Secret Lake to Ashville Pond including the "Magnificent Mile"

This will be a one-way hike from Camp Yawgoog to Secret Lake and Yawgoog Pond before we get to the Ell Pond Preserve Trailhead of Long Pond Woods, where the "Magnificent Mile" begins. Long Pond Woods, offers, arguably, the most challenging hiking of any Audubon Refuge. The 220 acres of rocky and steep terrain harbors dense groves of mountain laurel and rhododendron bursting with flowers in the spring and towering oaks and hemlocks. The view from a rock outcrop high above Long Pond is like no other in the refuge system.

Because this hike will not begin and end at the same place, we will need to first meet at the Ashville Pond parking area, where our hike ends so that we can park some cars there and then ride-share together to the Yawgoog Scout Reservation, where our hike begins.

This is a unique hike that will include spectacular vistas and rock scrambles, and is in my opinion, one of the best hikes that you will find in Rhode Island. Good footwear and hiking attire is required. Please be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. We leave promptly at 9:00.

Distance: 6.5 to 7 miles
Time Duration: 3.5 hours
Blaze Orange is not required

We will be planning on having several short stops along this hike, but please do not sign up for this hike if you are not sure that you will be able to complete it.

Before signing up for this event, you must also read and agree to the entire Write-Up listed below:

As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following: this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; you know and will follow the Hiker Responsibility Code described at www.hikesafe.com; the leader(s) of this activity are volunteers; and you for yourself, your heirs, executors, and administrators release, hold harmless, and indemnify the leader(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons.
Safety First!