Latham Brook Preserve

A new gem in the trails system of the Smithfield Land Trust, Latham Brook Preserve is ready to receive visitors! The genesis of the trail system goes back several years, to initial surveys by Land Trust member Paul Harrison, who flagged out an access trail from Log Road, along with a large loop trail in the middle section. Additional work flagging and tagging trails was done by the Land Trust's indefatigable trail maker, Tom Gruczka, who not only expanded the trail system, but led numerous groups of volunteers to clear, rake, and blaze it, along with building any number of bridges and walkways to cross wet areas in the Preserve. I played a part, by including Latham Brook in my recreational trails grant proposal to the DEM, which won approval; this covered the cost of lumber, and paid for new new kiosks at the trailheads (the one shown here is at the Log Road parking area).

Let's start there: you pull up into the newly graded and gravelled lot next to the pumping station on Log Road. From the back of the lot, you have two options: to your right is the blue trail, which winds around rocky ledges, offering a loop of its own with a connector at the end to the red path -- or you can start out on the main red path itself.  You'll cross a small section of wetness onto a verdant green path, which leads along the old right-of-way for a section of Burlingame Road that was never built. Reaching the spot where the blue trail joins you on the right -- you'll see a small pegged bridge of cedar logs (one of Tom's trademarks), and continue to your left. You'll see a lovely small lake on your left below the bath, with a spot for taking in the view!

Next, a short access path leads to the circle at the end of the existing section of that road; pass by and a little further, the yellow trail forks off to your right. Take it, and walk along the ridge-side, with lovely view of the valley to your right, until you come to a grassy catchment basin at the end of Cedar Forest road. To your right, over a bridge, there's a spur to another access point (with parking) on that road, but for now, you  turn to your left and rejoin the red trail. Instead of heading home just yet, cross and continue on it to your right -- you'll soon come to the gateway to the new Green Loop trail. Many light bridges and plankways, all Tom's work, will help you keep your feet dry as you wander through a mixed forest and marshlands; you'll have the option of an extended loop near the end, then wind your way back to red. When you have the choice, keep to your right -- there are two parallel red trails on your return -- the rightmost one goes along a lovely section of stone ledges, before rising up, crossing a stone wall, and returning to the main red trail you took on your way in. The mature pine forest in this area is a wonder in itself, and if you look closely you may see some interesting small stone structures of uncertain use. Like most forest preserves in Rhode Island, all of this was once farmland.

If you take every trail, you can get well over three miles of hiking in Latham Brook -- all of it readily accessible -- without the crowds sure to be encountered on a sunny day at better-known preserves such as Wolf Hill. It's a true gem!