With the weather warming up, I've been excited to get back out on some Rhode Island trails. This…read moreone was a great spot to soak in the seasonal shift, explore a bit of the state's historical landscape, and breathe some fresh air. The preserve has multiple entrances to its many trails. I parked at the one next to the Dollar Tree on Mendon Road--convenient, though not exactly the most picturesque start to a hike. There's something a little mysterious about slipping into the woods from a shopping plaza; a bit awkward, sure, but I still appreciate these green spaces being preserved, even when they're nestled between businesses. The trail system here is extensive and very well-blazed. I started in the 52-acre Ballou parcel, taking the white trail to the blue loop, which connects to both the red and yellow trails in the 132-acre Blackall parcel. Rock walls crisscross the landscape--remnants of pastures, woodlots, and even apple orchards, according to posted info. The yellow trail is said to follow an old horse ring. Stone piles dot the land, likely cleared by farmers long ago. The trails themselves are impressively maintained, with cleared blowdowns and small boardwalks to help with wetter areas. There are some gentle ups and downs that get your legs moving, and on my early spring visit, the greenery was just starting to come alive. Jack-in-the-pulpits were popping up everywhere, along with skunk cabbage, violets, ferns, blue azures, and wood flowers. I also spotted a small snake sunning itself mid-trail and plenty of squirrels. The area is known for Cumberlandite, so that might be a fun thing to explore further on a return trip. While it's easy to get immersed in parts of the hike, you are reminded now and then that this preserve is surrounded by development. Private homes, old equipment, a large tank structure, and the sound of nearby traffic occasionally pull you out of the nature experience. I also noticed some trash here and there, which I tried to pack out. Two utility corridors--one for electrical lines and one for a gas line--cut across the trail system as well. Not deal-breakers, but worth mentioning. I crossed paths with several other hikers, which is somewhat rare for me on Rhode Island trails. Most had dogs on leashes, and it was nice to see others enjoying the area. I covered about four miles with minimal overlap (just the out-and-back parts that connect the loops). In a state where many trails are short, I really appreciate ones that offer some distance. If you haven't been, I'd definitely recommend checking this place out--especially if you're looking for a longer, peaceful hike with a touch of history. I'll be back for sure, maybe with a magnet to go hunting for that Cumberlandite.

Wear hiking boots as it can be muddy AF in certain areas. Beautiful forest. I was the only hiker. I…read moreencountered a mountain biker and a few off-roader motorcyclists...all were very respectful though and weren't trying to run me off the trails...they always gestured for me to go first and waved friendly hellos. The trail seemed to be pretty well marked...just follow the yellow markers on the trees. It's about a 2 mile hike or slightly less. The terrain can be slippery if there's a lot of mud and if you are a bit klutzy like me, you need to watch out for tree roots/rocks, but w/ a good pair of hiking boots you should be good.

While the hike was enjoyable, most of it was dug up by dirt bikers and there was some on the trail…read morewhile I was walking it. Other than that, it was good. Saw a deer and some other interesting birds. Wouldn't come back though, but worth the trip if you're within 20-30 minutes just to experience it and check it off the bucket list.

Great place to walk, run or ride your bike…read more It's not lit up at night, so avoid the trail when it gets dark. The people are usually very friendly that you come across, many walking their dogs and surprisingly picking up after their pets. I wish the geese weren't doing their mess on parts of the trail because sometimes if you're running and not looking down- you can step in it. They have tables to eat lunch. People fish there as well. There's also markers so you know how much you've walked or ran. Great trail to see some nature too. We've seen little bunnies, chipmunks, and at one point at dusk I was being chased by a bat. lol So yeah, don't walk there at night. Also the police will check it out from time to time so at least you know they're looking out for you as well.

I first found out about this path when my boss took me here after work one day. He likes to go on…read morewalks to delay returning home when his psychotic girlfriend (according to him) or her psychotic 10yr old daughter (also, according to him) are too much to handle. Sometimes his goal is to wait for them to fall asleep, then go home. I duck out before it gets to that point. The Upper Charles River Trail will eventually be 24 miles long and through Milford, Ashland, Sherborn, Holliston, and Hopkinton. It's on an old CSX right of way. I believe the Milford section is the only section complete so far, roughly ~5 miles. I don't jog that long anyway, especially with the sunset getting earlier. I usually park at Fino Field and go the trail until it intersects Route 85 by the Sports Authority, then turn back. Round trip is ~4.5 miles GPSed. The trail is paved and has mile markers in 1/4 mile increments. Traffic is pretty light when I'm there; dusk, weekdays. I see more walkers and less bikers. There are unimproved trails through the woods that you can stumble into and I'm still exploring where they all go. Also, I believe what they call "Vietnam" has an entrance on the north end of the trail across US495. NEMBA actually owns it. (http://www.nemba.org/Articles/VietnamFAQs.html) I'd like to try Vietnam out, but reading reviews saying that there are "6 foot drops out of nowhere" kind of scares me.

This place is so cool! I actually had no idea that it was even here and I've lived in Rhode Island…read moremy entire life. I stumbled upon it when I was househunting and it was a house for sale right next-door. I would have loved to of bought it just for this location! There are a few trails through here and they are marked so well there's no possible way you can get lost. Leads you out to a big lake. It's really neat because they're used to be a rail road that went through here and you can still see some of the stuff left behind.

Lime Rock Nature Preserve was the perfect set of trails to stretch my legs and get back into the…read moreswing of things following a recent knee surgery. The trails here are extremely well maintained, cleared of most leaves and debris (and wonderful for my recovering lower extremity). There are two trails to visit in the Preserve, Yellow and Blue, that are visibly marked with their corresponding colored blaze. Additionally, there are a number of small green and white arrow-ed signs that point the way so it would be very difficult to get lost here. There were a number of picturesque sights along my hike through the area... most notably among them, the Manton Reservoir. The Yellow Trail opens right up to a ravine with a drop off to each side with views of both the reservoir and river that runs off from it. The entirety of the trail was lined with the pretty purple Hepatica flowers that thrive in the limestone-rich soil within the preserve. (For the medical professionals out there: Hepatica is named from its leaves, which like the liver [hepatic, get it?] have 3 lobes... cool huh?) A very easy, leisurely, short hike for those who might want to enjoy the outdoors but not commit to an extensive walk in the woods. Dogs are seemingly allowed in the area as long as they are leashed. Great for children! If you are into geocaching, there are a couple in the area not far from the marked trails. The trail head is well marked with space for 3-4 cars to comfortably pull off of the road. BRING YOUR BUG SPRAY

This is a beautiful park! I love how many options there are for playground climbing equipment. The…read morestage is really cool as well. It's particularly beautiful in the fall!

This is a really good local playground. Everything is cared for and well maintained. Highly…read morerecommended!

The whole place is amazing, especially the "castle". The trails are very well maintained, and VERY…read morewell marked. And the lake is beautiful. The best part is how amazing it is for dogs! Highly recommend!!

Borderland is a wonderful place. I usually only stay on the main trail for walking and running…read more Plenty of grass areas to play catch or picnic, plus benches and picnic tables throughout. Relaxing, quiet, and so many nice spots to enjoy the ponds, waterfall, spring noises of frogs, and foliage in the fall. I ride my bike or run or walk through regularly and enjoy it. I have also taken the kids to some of the mansion tours and the presentations about nature in the park building. Enjoyed those too.

In an effort to 'get out of the house', stay 'socially distanced' and get some exercise, we ended…read moreup driving to Attleboro, MA looking for a new place to walk. We found a street sign near the Attleboro Community Garden with information on walking areas and a parking lot, so we pulled in, perused the sign and headed up Mechanic Street to see what there was to be seen. In just a few blocks, we were at Highland Park. It looks like this was once a public golf course, and a view of satellite maps shows it certainly must have been. Now it seems to be pretty popular with the local neighbors for walking, running and taking the dog out for some play time. It was summer during our visit and there were paths 'mowed' for walking, which we (mostly) followed. The terrain is a field so not always flat and even and there are a few hills. In the south west corner of the property are a number of wood carvings in the likenesses of cartoon characters. Definitely did not expect that but what a fun surprise! There is a small pond, possibly part of the old golf course with some lilies. Very pretty. It was a quick walk around the park. We crossed paths with only a few people and there was plenty of space to keep your distance. It's definitely a nice little neighborhood park and a nice surprise on our adventure.

A short but enjoyable trail. They have signs up saying there's a detour, but the detour points in…read morethe direction of what appears to be the normal trail. So I don't know. People were walking their dogs on the trail even though there are multiple signs saying they are not allowed. Still an enjoyable experience nonetheless.

Powder Mill Ledges is a small, well-managed wildlife refuge in Smithfield, RI! I came here by…read moreaccident when I made a few wrong turns and accidentally ended up on US-44 instead of RI-146. Then I saw some signs for a wildlife refuge on the side of the highway and decided to make a spontaneous trip! The trails are well-marked. There's a series of stacked loops so you can choose exactly how much distance you want to cover. I did all 3 loops (orange, blue, and yellow) and it was only about 2 miles, taking less than an hour to cover. This is Rhode Island, where the highest point is only 810 feet, so there's barely any elevation on this hike. I think it would be appropriate for almost any age or fitness level. The trails aren't particularly set off from the road so you can see and hear traffic and stores at some points. It's not the best place to come if you want to feel totally away from civilization. That being said, it's definitely not crowded. I came here on a cold, sunny winter weekend and there were only a couple other people on the trail. I'll come here again if I want a quick hike that's a bit quieter than some of the busy spots in RI!