton and the Grills Preserve in Westerly. Most of the trail will be on flat single-track, but there are some hilly sections. Hopefully not an issue, but please note this walk only works if you’re willing to have someone ride in your car in one direction, and ride in someone else’s in the opposite direction. Meet and park in the Grills Preserve dirt parking lot at 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly. From there, we will leave roughly half the cars behind and caravan to the Grills Wildlife Sanctuary trailhead, where we will start our walk.
Please contact the hike leader to let them know you will be joining.
Leader: Jeff Walker Phone: 401-447-1879 Email: Jeffrey.walker@cox.net
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.
500 square inches by all hunters (including archers)and all users of management areas and undeveloped state parks during all portions of shotgun deer seasons.

Click to view the full Thursday Hike Schedule

Thursday Hike: Champlin Farm Preserve
2025-12-18 10:00 - 11:30 | Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 boombridge Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
This will be the first Thursday Hike at the newly acquired Champlin Farm Preserve at 64 Boombridge Road in Westerly. The entrance is just north of a swamp area on the west side of Boombridge Roaad. Take the dirt road up the hill to parking at the top of the hill. The walk is through the woods, past granite outcropping, along the Pawcatuck River and past the gravel pit. It is moderate walking on new trails.
Please contact the hike leader to let them know you will be joining.
Leader: David Prigmore Phone: 401-348-2855 Email: d.bprigmore@gmail.com
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.
500 square inches by all hunters (including archers)and all users of management areas and undeveloped state parks during all portions of shotgun deer seasons.

Click to view the full Thursday Hike Schedule

Thursday Hike: Grills Preserve
2026-01-01 10:00 - 12:30 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
January 1, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Grills Preserve, Bradford
This walk on WLT’s 500-acre preserve is over primarily flat terrain often along the Pawcatuck River on clear, wide trails. We will be able to see some newly discovered foundations. There is a gorgeous scenic view from the top of aptly named, Big Hill, which requires a bit of steep climbing. Meet at the parking lot at the cul-de-sac end off Bowling Lane in Bradford Village.

Please contact the hike leader to let them know you will be joining.
Leader: Janice Fifer Phone: 401-213-6479 Email: jhfifer@verizon.net
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.
500 square inches by all hunters (including archers)and all users of management areas and undeveloped state parks during all portions of shotgun deer seasons.

Click to view the full Thursday Hike Schedule

Thursday Hike: Grills Preserve
2026-02-12 10:00 - 12:30 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
February 2, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Grills Preserve, Bradford
This walk on WLT’s 500-acre preserve is over primarily flat terrain often along the Pawcatuck River on clear, wide trails. We will be able to see some newly discovered foundations. There is a gorgeous scenic view from the top of aptly named, Big Hill, which requires a bit of steep climbing. Meet at the parking lot at the cul-de-sac end off Bowling Lane in Bradford Village.

Please contact the hike leader to let them know you will be joining.
Leader: Marc Doherty Phone: 508-308-9787 Email: mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org
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.
500 square inches by all hunters (including archers)and all users of management areas and undeveloped state parks during all portions of shotgun deer seasons.

Click to view the full Thursday Hike Schedule

Thursday Hike at Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park
2026-03-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park- Tom Harvey Trailhead, Intersection of Tom Harvey Road & Newbury Dr., Westerly, RI, 02891, United States, United States
A walking tour of the WLT’s Dr. John Cmaplin Glacier Park featuring wooded trails with gentle hills and some rocky sections. This site’s unique geological features are worth the trip. Meet at the trailhead off of Tom Harvey Road just outside the entrance to Winnapaug Cottages. Please park in the designated area outside of the Winnapaug Cottages gate or in the parking lot across the street.
Leader: Janice Fifer Phone: 401-213-6479 Email: jhfifer@verizon.net
Click here to view the full Thursday Hike schedule!

Thursday Hike - Riverwood Preserve
2026-04-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Riverwood Preserve, 5 Boy Scout Drive, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
This property is part of the Westerly Land Trust’s Pawcatuck River Corridor Initiative. It consists of 148 acres of woodland, rocky ridges and fresh water wetlands adjacent to the Pawcatuck River and the Boy Scout Camp. It has interesting quarry remnants, river views and descent through a beautiful gorge. Some climbing in rocky areas may be involved as the best views are from the higher elevations. Meet on Old Hopkinton Road at the end of Boy Scout Drive. Please park along the road – we will walk into the preserve from there.
Co-Leaders: Sally Hanson, Ray Chang, Lynne Ranallo Phone: 401 932-5295 Email: sallyhanson242@gmail.com
Click here to view the full Thursday Hike schedule!

Thursday Hike - Champlin Farm Preserve
2026-04-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 boombridge Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join us for part of our Earth Week celebration! All week (April 18 – 26), WLT will be offering events to celebrate, take care of, and connect with our Earth. Check out our Calendar of Events to see what else is happening during Earth Week.
This walk is at Champlin Preserve at 64 Boombridge Road in Westerly. The entrance is just north of a swamp area on the west side of Boombridge Road. Take the dirt road up the hill to the parking at the top of the hill. The walk is through the woods, past a granite outcropping, along the Pawcatuck River, and past the gravel pit. It is moderate walking on new trails.
Leader: David Prigmore Phone: 401 348-2855 Email: d.bprigmore@gmail.com
Click here to view the full Thursday Hike schedule!
