Canonchet Preserves hike in Hopkinton, RI

Before signing up for this event, you must agree to the Liability Waiver 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; the organizer(s) of this activity are volunteers; and you for yourself, your heirs, executors, and administrators release, hold harmless, and indemnify the organizer(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.

Canonchet Preserves:
This is a nice hike through a scenic and historical preserve. For the most part we will hike at a steady pace, but there will be opportunities to view some historic sites. The Canonchet Brook Preserve contains some of the best examples of colonial and pre-colonial stone work in Rhode Island, from stone walls to sawmill ruins to an impressive barn foundation. Marked trails will take us across a rugged landscape of steep hills, glacial boulders, rocky outcrops and swampy lowlands. In some sections, large oaks, tulip poplars and white pines that have stood for several generations dominate the forest.

Distance: 6+ miles
Time Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Blaze Orange - IS REQUIRED (hat or vest)
Sufficient drinking water and proper hiking attire are required.

We will begin on the Canonchet Trail where there are several historical landmarks to see. There will be a self-guided map to be found at the trailhead display board illustrating the historical landmarks with marker numbers. We will follow the trail up to the end up at the Stubtown Road Trailhead.

We will then hike to the Table Rock Trail, a relatively recent addition to the trail system. There will be a wide and rocky creek crossing, in particular, that can be very muddy during or after the rain. Otherwise, the trail is quite dynamic and visually interesting for the area. This route will take us mostly along a connection of ridges through a pleasant mix of forest trees. There are also some wondrous glacial erratics to be seen.