Top five hikes that you should try over the holidays in Rhode Island
Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays?
Consider taking a hike to get some fresh air, clear your head and enjoy some outdoor exercise.
The weather may be chilly, but the trails are less crowded, giving you a better chance of seeing wildlife, migratory birds and the best natural scenes Rhode Island has to offer. Plus, there are no bugs to worry about.
Here are five of my favorite hikes from 2021 that I hope to do again soon.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge - Coventry
Make it a point to visit Carr Pond after it freezes over. If you stand on the shore and listen, you may hear the boom of the ice cracking on a warm day or the sound of beavers breaking up the frozen surface to dive, fish and swim. It’s a unique experience. Here's what you need to know:
More: Walking RI: Natural inspiration at Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge
Access: Off I-95, take Route 102 north for 5.5 miles to the trailhead on the right.
Parking: Available at the trailhead.
Dogs: Not allowed.
Difficulty: Easy, with some moderate climbs up and down hills.
Mount Tom Trail - Exeter
Dozens of trails through dense forests run through the 14,000-acre Arcadia Management Area, the state’s largest preserve. One of the best is the Mount Tom Trail that crosses the Wood River and climbs along Parrish Brook to the top of a series of high ledges. Here’s a loop trail through the state refuge:
More: Walking RI: Over the rivers and through the woods on Mount Tom Trail
Access: Off Route 3, take Route 165 west for 2.5 miles to the Appie Crossing trailhead on the left.
Parking: Available for several cars at the trailhead.
Dogs: Allowed on leash.
Difficulty: Moderate, with some climbing on ledges.
Napatree Point - Westerly
Bundle up to keep warm from the stiff winds that blow off the ocean and across a wide sandy beach. The ocean views from the point are worth it, though. This perimeter walk will take you to the tip of the peninsula.
More: Walking RI: Strolling along the shifting sands of Napatree Point
Access: Take 1A south to Watch Hill Road through Avondale. Drive south into Watch Hill to Fort Road.
Parking: Limited on-street parking and in a small nearby lot.
Dogs: Allowed on leashes, but prohibited from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from May 2 until Labor Day.
Difficulty: Easy, mostly beach walking.
Tri-State Marker - Burrillville
Hikers from Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island take different trails to reach the granite obelisk at the precise point where the three states meet. It’s a quiet place to rest, share hiking stories and exchange greetings, especially during the holidays. Start from the south in the Buck Hill Management Area to get there.
More: Walking RI: On the hunt for the Tri-State Marker in the Buck Hill Management Area
Access: Take Route 100 northwest about 5.3 miles out of Pascoag and turn left on Buck Hill Road. Drive 2.3 miles and take a right for 0.3 miles to a gate.
Parking: Available in a large lot.
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Difficulty: Moderate on some rocky trails.
Long Pond Woods - Hopkinton
Rhode Island’s trails offer a number of amazing views of pristine ponds. One of the best is from the top of a massive rock outcropping above Long Pond, which offers a stunning look down at the sparkling, blue water ringed with an unbroken forest. This trail to get there runs above the southern edge of Long Pond.
More: Walking RI: Hollywood wow factor on Hopkinton trail
Access: Off I-95, take Rte. 3 and turn northwest on Canonchet Road. Drive about 1.5 miles and take a left on Stubtown Road to the trailhead on the right.
Available at a small lot.
Dogs: Allowed in state-owned areas but must be on a leash on Audubon properties.
Difficulty: Strenuous climbs up and down rocks; moderate in hilly areas; easy on flat sections.
Trail Tips
Staying warm in the woods
HAT: Wear a wool or fleece cap to curb heat loss from the top of your head. A headband can protect your ears and a gaiter can keep your neck cozy.
GLOVES: Put on wool or synthetic gloves with fingers.
LAYERS: Add as many as you need and then remove them one at a time as you heat up and get sweaty from the hike. The basic three layers should include a base layer to wick perspiration away from your skin, a middle layer to insulate you from the cold and an outer layer of a jacket or vest to keep out moisture and wind.
UNDERWEAR: Pulling on thermal tops and bottoms can keep you toasty.
SOCKS: Carry an extra pair in case your feet get damp or wet.
BOOTS: Lace up a sturdy pair to keep your feet dry and in good shape.
REMINDER:
Remember: The Rhode Island Dept. of Environmental Management requires all users of state management areas to wear 200 square inches of fluorescent orange during hunting season from Sept. 12 through February and from April 17 through May 31. During shotgun season in December, a minimum of 500 square inches is required.
John Kostrzewa, a former assistant managing editor/business at The Providence Journal welcomes email at johnekostrzewa@gmail.com
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: 5 great hikes and walks to try during the holiday season in RI
