Hiking Browning Mill Pond in Arcadia State Park

In the southern half of Arcadia State Park in Exeter, Rhode Island lies Browning Mill Pond, also called Arcadia Pond by some. The Pond is located on Arcadia Road close to where Arcadia Road meets Route 165. The parking area is large and can accommodate many vehicles.

 

Browning Mill Pond

 

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

 

The pond is approximately 50 acres and takes about an hour to hike around. The far end of the pond has a dam that is a great place to stop and rest and take in the scenery and wildlife.

The footing is fairly easy and has packed earth some gravel, a boulder section and foot bridges through swampy areas. It has slight inclines.

The trail surrounds the whole pond.

School of Fish in Stream

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

The pond is home to diverse wildlife including, red-winged blackbirds, geese, wood ducks, pickerel, pumpkin seed, bass and is stocked with trout.

Spider Web

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

There are many picnic tables around the pond, including tables on the old beach.

On the far side of the pond lies the dismantled fish hatchery. It is now home to a diverse ecosystem and  local wildlife.

 

Disbanded Hatchery

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

A hike around Browning Mill is great hike to take with children, dogs and for days when there isn’t enough time or energy to do a more difficult hike. Get outside and explore this hidden gem for yourself.