Stump Pond Fishing Area
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Mercer Lookout
Official Description (from location's homepage)
Quiet woodland trails, second growth forest, a chimney and fireplace remaining from a Boy Scout cabin, blueberry bushes and a panoramic view of the Providence skyline.
Note: (from a visitor) "in it's current condition, the road to the parking area can only be accessed with a 4 wheel drive vehicle with plenty of clearance underneath. The dirt road has several heavily eroded spots where the rocks stick out a good 1 to 2 feet out of the ground. Anyone with a normal passenger car would have to stop after about 50 feet and back out again". July 14, 2004
Quiet woodland trails, second growth forest, a chimney and fireplace remaining from a Boy Scout cabin, blueberry bushes and a panoramic view of the Providence skyline.
Note: (from a visitor) "in it's current condition, the road to the parking area can only be accessed with a 4 wheel drive vehicle with plenty of clearance underneath. The dirt road has several heavily eroded spots where the rocks stick out a good 1 to 2 feet out of the ground. Anyone with a normal passenger car would have to stop after about 50 feet and back out again". July 14, 2004
Useful Links: Home Page | Trail Map
Categories : Hiking, Smithfield, Town Owned
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Cascade Brook Conservation Area
Another secluded gem owned by the town of Smithfield. Cascade Brook is nestled just off Route 44 and features a nice circular path around the 27-acre property. The path crosses the area's namesake brook fairly early on and later, at one edge of the area, borders an apple orchard. The entire area is nicely wooded but also very open and airy.
The path is very rocky and hilly, though not necessarily difficult; our 4 year old had no problem with it, though younger children might. All in all a great place for a relaxing but not boring hike.
The path is very rocky and hilly, though not necessarily difficult; our 4 year old had no problem with it, though younger children might. All in all a great place for a relaxing but not boring hike.
Useful Links: Home Page | Trail Map
Categories : Hiking, Smithfield, Town Owned
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Durfee Hill Management Area
We took a pleasant hike through part of Durfee Hill in early March. The (unpaved) road we walked on was easy to follow, even with a bit of snow on the ground. It's not necessarily the easiest walk, but the area is certainly quiet and peaceful. The only interesting thing we saw was a man-made waterfall, though apparently there's a good place to go rock climbing somewhere inside Durfee as well. All in all a good place to go for a hike in the woods.
According to the maps I've seen (here and here) there are apparently four or five separate areas that comprise Durfee Hill. We were clearly in the largest section; I look forward to exploring the others.
According to the maps I've seen (here and here) there are apparently four or five separate areas that comprise Durfee Hill. We were clearly in the largest section; I look forward to exploring the others.
Useful Links: Trail Map
Categories : Fishing, Glocester, Hiking, Rock Climbing, State Owned, Walking
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Cumberland Monastery
Former home of a Cistercian monastery, the grounds now surrounding the Cumberland Public Library provide abundant opportunity for outdoor fun. The numerous dirt trails are fairly flat and well-packed, enough so that you can easily push a child in a stroller. The grounds contain both woodlands and fields as well as a stream and a few ponds, and even during our pre-spring walk we saw numerous birds and ducks. Some of the trees are even marked with their types, so walks can be both fun and educational.
In front of the library there is also a large and well-equipped playground that even includes a small outdoor theatre. After our most pleasant walk we unleashed the kids into the playground and enjoyed watching them play while we relaxed.
The monastery was a true delight, even on a cool mid-March day. I look forward to exploring it when the trees are green and the air is warn.
In front of the library there is also a large and well-equipped playground that even includes a small outdoor theatre. After our most pleasant walk we unleashed the kids into the playground and enjoyed watching them play while we relaxed.
The monastery was a true delight, even on a cool mid-March day. I look forward to exploring it when the trees are green and the air is warn.
Useful Links: Home Page
Categories : Cumberland, Hiking, Playground, Town Owned
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Connors Farm Conservation Area
Official Description (from location's homepage)
Hidden in the forest at the far end of a residential tract, this 66 acre property may be a surprise to even long-time Smithfield residents. Once part of the Connors family farm, it looks nothing at all like a farm. The inviting trail, which is a bit strenuous in places, is just under 2 miles long. Built by the Boy Scouts in 1994, it takes visitors to the top of one of the most rugged ledges in the area. Here you can see unique rock formations and stone slabs that seem to have spilled down the steep slope yesterday. They were, however, left this way by the retreating glaciers thousands of years ago.
Hidden in the forest at the far end of a residential tract, this 66 acre property may be a surprise to even long-time Smithfield residents. Once part of the Connors family farm, it looks nothing at all like a farm. The inviting trail, which is a bit strenuous in places, is just under 2 miles long. Built by the Boy Scouts in 1994, it takes visitors to the top of one of the most rugged ledges in the area. Here you can see unique rock formations and stone slabs that seem to have spilled down the steep slope yesterday. They were, however, left this way by the retreating glaciers thousands of years ago.
Useful Links: Home Page
Categories : Hiking, Smithfield, Town Owned
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Wolf Hill Forest Preserve
Wolf Hill Forest Preserve is an interesting little area that I don't know much about. Parking is available across the street, behind the Smithfield Police Station. A trail entering the preserve starts almost immediately across the street from the police station; you drive by the trail entrance on the way to the parking lot. It seems like there should be some pleasant views of Stump Pond from the trail, though I haven't hiked enough of it yet to know for sure.
Useful Links: Trail Map
Categories : Hiking, Smithfield, Town Owned
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John L Curran Management Area
Official Description (from location's homepage)
The J. L. Curran Management Area covers 332 acres and is largely a forested tract comprised primarily of deciduous hardwood trees, oaks, maple and beech. Two ponds, agricultural land for public gardening.
The J. L. Curran Management Area covers 332 acres and is largely a forested tract comprised primarily of deciduous hardwood trees, oaks, maple and beech. Two ponds, agricultural land for public gardening.
Useful Links: Home Page | Trail Map
Categories : Cranston, Fishing, Hiking, State Owned, Wildlife Observation
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Stillwater Scenic Trail
Though I wouldn't use the word "scenic" to describe the first part of this trail – it runs alongside a swamp, under a deteriorating bridge and past two industrial buildings – the remainder of the trail is quite pleasant. The latter part of the trail runs alongside Stillwater and Capron Ponds, and is very peaceful and scenic. The trail is wide and flat, making this a great trail to walk with the whole family.
You can access the trail from Farnum Pike (Rt 104), almost right at the intersection of Routes 104 and 116. There are small dirt parking areas on either side of the road. There is a sign on the eastern side of the road marking the start of the trail.
A few images of the trail, including the parking area at the Rt. 104 end, can be found here.
You can access the trail from Farnum Pike (Rt 104), almost right at the intersection of Routes 104 and 116. There are small dirt parking areas on either side of the road. There is a sign on the eastern side of the road marking the start of the trail.
A few images of the trail, including the parking area at the Rt. 104 end, can be found here.
Useful Links: Home Page
Categories : Smithfield, Town Owned, Walking
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Casimir Pulaski Memorial Recreation Area
What a fabulous place to spend an afternoon! We picnicked on a hill overlooking a lake, walked over a dam and then took a leisurely stroll on a quiet, wooded half-mile trail. Parking was abundant and there were bathrooms in two different places. I look forward to returning in the summer and exploring the longer trails.
Useful Links: Home Page | Trail Map
Categories : Fishing, Glocester, Hiking, Picnicking, State Owned, Swimming
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