Tillinghast Pond

It's one of the most extensive trail systems in Rhode Island, beautfully laid out and maintained by the Nature Conservancy -- and yet, at times, it seems a well-kept secret. Only about 40 minutes from the Providence area, it seems almost another world away; as one drive down Plain Meeting House Road and begins to gauge its vast expanse, one begins to wonder whether, just perhaps, one has stepped back in time to an almost-unsettled era.

Starting at the parking area on Plain Road, you'll find yourself at the center of more than twelve miles of trail. If you have a full day to spare, pack a lunch and explore them all -- here, I'll just point out a variety of options, any one of which will yield a couple of hours of forests and fields, stones and streams. 

Cathedral Pines Trail

The main loop trail around the lake is the gateway to these; start to the right of the parking lot (facing the lake) and you'll soon come to your first decision -- follow white around the lake, or the yellow "Flintlock Loop." Take yellow, and descend a gradual hill through old forest; on your right you'll pass an historical cemetery, then arrive at the corner of a wide field. Take a right here onto the cathedral pines trail, which takes you down between rows of stately trees to a crossing at Plain Meeting House Road. Cross directly over -- you'll soon see red blazes, and find yourself at the corner of two stone walls; this is the Bates Homestead Loop (1.9 miles). It's a fine, narrow trail through a variety of forests, featuring a stream crossing with a rustic bridge and two benches, and a goodly variety of ups and downs.

Returning via the cathedreal pines, you can complete the Flintlock loop by following the yellow blazes, returning to your start along the eastern side of the lake. Many of the oaks here have been killed by past infestations of gypsy moths, but some persist, pushing new shoots out through their living parts; the sudden allowance of sunshine feeds a lush flourish of blueberry bushes. Or, if you're still looking to wander further, the Wickaboxet Trail beckons early along the way, with four miles of rambling through an adjacent area managed by the DEM. You'll see rocky outcroppings and the remains of a number of abandoned farmsteads, with barn walls and cellar holes; at the far end, there's a further opportunity as the trail connects with the West Greenwich Land Trust's Pratt Preserve.

Along Coney Brook Loop

And still, with all this, there remains nearly half of Tillinghast yet to be seen. The Coney Brook Loop may be the most scenic of all; starting from the parking lot it crosses the road, passing up a stream and an old mill dam. A lovely side-trail descends into the valley there via stairs at each end; don't miss it. Then continue through airy oak forest, around and over hills and hummocks, until you emerge at the far end of a large logged area. Though the loss of the trees at first seems painful, in summer you'll see the lush understory, with tall blueberry bushes along the border; a bristling rush of young pines, crowding each other in search of sunlight, rises from between the few lone sentinels of the old deciduous forest; some day they will become a forest of their own. A spur trail here leads alongside a cedar swamp to a small parking area on Hazard Road. It seems there will always be more routes and variations to explore -- so save a few for your next visit -- and do remember to wear orange during hunting season.