Located in quiet Richmond, RI is a relatively small management area, only 2359 acres, of some of the most diverse riding in the state of RI. This hidden gem is a great “fit” trail for mountain bikers who want to ride various terrains and challenge themselves up long and sandy hills.
North of Pine Hill Road Trail Map by great Swamp Press
The management area borders Kenyon Hill Trail, Switch Road, and routes 91 and 216. It has rocky outcroppings, in-use dirt roads, gated dirt roads, hiking trails, cranberry bogs, streams, rivers and agricultural fields maintained by the RI Division of Fish and Wildlife.
South of Pine Hill Road Trail Map by Great Swamp Press
This trail plan offers a variety of footings, scenery and hill challenges. It takes approximately 2 hours, with low technicality.
Start the ride by parking in parking area across from Sandy Pond Road on Switch Road. It does not allow for many vehicles. There is another parking area about 100 feet from main gate.
Ride on Switch Road until Shippee Road. Shippee Road is a dirt road that goes to Carolina Trout Pond. It is open to vehicular traffic. The dirt road turns right and climbs a hill to the pond, instead of taking right go straight at the metal gate.
Trail Split on Habrek Trail
Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved
From here the trail splits, go left and begin climbing a long and steep hill. This trail is Habrek Trail. The elevation begins at 150 and climbs to 250. The footing is sand, gravel and roots. The climb varies from gentle sloping to steeper inclines.
After the hill take the first right onto South Trail. From here the trail winds down the hill. It has some rocky corners.
South Trail
Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved
Take the first left onto Gardiner Trail. It is a walking path with low hanging branches and very fast, packed footing. The trail is narrow. It also goes through a mountain laurel tunnel.
Mountain Laurel
Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved
The trail ends on the North South Trail which is a dirt road used by cars. From here ride to the end of the road and turn left on Pine Hill Road. On Pine Hill Road take a right at the red barn, the Carolina Hunter Check Station.
Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved
The trail ends on the North South Trail which is a dirt road used by cars. From here ride to the end of the road and turn left on Pine Hill Road. On Pine Hill Road take a right at the red barn, the Carolina Hunter Check Station.
Hunter Check Station
Photo courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved
This is Andrews Trail and the footing is varied. It is used by hikers and horseback riders heavily. It goes through cultivated fields and the grass can get long before it is mowed.
Andrews Trail ends at turf fields in a hemlock grove. Veer left and take a small walking path to the edge of the turf/corn field. From here the trail borders the fields and is seen as packed earth. Ride the edge until the trail turns left into the woods on the North South Trail.
Trail Borders Edge of Turf and Corn Fields
Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved
From here the trail narrows and slopes downward. It is mostly evergreen woods with roots crossing the path. Follow the trail until it borders a creek. Cross the creek then take the first left and begin climbing the steep hill.
At the crest of the hill turn left on White Brook Trail. Ride the trail until it ends on Pine Hill Road.
Log Obstacle
Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All rights Reserved
Continue on Pine Hill Road and pass the North South Trail road. Climb the hill and take the first right onto Laurel Trail. Most maps call this trail for hikers only, but it is used by horseback riders and mountain bikers without a problem.
This trail slowly climbs through the woods on varied footing. It ends on Essex Trail.
On Essex Trail take a left and begin the descent downhill. Stay left on Essex and ride past 2 ponds and some more cultivated fields. The trail ends at the parking area on Switch Road.
Have fun enjoying this hidden gem in Richmond, RI.
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