Posted By auntie on August 25, 2017

10.18 miles; Sharon, MA

So I was able to pick this hike up where I left off earlier this week, and got to see a large section of the Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, including a section of the Warner Trail. Great section, and I met a new hiking friend along the way (no, not the caterpillar).

Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Well lookie here… apparently there’s another common black and orange caterpillar that likes to eat milkweed—the Milkweed Tussock Moth caterpillar. There are lots of pictures of both the caterpillar and the moth, along with some good info, on the Butterflies and Moths of North America page.

Small Park in Sharon

There was a bit of “urban” hiking today through Sharon, Mass., and it included some lovely little pocket parks, including this one, which I seem to remember is Spring Lake Park.

Under and…

…over Route 95

I crossed another milestone today as well, Route 95. The southbound lane was an underpass, and the northbound lane was an overpass.

Warner Trail Marker

After a quick glance at my map, I realized that somewhere just past Route 95 I picked up the Warner Trail. This was the first marker I saw. The Warner Trail is a 30-mile trail that runs from Diamond Hill in Cumberland, RI, to someplace in Sharon, MA, past the Moose Hill Preserve. The Warner Trail website has more info. The Facebook group, Providence County Hiking Club, is planning a hike of this entire trail sometime next spring, so stay tuned. My hike today would take me on a long stretch of it.

Allens Ledge Chimney

Once actually on the Audubon Society’s Moose Hill Sanctuary, there’s a so-so overlook here at this old chimney (the foliage has grown in so much there’s not really a good view). This is also where I met my new hiking friend; as I walked back around the chimney we completely startled each other, letting out surprised shrieks simultaneously. My new friend was hiking in my same direction, so we hiked together for a long stretch. She lives locally and was able to tell me something about the Moose Hill trails.

Providence Skyline

Gillette Stadium

The next overlook a little further down the trail yielded better views, to the south and southeast. Again, and as usual, you’ll have to trust me, but the above photos show, firstly, the Providence, RI, skyline, and in the photo below that is Gillette Stadium.

Firetower

I finished up this section of the BCT at the Moose Hill Visitors’ Center parking lot. Just before there, at an elevation of 534-feet, is the Firetower, and the highest point on Moose Hill.

Track (click for details)

You can find out more about the Mass. Audubon’s Moose Hill Sanctuary on their website (Note: There is a $4 entrance fee for non-Audubon members; the Visitors’ Center opens at 7:00 am). And you can read more about the Bay Circuit Trail here. As always, click on the image, above, for details about this section and to download the GPS track.

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Categories: Bay Circuit Trail, Massachusetts, Walks and Hikes
Tags: MA, Over 10 miles, Sharon MA