Posted By auntie on December 6, 2012

8.16 miles   ★★★½

the couple of times i hiked these trails earlier this year, i followed the loop in a counter-clockwise direction. this time, in order to spice things up a bit, i went in a clockwise direction. i also did an extra loop on the shelter trail that took this into 8+ mile territory. i forgot what a ballbuster parts of the breakheart trail can be, but in spite of that, i still made really good time, as most of this hike is flat and relatively easy walking.

field

this pretty field is at the end of the “extra loop” of the shelter trail i walked.

pheasants forever sign

i found out at its entrance that it is a pheasants forever habitat. this is an organization that is dedicated to preserving the habitat of wild birds, and does not support stocking of pen-raised birds for the purpose of improving wild populations. i am not sure how they feel about the stocking of pen-raised birds for hunting, but regardless, it’s nice to see someone who cares about these birds and the preservation of their habitat.

old cellar hole

i have always liked this old cellar hole by the shore of breakheart pond. i can imagine a lovely little cabin, maybe with a path down to the water, and a dock…

you can see the route of this hike on the always excellent Great Swamp Press map of Arcadia Trails, Footpaths & Roads. it is also mostly hike #2 in Walks in the Watershed: A Hiker’s Guide to Southwestern Rhode Island and Adjacent Connecticut by Charles F. Hickox and Elly Heyder, but they do not include the extra loop.

Categories: Rhode Island, Walks and Hikes
Tags: 7–10 miles, Exeter RI, RI