Join our 2026 Fall Hikes
9/20/26 - 10:00 Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown
Kick off fall on about 2.5 miles of flat, easy loops overlooking Sachuest Bay and the Atlantic. This important stopover and wintering area for migratory birds spans nearly 250 acres and includes a nice visitors center. Join us for lunch after hike at Anthony's for delicious seafood if you like.
9:30 - Carpoolers meet in the Park-and-Ride on Route 1A next to Plum Point Bistro just before going over Jamestown bridge to limit cars & tolls if you like. Please respond to this email if you would like to carpool.
10:00 - Meet at the parking lot if you are not carpooling.
DIRECTIONS: Route 138 East across Newport Bridge. Turn right onto Admiral Kalbfus Rd. Continue straight onto Miantonomi, continuing onto Green End Ave. Turn right onto Paradise Ave. Turn left onto Hanging Rock Rd. Continue straight onto Sachuest Point Rd to the end at 769 Sachuest Point Rd. Plenty of parking.
LINKS: https://exploreri.org/trailmaps/Sachuest_Point_NWR_Trail_Map.pdf
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/sachuest-point
LEADER: Marybeth Smith, Cell: 401-304-7546; email Sullymb1@gmail.com
9/27/26 - 10:00 Trustom Pond Wildlife Refuge, Matunuck
Flat, easy stroll of up to 2.5 miles, or you can do less if you prefer. One of five national wildlife refuges in the State. In 1974, Ann Kenyon Morse donated the first 365 acres to the refuge. Today, the refuge includes 787 acres of various wildlife habitats including fields, shrublands, woodlands, saltwater ponds and sandy beaches. Approximately 300 bird species, more than 40 mammals and 20 species of reptiles and amphibians call Trustom their home. Trustom Pond is the only undeveloped salt pond in the State, making it even more valuable to wildlife.
LINK: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/rhode-island/trustom-pond-national-wildlife-refuge-trail
DIRECTIONS: 1040 Matunuck School House Rd, South Kingstown, RI 02879
LEADER: Heather Wiehl, hlawlesswiehl@yahoo.com or 401-338-1848
10/4/26 - 10:00 Beavertail State Park, Jamestown
2.5ish miles of flat trails with lots of scenic ocean views and walk around the lighthouse.
DIRECTIONS: 138 towards Jamestown/Newport over the Jamestown bridge, take Helm St. exit south to North Rd. to Beavertail Rd. Park in first parking lot on right after entering the park.
LEADER: Heather Wiehl, hlawlesswiehl@yahoo.com
10/11/26 - 10:00 - Barn Island, Pawcatuck, CT
3.5 miles of easy, flat trails with a loop through uplands and salt marshes overlooking beautiful Little Narragansett Bay with a few gentle hills.
DIRECTIONS: US 1 west from Pawcatuck for 2.5 miles to the traffic signal at Wequetequock Cove. Turn left on Greenhaven Road, then immediately right, on Palmer Neck Road. Follow Palmer Neck to the parking area on the right, across from trailhead and just before the boat ramp. Park at Boat Ramp if no parking is available near trailhead Kiosk.
LINK: Barn Island - Long Island Sound Partnership
LEADER: Barbara Sullivan-Watts, bsullivanwatts@gmail.com
10/18/26 - 10:00 Camp Yawgoog, Rockville
Yawgoog Pond Loop covers 3.5 miles of hilly, rocky trails around Yawgoog Pond and through the boy scout camp. Cross streams, climb rocky ledges, and enjoy some beautiful views. Wes Anderson’s film "Moonrise Kingdom" was partially filmed here for the dramatic scenery.
DIRECTIONS: 61 Camp Yawgoog Road, Rockville, RI 02873. From Route 138 head North-West through Hope Valley, turn right at blinking traffic light at Fire Station / West’s Bakery, stay on Route 138 / Rockville Rd / Spring St. for 3.1 miles, turn Left at the "Camp Yawgoog" sign with the big guy carrying a canoe. Continue for 1 mile to the Camp Yawgoog gate. Turn right at the gate into the parking area, meet at Parking area.
LINK: https://www.yawgoog.org/uploads/6/8/4/2/68426127/yawgoog_map_new.pdf
LEADER: Heather Wiehl, hlawlesswiehl@yahoo.com, 401-338-1848
10/25/26 - 10:00 Breakheart Pond, Arcadia
Mostly flat trails. After the hike, join us for a short side-trip to Browning Mill to go troll-hunting for Young Boulder for anyone interested.
Parking: Frosty Hollow parking lot at the pond.
Directions: Route 165 / Ten Rod Road west to Frosty Hollow Rd. Parking is on right next to pond.
LEADER: Marybeth Smith, Cell: 401-304-7546; email Sullymb1@gmail.com
11/1/26 - 10:00 Tillinghast Management Area, West Greenwich
About 4 miles through woods and around pond.
DIRECTIONS: From I-95, take Exit 5B, Rte 102 North; Follow Rte 102 for 3 miles, past the West Greenwich Town Hall; Turn left on Plain Meeting House Road, follow for 3.9 miles; You will PASS the Wickaboxet Management Area and the entrance to Narrow Lane; Turn right at the next intersection, onto Plain Road; Follow Plain Road for 1/2 mile to the parking lot on the right. N 41º 38.694’ W 71º 45.404’
LEADER: MaryBeth Smith, Sullymb1@gmail.com, 401-304-7546
11/8/26 OPEN
11/15/26 OPEN
11/22/26 OPEN
11/29/26 OPEN
12/6/26 - 10:00 Rome Point, North Kingstown - Remembering Dick Sullivan
Some of us will remember that Dick led an annual hike here for the holidays, stopping along the way to enjoy the moment. About 3 miles with outstanding views of the bay and the possibility of seeing a seal out near the rocks. We will stop to share some treats and goo memories.
DIRECTIONS: Take Rte 1 North to Rte 138 East, get off at first exit (Rte 1A) left at end of ramp and parking lot is 1/4 mile on right. N 41º 32.225’ W 71º 26.245’
Leaders: Sally Hanson, (401) 932-5295 and email: sallyhanson242@gmail.com
12/13/26 - 10:00 Holiday Hike & Party, Coventry
10:00 - Hike at Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry
Moderate 3-mile hike with 2-mile flat option.
The late RI artist Maxwell Mays donated over 295 acres of diverse wildlife habitat to Audubon in 2010. The property offers trails though upland forests, wetlands, streams, ponds, and open meadow. The 11-acre Carr Pond, situated entirely within the bounds of the wildlife refuge, is the centerpiece of the property. It is home to river otters as well as many types of freshwater fish and aquatic invertebrates. Habitat includes forest, ponds, wetlands, streams, and open meadow.
DIRECTIONS: From I-95 north or south take exit 18 (West Greenwich) to Route 102 north. Go about 5.5 miles on 102 north and look for the entrance to the refuge on the right, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI 02816
LEADER: MaryBeth Smith, Cell: 401-304-7546; email Sullymb1@gmail.com
LINK: Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge
12:00 - Potluck Party at Sherwood Valley Community Center - rain or shine
Building opens at 11:30 with Full kitchen, Restrooms, Power, tables and chairs, and HEAT
Bring a favorite dish to share
Non-alcoholic hot and cold drinks provided, NO alcohol permitted.
Bring a modest wrapped gift if you want to do the Yankee Swap (under $20 or handmade).
Bring books and magazines you want to part with and pick up a few to bring home.
We have the place until 6 pm but usually wrap up by 3 pm.
DIRECTIONS: 1 Sherwood Valley Lane, Coventry, RI, 02816