Rebecca Crosby Southern Rhode Island Real Estate: Beach Pond State Park

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Hiking Beach Pond

Sitting directly on the RI/CT line lays Beach Pond State Park. Beach Pond has the distinction of being the only pond in RI that does not open on the second weekend of April for fishing like every other stocked pond, instead fishing is allowed when CT has opening day. Hiking on the Rhode Island side of the pond offers a variety of breathtaking views.

Beach Pond Trail

Beach Pond State Park is located in Exeter, Rhode Island and Voluntown, Connecticut.

Parking is located in a small parking lot directly off route 165 (Ten Rod Road), or across the street at a better maintained parking area that was intended for Beach Pond.

The pond is split by route 165 which was built over the pond. The southern and northern halves run perpendicular to the RI/CT state lines. Each half has a bank in RI and a bank in CT. The southern half of the pond has a trail that circles 2/3 of the pond and is a beautiful hike.

The trail difficulty is moderate due to the narrowness of the trail and the steep inclines. It can be hiked in less than 2 hours.

The trail is a narrow walking path that runs through the hardwoods and pine woods. It follows the edge of the pond and climbs a beautiful rocky bluff directly overlooking the pond. From here the path continues along the edge, there are fishing areas through here and it is reported that small mouth bass can still be caught here.

Rocky Outcropping

The trail veers away from the pond and cuts through some small rocky ridges in the woods. It crosses a private road and continues through the woods until it meets route 165 in CT. Hikers will then have to walk on route 165 back to the parking area.

Rocky Hill

Disclaimer, I hate hiking on roads. This is one of the only trails that I turn around at the private road and track back to the parking area.

This hike will take hikers around a beautiful pond with a spectacular bluff overlooking it. There is a perfect place along the trail to take dogs and let them swim in the sandy-bottomed clear water. Get out and enjoy!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Mountain Bike Report: Shelter Trail Arcadia State Park

As anyone who has walked, fished or mountain biked in Arcadia can tell you, there are numerous trails. The trail report was set up with the intent of taking about an hour to complete. It is not the fastest way to get to any spot or trail. It is set up to offer a variety of riding footings, technical aspects and inclines.

Begin by parking at the West Exeter Church. Running parallel to route 165 is a trail. It has a rusty metal bar at the beginning. Ride down the steep hill to the Midway parking area. From there go right onto the dirt road called Midway Railroad. This dirt road is open to vehicles. Ride over a bridge whose stream feeds Wood River. The road opens up to another parking area, stay on Midway Railroad and ride down the main dirt road.

Shelter Trail Map

Photo Courtesy Google Maps

There is another block there to stop vehicles from entering. Midway is sand, grass and in some areas deep sand. It has sloping hills, gradual inclines and open fields. Through the fields the footing is packed and can be ridden very fast. It can be hot to ride this trail in the summer since it is fairly open to the sun. In early September the milkweed growing in the fields attracts monarch butterflies.

Midway opens up into a dog training area with a pavilion and parking area. From the end of Midway take a left onto Plain Road. This road is open to vehicles. Ride up the hill and take the first right onto a shelter trail. The trail is open and was an old road.

Take the second right and climb a small hill to the old stone fireplace and foundations. This is a great area to stop and explore. Use caution since the ground is littered with broken glass.

Stone Fireplace

Continue on the Shelter Trail and pass some old cabins and shelters. The trail comes to the top of a hill, here someone has built steps going down the hill. This hill is a hidden gem and a technical surprise out in the woods. Then turn around push the bike back up the hill and ride it again.

Hill with Steps

From here continue down the main trail. Eventually it forks. Left, ends at a small creek that is the border with Camp E-Hun-Tee. There is an old bridge to explore. Right continues on the Shelter Trail to Plain Road.

Old Bridge

Take a left on Plain Road and ride up a long hill. At the top take a right and continue on another Shelter Trail. This trail goes through hardwoods and pine woods and offers small inclines, mud and grass footing.

The Shelter Trail ends on Frosty Hollow Road near Frosty Hollow Pond. Take a right on Frosty Hollow Road and ride to the end at the church parking area.