Walk into Winter!Take a hike with us this winter!During the months of December, January, and February, rangers will lead outdoor hikes throughout the Blackstone Valley. Enjoy the crisp area and explore new or familiar territory during the colder months.Please wear sturd......More
Walk into Winter!Take a hike with us this winter!During the months of December, January, and February, rangers will lead outdoor hikes throughout the Blackstone Valley. Enjoy the crisp area and explore new or familiar territory during the colder months.Please wear sturdy footwear and comfortable gear suitable for the weather. Many hikes will cover uneven terrain (expect exposed roots, rocks, and mud). Bring your own water and wear orange, particularly during January hikes. Hikes will proceed in the case of light rain, but staff will cancel events if harsh or dangerous conditions are expected.Upon arrival at the starting point, look for signs to indicate parking locations.For all programs, seek additional information and updates/cancellations on our website and Facebook. Hike Schedule January 18 - Booth Pond (North Smithfield Conservation Commission)Description: Details:Coordinates: 41.97906 N, 71.50582 W Parking (GPS): Booth Pond Way, North Smithfield, RI. (or 11 Dowling Village Blvd) Length/Miles: 2 - 2.5 milesDifficulty: Easy Hazards: Some Wet areas and exposed roots January 25 - Peppercorn Hill (Upton Conservation Commission)Description:Details:Coordinates: 42.18460 N, 71.55709 W Parking (GPS): Parking lot opposite side of road from 55 Crockett Rd, Upton, MA. Length/Miles: 3.25 milesDifficulty: Difficult Hazards: Uphill Elevated slopes, exposed roots and rocks February 1 - Castle Hill Farm (Town of Northbridge)Description:Join us on an adventure through the lands of Castle Hill Farm in Northbridge, MA. This farm site has a rich history and deep connection to the Whitin family, who made a textile empire in Northbridge. Learn more about this landscape and the links between farms and factories. Details: Coordinates: 42.10485 N, 71.66858 W Parking (GPS): 174 Castle Hill Rd, Whitinsville, MA. Length/Miles: Roughly 2.5 milesDifficulty: Moderate Hazards: Slopes and exposed roots February 8 - Wolf Hill (Smithfield Conservation Commission)Description:Details: Coordinates: 41.89839 N, 71.54025 W Parking (GPS): 5 Waterview Drive, Smithfield, RILength/Miles: 2.4 milesDifficulty: Moderate/Difficult Hazards: Some uphill elevation with exposed roots and rocks February 15 - Hopedale Parklands (Hopedale Conservation Commission)Description:Details: Coordinates: 42.13489 N, 71.54409 W Parking (GPS): 1 Hopedale St, Hopedale, MA (Parking along pond side of Hopedale Street). Length/Miles: Roughly 3 milesDifficulty: Easy Hazards: Exposed Roots February 22 - Blackall Family and Ballou Farm Preserve (Cumberland Land Trust)Description:Venture out with us and trek through the Blackall Family/Ballou Farm Preserve in Cumberland, Rhode Island. Explore trails preserved by the Cumberland Land Trust and see remnants of farming communities lost to time. Details:Coordinates: 41.98340 N, 71.46701 W Parking (GPS): 3751 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI Length/Miles: 3.2 Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Hazards: Some Wet areas with Exposed Roots and Rocks Presented in partnership with: The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Cumberland Land Trust, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Nature Conservancy, North Smithfield Conservation Commission, North Smithfield Heritage Association, Upton Conservation Commission, The Northbridge Conservation Commission, Town of Northbridge, Smithfield Conservation Commission, Hopedale Conservation Commission, and Town of Hopedale.
Booth Pond Way, North Smithfield, RI. (or 11 Dowling Village Blvd)