Vin Gormley Ice Trail

Posted By on January 25, 2019

Vin Gormley Ice Trail

7.8 miles; Charlestown, RI

So not 2 weeks ago I called this trail “kayak-optional.” Then we got hit with the Polar Vortex and suddenly it becomes… ice. Lots and lots of ice. Took me, naturally, longer than normal to do this loop. Wonder why?

The Trail

The Trail

So yeah. Swap that kayak for ice skates. I put a pair of Yak-Trax on my hiking boots which worked admirably to keep me upright, and also discovered, belatedly, that a hard rubber tip on your trekking poles is not the best choice for ice. It slides right over it like… a pair of ice skates, maybe.

Bog Bridge

Bog Bridge

I was astonished by the level of the ice on this extensive system of bog bridges over the Perry Healy Brook. It came right up to the level of the boards in spots.

View from the Covered Bridge

View from the Covered Bridge

Of course it was higher than it is now, as you can see from the ice tutu that old tree is wearing!

Winter Color

Winter Color

The only spots of color in the woods were provided by old multiflora rose hips and bright green moss.

You can find out more about the Vin Gormley Trail from Trails and Walks in RI. The only map you’ll find is this photo of the map at the campground trail head. As always, click the image above for details about this hike and to download the gps track.

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