Posted By auntie on December 26, 2016

Yep, it’s that time again… Looking back on 2016, there were SO MANY great hikes that in some cases I had to cheat and combine groups of hikes together to make single entries. And I didn’t actually do a lot of hiking this year! I noticed that my mileage was way down, and the only months I managed a double-digit number of hikes were January, September, October, and November. New Year’s resolution for 2017: do more hiking.

These are in reverse order of my favorites, so with no further ado, my 10th favorite hike was

#10—Wahaneeta/Woody Hill

Woody Hill Marsh

This hike was a revelation. I’d hiked into Woody Hill Wildlife Management Area once or twice before, but never got to see all that much of it. I’m generally reluctant to hike someplace that doesn’t have published trail maps or blazed trails, which explains why. But thanks to the efforts of a hiker I met through Facebook, I was able to download and follow his gps track and as a result, I got to see a lot more of this wonderful property.

#9—Hanton City

Old Well #1

This historic site is not really open to the public, since it’s surrounded by private property, but I got to see it on a guided Smithfield, RI, Land Trust hike. The cellar holes and other stone work in here is amazing. And no one really knows who settled this small village or why it was ultimately abandoned. I love mysteries!

#8—Chapman Sawmill Site

House Site with External Fireplace

This hike was inspired by an article in my town’s historical society newsletter. The author described his odyssey through the woods to the site of an old sawmill and homestead. I didn’t follow his route, but I got to see the old foundations and stonework anyway, and a bit more of the Pachaug State Forest.

#7—Block Island Greenway

Wind Farm from Rodman’s Hollow

Block Island is an island about 11 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, and boasts a 10+ mile greenway trail. It was reminiscent of the hiking I did in Ireland last year, with rolling hills and green fields, stiles, sheep, cows, and of course, the ocean often in view. I hiked this with the Providence County Hiking Club, and we had a great group for this 10-mile trek.

#6—Cornell Farm and Frank Knowles-Little River Reserve

Suspension Bridge

While the main part of this hike was your standard Southeastern New England walk in the woods, the first part is so much fun! It begins at an historic farm, then crosses two stretches of salt marsh via long sturdy boardwalks. But the highlight is the 200-foot-long suspension bridge that traverses a red maple swamp. It has to be experienced to be believed!

And those were only the bottom five of my top ten favorite hikes. Stay tuned for Part 2.

Categories: Connecticut, Rhode Island, Walks and Hikes
Tags: CT, RI