Revision October 24, 2016 - page printable
This is a compendium of results for the outings offered at the 2016 Fall Gathering. The original listings are preserved and updated with comments and participation as indicated by the leaders. New information and/or changes will be posted as available. For comments, additions, or corrections, send and email to the webmaster. Note: although this email form is addressed to the webmaster, this dedicated blind email form will copy your email to all the committee members.
To facilitate planning for activities other than walks and hiking, it is suggested that after registering for the Gathering, members contact the leaders for biking, paddling, and rock climbing to pre-register for any of those outings. They should indicate which outing they wish to attend and indicate to the leader that their gear and experience is adequate for a specific outing. Also potential participants can ask questions about the requirements for an outing.
This information will assist in allocating our leader resources and make sure the participants will bring adequate gear and experience for a specific outing. The contacts are listed in the outings. For participants who arrive at the Gathering with proper gear and experience for a specific outing, but without out pre-contacting a leader, will be allowed to participate, if they are qualified.
All outings will start at the W. Alton Jones Campus. Car pooling is recommended, and maps will be avilable for drivers. Start times (about 8:30-9:00 am for morning and 1:30 pm for afternoon) and finish times for each outings will be announced after breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. All outings will be back by 3-4:00pm. Weather may change or cancel some outings and alternate plans will be determined by the respective outing leaders.
All the hikes that are on State lands require the hiker to wear fluorescent orange vest. If you plan to hike, and have a fluorescent orange vest or jacket, bring it. The RI regulations require 200 sq in. of solid daylight fluorescent orange for those other than hunters that are on State hunting land. For those who do not have vests, our staff will have cheap vests ($3 or less) that can be purchased.
All the listings have Web links to help members in selecting outings for Saturday and Sunday. Reading the links will provide you with a greater appreciation for any of our outings. Their location and the driving distance from the W. Alton Jones Campus is included in the listing. We hope that the registrants will look through the outings and find their favorites before coming to the Fall Gathering. For biking, paddling and climbing remember to contact the leader for pre-registration. [Updated: Pre-registration resulted in few responses, compared to the number of members that attended these events.] Pre-registration does not bind you to any trip and you can change your mind until you sign up for the outing at the Fall Gathering. All AMC liability waivers for the outings will be available at the respective outing trail head, or starting location, which all participants must sign.
Leader John Stevens, CL Debbie Mitchell - "We had either 24 or 25 for sat long & ell pond. Also had Roy Loiselle help with group. Group was big but manageable. people seemed to have a good time."
Ell and Long Ponds are one of Rhode Island's showcase hikes. The ponds are at the bottom of a little valley which is noted for it's cedar bog and wetlands. The AMC constructed a long wooden walkway several years ago to make the trail less seasonal. There is some easy bouldering on the hike which is approximately 4.5 miles. Bring water, snacks and your lunch. Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes are required. Fluorescent orange clothing is required. The drive from W. Alton Jones Campus to a gravel parking lot at Yawgoog Camp is about 25 minutes. From there car pooling will be arranged to the more limited parking at the trailhead about 2 miles away. The hike will end back at the larger parking lot, and the other cars at the trail head can be retrived. This hike will not take a full day and will be back at the W. Alton Jones Campus early afternoon. Contact John Stevens Jstevens184@gmail.com any questions or a complete description of the hike. Google driving directions.
Leader Marcie Madsen - "I had 20 very happy people on my Saturday morning Tillinghast hike, They loved the preserve. And I had 10 equally happy people on my Sunday morning Arcadia hike. Everyone without exception had good to say about the gathering including the way it was organized, the food, they especially loved the venue and the helpfulness and warm welcome from all volunteers."
This is a 5 to 8 mile hike in a beautiful Nature Conservancy Preserve in West Greenwich, only a 15 minute drive away. This hike is rated as easy to moderate because of the brisk pace and distance. The terrain is varied with some small hills but mostly typical single-track woodland trails. The Preserve (a map) is a gem in the Nature Conservancy's crown with beautiful pond views, stream crossings, pine cathedrals, remnants of an old farm and a historic cemetery. Proper hiking boots/shoes would be appropriate. Hikers are required to wear fluorescent orange. The hike will take from 2.5 to 3.5 hours to complete. Hikers will carpool to the trailhead. Contact Marcie Madsen, marciem18@verizon.net if you have any questions. Google driving directions.
Leader Karen Rudio - "3 participants, no glitches, nice 1/2 day walk, saw some good birds."
This is a 3 mile nature walk on Napatree Point in Westerly, RI. Napatree is a spit of sand that juts into the Atlantic dividing Little Narragansett Bay from Fisher's Island Sound. It is the Southernmost and Westernmost point in Rhode Island with beautiful ocean views. Three states and the Watch Hill Lighthouse can be seen from the top of the dunes. At the tip of the land are the remains of Fort Mansfield. It is a public beach and wildlife refuge important for Piping Plover breeding and as a stop-over for migrating birds. We will be on the lookout for late migrants. Sandpipers? Hawks? Sparrows? Warblers? Who knows what we will discover! We will have two bird experts on the trip to help identify birds. Join us and learn how Napatree formed, how it got its name and why it is considered haunted. Napatree is a 45 minute drive from the W. Alton Jones Campus. This is a beach interpretive nature walk with two "birders" to help us identify the birds. Bring binoculars, jacket, and water and wear shoes that can get wet. Limit 15 participants. Contact Karen Rudio, Karenrudio@comcast.net if you need information. Google driving directions.
This hike is an afternoon activity that will start after lunch at 1:30pm. This will be an easy nature walk, slow pace. We will learn more about the local species of flora from a local naturalist. Contact Patty D'Ambra 401-949-3374 if you have questions.
Leader Christine Satterwhite - "I had 7 people Saturday afternoon on my highest RI point hike and 2 people who did the high point hike on Sunday"
This hike is an afternoon activity that will start after lunch at 1:30pm. Here is an opportunity to summit the highest hill in Rhode Island, Jerimoth Hill, elevation 812 feet. The hike itself will be 15 minutes, and is only 1/4 mile. We will carpool for a 30 minute drive. The hike is easy and flat. Hikers are required to wear fluorescent orange. After the walk, there is an optional visit to Rhode Island's only covered bridge and a visit to a local winery for a tasting. Contact Christine Satterwhite csatterw@gmail.com for information. Google driving directions.
Leader Kerri Greene - "Parker on Saturday had 6 participants- 7 total with me. I did not have a coleader. One participant struggled, I had to shorten hike a bit and slow down significantly but it all worked out. All seemed happy in the end."
This wildlife refuge owned by the Audubon Society of RI is a nice local hike and is near the W. Alton Jones campus. Hiking is easy and flat, with streams and large rocks. The hike is approximately 2.5 hours (map). Driving distance is only 10 miles up the road from W. Alton Jones Campus. Contact Kerri Greene kegreslp@gmail.com for information. Google driving directions.
Cesare Mitrano - "Our Browning Woods Farm Hike in South Kingstown had a total of 7 hikers including myself plus my dog. Three hikers were Gathering participants, two were friends of mine from New Jersey, and my daughter. It was a gorgeous hike and afterwards we were all able to revive ourselves at the local watering hole, the Rathskeller."
This hike starts late in the morning at 10:30. This hike involves an easy 3-mile lollipop loop that traverses what was once the colonial Browning Woods Farm, a part of the Pettaquamscutt Purchase of 1657. The trail (map) begins at about 100 ft above sea level, passing over a swamp and intermittent stream, before ascending to almost 200 ft through some gorgeous stone walls and wooded uplands. Lunch will be taken at the remains of the Browning homestead (erected c. 1718). Proper hiking boots/shoes would be appropriate. The hike will take about 1.5 hours (including lunch). After the hike, participants will be invited to a local, historic speakeasy (just up the road) known as the Rathskeller. Built after Prohibition where a speakeasy first stood in the woods, it still has the original wall murals of the era as well as modern outdoors games such as horseshoes, corn hole, volleyball, and bocce. The drive from W. Alton Jones Campus is about 40 minutes. Contact Cesare Mitrano cmitrano@aol.com for any questions. Google driving directions.
Leader Matt Lightsey - "There were 12 of us and everyone enjoyed the walk very much. Even though it was early in the year for the seals to be there, we did manage to see a couple. I (Dick Sullivan) showed them where I have a mail box in an old fireplace and we all had a piece of candy from the stash kept in the mail box."
This is a 3.0-3.5 mile hike in the beautiful John H. Chafee Nature Preserve at Rome Point in North Kingstown. This hike is rated as easy because of the slow to moderate pace and distance. The land has an interesting history. Houses were on the point, but destroyed in the hurricane of 1938. In the 1953 the land was purchased by The Narragansett Electic company as a possible coal power station to suppliment the one in Providence. The Rome point land was later donated in 2001 to the State and the nature preserve was formed. The terrain is varied with very little elevation gain. There are well worn woodland trails, an old railbed with trestle remains and a section walking on the beach with great views of the bay and Jamestown. This hike is a great combination of woods and beach walking. Proper hiking boots/shoes are suggested, but many wear sneakers. Hikers are not required to wear fluorescent orange. Hikers lunch and water for this hike. The hike will take from 2.0 to 3.0 hours to complete. Contact Matt Lightsey, mattlightsey2@gmail.com if you have any questions. The parking lot is a 30 minute drive from W. Alton Jones campus. Google driving directions.
Leader Chris Shafer, CL Maria Earley - " I had 4 hikers and my co-leader, Maria Earley, for my Arcadia Mgt. area 6 mile hike on Escoheag, Ben Utter, and River trails and a separate short part of North/South trail on Saturday morning to mid afternoon. It was good to have a co-leader, since we had one hiker who had a back problem and the co-leader stayed back with him, while he hiked slower then the rest of the group and the co-leader also led him on a shorter overall hike, by by-passing part of the route and taking an adjoining trail, that we could do based on our loop hike and its location, so as to cut down on his discomfort and so as to not slow the hike down too much."
Arcadia Management Area approximately six mile loop hike on Escoheag/Ben Utter/River/North-South trails- This hike has significant variety of scenery and terrain. Moderate descents and ascents on small hills with rolling terrain and close up views of beautiful adjoining ledges. Also pleasant, picturesque hiking along and overlooking a scenic river including crossing impressive bridges build by AMC and a stop to see a cascading falls-like portion of the river. Viewing of historic structures near trail and opportunity to see ongoing AMC trails committee activities including major reconstruction of a CCC- era picnic pavilion along with recent trail and campsite improvements near pavilion.
Bring water, snacks and your lunch. Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes and orange clothing or vest are required. Leave from W. Alton Jones Campus, driving about 20 minutes to parking near trailhead, with carpooling encouraged. This hike will not take a full day and we will be back at the W. Alton Jones Campus by no later than mid- afternoon. Contact Chris Shafer christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov on any questions. Google driving directions.
A count was not tablulated, but several members did do the hike.
Enjoy a Fall walk on Rhode Islands longest undeveloped beach. Walk the beach at your own pace and distance. The route starts at the west end at the State parking lot (free off season). East Beach, located in Charlestown, takes up three miles of prime beach shoreline. It is the easterly extension of Quonochontaug Neck. East Beach is one of the least developed of the Rhode Island state beaches, it is one of Rhode Island's spectacular seaside treasures. The drive from W. Alton Jones campus is about 45 minutes. Registration is not necessary. Google driving directions.
Leader Matt Putnam, CL Rebecca Swagger - "Rebecca and I had 19 people for the Narragansett Trail. Only glitch was the 1:30 start time. No way to make it back for John Judge at 4."
This hike will start at 1:30 pm. A classic RI hike that is mostly in Connecticut! A moderate hike over mixed terrain with some history and interesting views. We will pass what is left of a small stone sawmill, view the foliage around the edge of Green Fall Pond, and hike through a shadowed ravine that will make you feel you've gone back in time. Hike will begin with a 25-minute drive to the trail head near the 100 year old Yawgoog Scout camp along the CT state line. Approximately 5 miles, plan 2.5 hours of hike time. Bring water and snacks. Hiking boots and weather appropriate gear required. Fluoresent orange required. Contact Matt Putnam mattputnam15@gmail.com for information. Google driving directions.
Christine Satterwhite - "I sent four people to hike Maxwell Mays on Friday afternoon.
This self guided hike (trail map) is ideal for those who have a half day for a short hike on their own. Just up the road (Rt 102) about 4.5 miles (9 minute drive) is the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge. The land contains diverse and high quality wildlife habitat consisting of upland forests, wetlands, streams, ponds and open meadow. The 11-acre Carr's Pond, situated entirely within the bounds of the property, is the centerpiece of the preserve. It is home to river otters as well as many types of freshwater fish and aquatic invertebrates. The land is comprised of a relatively mature and undisturbed closed-canopy forest and forested wetlands as well as developed understory - creating ideal conditions for migratory and forest interior birds. A 10-acre field near the head of the trail also provides excellent meadow wildlife habitat. Google driving directions. Registration is not necessary.
It appeared from the signup sheet (though not required to sign) was full, about 30 attendees.
October 15 will be a full moon. Starting at 9:00pm, we will be walking on dirt farm roads past open fields and through woodlands. The one hour walk on the W. Alton Jones campus is approximately 2 miles. Easy walking at a slow pace (1.5-2 mph.) Headlamp or flashlight suggested. Leaders: John Halloran and Marge Parsons. Registration is not necessary.
Leader Herrick Spencer - "I had 6 people for my Narragansett bike ride. It went very well."
This South County Bike Path starts at the Kingston train station commuter parking lot. The bike path is largely built on the former right-of-way of the Narragansett Pier Railroad, which dates back to 1876. Railroad operations ceased in the late 1960's and now the path is one of the most popular. The bike path is paved for approximately 10 miles, including passing through an old railroad tunnel, and then on to Narragansett Town roads. From there we will go under the Narragansett Towers, and along Ocean Drive past Scarborough Beach to finish at the Point Judith Light House and Fisherman’s Memorial Park. The round trip is about 25 miles, mostly flat at a moderate pace. The drive from the W. Alton Jones Campus to the start of the bike path is about 30 minutes. Contact Herrick Spencer spencer295@cox.net to pre-register if you wish to participate or have questions. Google driving directions.
This Jamestown bike ride starts at the Beavertail lighthouse that marks the entrance to Narragansett Bay. It was built in 1856 and is still the premier lighthouse in Rhode Island. This 24 mile moderate ride circumnavigates the island of Jamestown RI. The route goes northward and provides views of the East and West Passages of Narragansett bay, and the Newport Bridge. The drive from the W. Alton Jones Campus to the lighthouse is about 50 minutes. We will start the ride at the scenic Beavertail State Park at the southern tip of Jamestown Island. Contact Larry Rollins rollinslf@outlook.com to pre-register if you wish to participate or have questions. Google driving directions.
Leader Elise Hedglen - "I had 7 total for the Watch Hill ride, but two were not registered and met us there. Everyone enjoyed it."
A scenic ride along southwestern RI's country roads to Watch Hill, a charming, secluded seaside village in Westerly, RI. Our route will take us briefly into Connecticut, then south through Westerly center and into Watch Hill, past the historic Flying Horse Carousel, the Watch Hill Lighthouse, Taylor Swift's "High Watch" mansion, and the fabulous Ocean House - RI's only five-star hotel. We will return to the start via Misquamicut Beach, a three-mile length of beach that extends westward from Weekapaug to Watch Hill, and separates Winnapaug Pond from the Atlantic Ocean. Optional visit to a local winery post-ride. 33-mile intermediate ride (12-14mph avg), some rolling hills, 35-minute drive from Alton Jones campus to start. Helmets required, flat fix kit, money/ID suggested. Contact Elise Hedglen (ehedglen@yahoo.com), for questions and to pre-register. Google driving directions.
Leader Ken Hamel - "We ended up with 6, and everyone seemed to have a very good time, as just about everyone e-mailed me after and went on and on about their day. We ended up 2 brand new, never climbed, and the others had climbed, but only a little outdoors. Everyone had new experiences and learned something, about climbing and dare I say, about themselves."
This popular location offers a host of climbs, from beginner to advanced. Rappelling training will be also available. The basic gear(helmet, harness, and some random shoes) will be provided, BUT please bring equipment if you have it. Maximum 12 participants. The drive to the climbing area is about 35 minutes. Contact Ken Hamel,bikeskiboy@hotmail.com to pre-register for this event, including any experience you have, or do not have. Google driving directions.
Leader Denise Poyer - "I had 9 participants on my Wood River Paddle. Nice day, no glitches."
Paddle the most Beautiful River in RI! Launch at the Wood River Access on Rt. 165 in the Arcadia Management Area, in Exeter, and take out at the Wyoming Fishing Access, Richmond. Paddle distnace is 7 miles with lunch stop.
Paddlers must have experience with river paddling. The pace will be calm and reflective. The Wood River is known regionally for its scenery, trout fishing, and abundant wildlife. Studies have shown it to have the highest number of species of any river in New England. On this paddle you will experience delightfully intimate, and very sinuous river. Paddlers need to have full command of their boat at all times as we duck under overhanging trees and maneuver around sand bars. Depending on the water level, a few easy Class 1 rapids will add to the interest. Colors of the Fall may be a little faded, but we should still find late blooming bur-marigolds and fragrant fox grapes.
We will organize shuttle between take-out and put-in. Bring your own boat, paddle, and life jacket, water, snacks and lunch. Boats over 12 feet in length may have a tough time. Kayaks are available for to rent for a donation of $20 per person to Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association, includes paddle and life jackets. Arrangements for rentals need to be made by Friday night. All participants MUST wear their life jackets at all times in the boats. Driving from W. Alton Jones campus to the Rt 165 Wood River Access is only 10 miles. The car spotting is less than 10 miles down the road from the launch site. This outing is limited to 10 participants. Contact Denise Poyer, denisepoyer@gmail.com to pre-register or for information. Google driving directions.
Canceled because lack of interest and participants.
The Narrows (map) is a short tidal entrance that connects the Narragansett Bay with the Pettaquamscutt Cove and River. It is notable for the rough water that occurs at the mouth when the surf and tide interact. In the summer the small point of public beach is crowded with people and children playing in the water, floating with the tidal current. We will be there on an out going tide and will only go the the point of the beach which is a safe landing. We have several launch points in the river that we can use, to be decided later. The paddle from the farthest launch to the beach is only 2 miles. So there is plenty of time to explore the wildlife refuge area if the tide does not get too low. Recreational kayaks 8 ft or more, or ocean kayaks are suitable for this paddle. Paddlers must have life jackets, water, lunch and any personal safety gear. Rental kayaks are available from Narrow River Kayaks for 4 hrs at $40/person/single kayak. Lesser rates for over 6 rentals. All safety gear is provided. Several days notice must be given for these rentals. Driving time from W. Alton Jones campus to a launch location is about 25 miles and 30 minutes. Contact Mike Krabach mkrabach@cox.net to pre-register for the paddle and for information. Google driving directions.
Leader Jerry Bernardini, CL Bill Hahn - "Six paddlers participated in this inner harbor paddle."
Wickford Harbor is a small complex area of islands and mud flats encompassing about a square mile. The historical town of Wickford is located next to the nicely protected harbor. This paddle will launch from the local Wilson Park into Mill Cove. Up the cove was the old Hamilton Mill which was a weaving mill up into the 1970's, now a condo complex. Paddling is easy in the harbor with several small island to paddle around. Depending on the weather the paddle can be extended into Narragansett Bay. This paddle may be combined with the longer sea kayaking paddle which will exit the harbor and head south for a longer paddle. This paddle is suitable for recreational kayaks 10 ft or more or for larger ocean kayaks. Paddlers must have life vests, and bring water, lunch and any safety gear they might need. Driving time from W. Alton Jones campus to Wilson Park is about 1/2 hour and 18 miles. Contact Mike Krabach mkrabach@cox.net to pre-register for the paddle and for information. Google driving directions.
Leader Mike Krabach, CL Gary Whitney - We had 6 people (three from other chapters) for a nice perfectly calm paddle to Rome Point. We stopped for a distant look at the seals on the rocks off Rome Point. Then a leasure Sunny lunch on the inside beach at Rome Point inside Bissel Cove and a light tail wind back to the Wickford harbor. It was the perfect beginners paddle.
Launching at Wilson Park, the same as the flatwater paddlers, the paddle leaves the harbor and proceeds south to the John H Chafee Nature Preserve at Rome Point. This point of land had houses which were destroyed in the 1938 hurricane, now a nice point of land with the Bay on the south side and Bissel Cove on the north side. The Cove is quite tidal and flats appear at low tide. It is possible that we will paddle farther south to the Plum Lighthouse next to the new Jamestown Bridge. The light house, like most lighthouses in the Narragansett Bay area are not functional except for historical purposes. Many like the one the entrance of Wickford harbor are now private homes. This paddle is about 8 miles if Plum Lighthouse is included. This paddle is suitable for sea kayaks 14 ft or more. Paddlers must have life vests, and bring water, lunch and any safety gear they might need. The travel time from the W. Alton Jones campus is about 1/2 hour. Contact Mike Krabach mkrabach@cox.net to pre-register for the paddle and for information. Google driving directions.
Canceled because lack of interest and participants.
Dutch Island is less than a mile off the coast in Narragansett Bay and next to Jamestown Island. Historically the island has been a fortification since the Civil War, active and inactive as wars came and went. Currently it is a wildlife refuge. The main fortifications are batteries Mitchell and Hale which are almost completely overgrown but still accessable. A paddle around the island and in Dutch Island Harbor rounds out the trip. The paddle will be dependent on the weather and skill level of participants since this is a channel crossing. Wind from the south comes up the Bay with no obstructions and if over 15 knots has white caps and waves. The launch is from the University of Rhode Island Oceanographic Campus, the most popular kayak launch in the Bay. This paddle is suitable for sea kayaks 14 ft or more (more is better). Paddlers must have life vests, and bring water, lunch and any safety gear they might need. Travel time from the W. Alton Jones campus is 35 minutes. Contact Mike Krabach mkrabach@cox.net to pre-register for the paddle and for information. Google driving directions.
Canceled because lack of interest and participants.
Goddard Park is one of the largest State parks on the southern shore of Greenwich Bay. For this paddle we launch at the beach (out of season) and paddle either across the Bay to Warwick City park or Oakland Beach. The crossing of the Bay is only one mile. If the weather is good we may cross the east channel in Narragansett Bay to access Patience and Prudence Islands northern ends. Sometimes the crossing is rough and sometimes flat calm. Both the northern parts of the Islands are wildlife areas which offer a quiet sheltered area. An alternate for this trip is going up the Potowomut River just around the point of the Park. A round trip to Patience and Prudence is between 11 and 12 miles. The other alternatives are between 5 and 7 miles. All bay kayaking is weather dependent. This paddle is suitable for sea kayaks 14 ft or more (more is better). Paddlers must have life vests, and bring water, lunch and any safety gear they might need. The travel time from the W. Alton Jones Campus is 30 minutes. Contact Mike Krabach mkrabach@cox.net to pre-register for the paddle and for information. Google driving directions.
All outings on Sunday will leave from W. Alton Jones campus but will not return. The official time to leave the campus is noon, so all packing will need to be finished before leaving for any outings. Outing leaders will try to allow for this needed extra time.
Leader Marcie Madsen - "I had 20 very happy people on my Saturday morning Tillinghast hike, They loved the preserve. And I had 10 equally happy people on my Sunday morning Arcadia hike.
This will be a 5-mile brisk paced hike in the Arcadia Management Area. We will drive 15 minutes to the JB Hudson trailhead (map) in the Arcadia Management Area, the largest tract of state owned/maintained land in the state. It offers varied terrain, mostly flat with nice pond views of Breakheart Pond. Fluorencent orange is required on all hikers. The hike should take under 2 hours. Contact Marcie Madsen, marciem18@verizon.net for further information. Google driving directions.
Leader Sid Wax - There were 25 participants. Everyone seemed to have a great time. We did reduce the hike to the normal 6 -7 mile round trip, coming back via Bellevue and then cutting back thru Bellevue and getting back to the Cliff Walk at the 40 steps, and did not add the Hazard Road - Ballard Park - Harbor extension I had originally planned. I did not have anyone complain that they did not get enough of a workout. And in fact we did have a few go back early, from one Newporter who cut back at Ruggles Ave, to a few couples who went back from Ledge Road. Even with a sweep (Linda Winters), we had a bit of trouble keeping track of everyone, especially on a nice weekend day, since there were lots of other people on the trail, including at least 1 bus trip. There was also a bit of confusion at the potty stops, since there were non-AMC people in line, so we had to make sure that everyone made it back out. I do not think we lost anyone, though there was a substantial gap at the end, and it was a good thing we had a sweep. Maybe in future, use a buddy system and count-off, like at camp.
This hike will be about 7-8 miles in 4 1/2 hr including lunch (but there are shorter option, see note below*). The hike will start in Newport by 10:00.
Hike Newport Cliff Walk as it winds along the "backyard" of the Victorian (and some new) opulent Newport mansions. Experience Newport's coastline, and witness a superb example of marine conservation along the way, and even a bit of forest. Not a difficult walk, but the rocky outer section of the Cliff Walk requires a bit of scrambling. Sneakers are OK for the walk. We will park near the start of the Cliff Walk, and return via a nice estuary and wooded trails and a bit of Newport Harbor. Bring lunch and plenty of water.
* Please note, if you wish to get home earlier, and/or want an easier walk, there are two shorter options which just do the Cliff Walk and return via Bellevue Avenue: One is an easy 4-mile walk which covers an interesting part of the Cliff Walk, and the other is a 6 mile hike which includes the entire Cliff Walk but skips the estuary, woods and harbor.
Carpooling:
The drive is approximately 45 minutes with a $4 toll/car each way over the Newport bridge (the toll is much lower for Rhode-Island residents with an EZ Pass). So carpooling makes it much cheaper. Carpooling can be arranged from Alton Jones campus, or from a park-and-ride lot before the bridge (at Rtes. 138 and 1-A).
The carpools should be able to accommodate any of the hike options if you can tell us your preference, but we should have some flexibility. We do have at least one car available to take you back to your car if you opt for the 4 mile walk. Google driving directions to Newport. Google driving directions to Commuter Parking lot on Rt 1A.
Leaders Gred Griffith and Sandy Saunders - "We had 4 participants. There were no glitches. We went over to Moonstone Beach afterwards to show off the beautiful RI coastline to our New York hikers."
Trustom Pond is a beautiful coastal pond, one of nine coastal lagoons in southern Rhode Island. It is the only undeveloped salt pond in the Rhode Island and is managed as a National Wildlife Refuge (map). Numerous trails lead through a variety of habitats – grassland, forest, shrub, salt pond, shore, Trails are very easy and everyone can easily walk on them. The trails are well-marked, from 1 to 1.6 miles round trip. There is possible viewing of bird activity especially during Fall migratory season. Bring binoculars if you have them. We will have two birding experts on the walk to help identify birds. Driving time from W. Alton Jones is about 40 minutes. Contact Fred Griffith, fffgrif@yahoo.com if you need information. Google driving directions.
There were members on this hike, but number not known.
Enjoy a Fall walk on Rhode Islands longest undeveloped beach. Walk the beach at your own pace and distance. The route starts at the west end at the State parking lot (free off season). East Beach, located in Charlestown, takes up three miles of prime beach shoreline. It is the easterly extension of Quonochontaug Neck. East Beach is one of the least developed of the Rhode Island state beaches, it is one of Rhode Island's spectacular seaside treasures. The drive from W. Alton Jones campus is about 45 minutes. Registration is not necessary. Google driving directions.
This self guided hike (trail map) is ideal for those who have a half day for a short hike on their own. Just up the road (Rt 102) about 4.5 miles (9 minute drive) is the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge. The land contains diverse and high quality wildlife habitat consisting of upland forests, wetlands, streams, ponds and open meadow. The 11-acre Carr's Pond, situated entirely within the bounds of the property, is the centerpiece of the preserve. It is home to river otters as well as many types of freshwater fish and aquatic invertebrates. The land is comprised of a relatively mature and undisturbed closed-canopy forest and forested wetlands as well as developed understory - creating ideal conditions for migratory and forest interior birds. A 10-acre field near the head of the trail also provides excellent meadow wildlife habitat. Google driving directions. Registration is not necessary.
About 10 members attended this walk.
This will be an easy nature walk, slow pace. We will learn more about the local species of flora from a naturalist. Contact Patty D'Ambra 401-949-3374 if you have questions.
Leader Rebecca Swagger - "I had six participants including the two leaders on the Sunday morning YM hike at Parker."
Open to Young Members (20's & 30's) and all others welcome! This wildlife refuge owned by the Audubon Society of RI is a nice local hike and is near the W. Alton Jones campus. Hiking is easy and flat, with streams and large rocks. The hike is approximately 2.5 hours (map). Driving distance is only 10 miles up the road from W. Alton Jones Campus. Contact Rebecca Swagger rebeccaswagger@hotmail.com for information. Google driving directions.
Leader Correy Mott, CL Bill Hahn - "We had 10 people on our paddle. No glitches (except wind :)). Quite a battle getting to the beach, but got back in a jiffy. Forgot to get a group shot before people left. I have pictures of the Sea Turtle we found at East Beach though!"
Starting at the Ninigret Wildlife Refuge in Charlestown, RI, we paddle into Ninigret Pond. Ninigret Pond (map) is a shallow pond about 3 1/2 miles long and 3/4 mile wide at the widest point. This is a great place for bird viewing and exploring along the ocean side. We will eventually land on East Beach, a long ocean barrier beach and walk over to enjoy the ocean view. After lunch we paddle back to our launch site. This paddle is about 6 miles round trip. The beach is the longest unbroken empty beach in the area which is rare in southern New England. Suitable kayaks (canoes not recommended, but workable) are recreational kayak not less than 10 feet or full ocean going kaykaks. Anything smaller find it hard to keep up with the group. Paddlers must have life jackets, water, lunch and any personal safety gear. The ride from W. Alton Jones campus to the launch in the refuge is about 25 miles and a 37 minute drive. Contact Mike Krabach mkrabach@cox.net to pre-register for the paddle and for information. Google driving directions.
Leader Elise Hedglen - "Sunday's ride was cancelled, so Margie, Steve Harrington and I went to Maxwell Mays and took the Berkshire Chapter Chair with us... we had a nice walk. We saw several others from another chapter there, and Jan said she went to East Beach Sat."
Starting at the W. Alton Jones Campus, a 21 mile loop along quiet roads through nearby Big River Management Area, which covers a total of 8,319 acres of diverse terrain, including 6,155 acres of evergreens and deciduous trees, 1,288 acres of wetlands, 233 acres of agricultural lands. Prepare for rolling hills with a few climbs at a moderate pace (10-12mph average). Helmets required, flat/fix kit suggested. Stretch your legs before getting in the car to drive home! Contact Elise Hedglen (ehedglen@yahoo.com), for questions and to pre-register. Ride map and directions.