Click on the "Trail Map (PDF)" button to download a PDF of the trail map that you can print and take with you on the trail.

Avenza maps are special, free maps that you can use in the Avenza app on your smart phone. These maps let you see your location on the map as you walk. Download the Avenza App for free in the Apple App Store or on Google Play

Click on the Avenza Trail Map button to "purchase" the free map for this trail from the Avenza map store. If this is your first time, Avenza will ask you to set up an account to check out. However, all Avenza trail maps listed on ExploreRI are free.

In Rhode Island the primary hunting seasons typically run from the second Saturday in September to the last day of February and from the third Saturday in April to the last day in May, however this can vary from year to year and depends on what game is being hunted. During hunting season you should wear at least 200 square inches (a hat OR a vest) of blaze orange. During shotgun deer season, which is typically in December, you should wear at least 500 square inches of blaze orange (a hat AND a vest). For more information see the RI DEM website.

Lawton Farm, on the Scituate/Cranston border, is a Scituate Land Trust property managed by the local Conservation Commission. At the parking lot entrance, enjoy the educational kiosk bordered by tiles with colorful bird drawings created by local school children. Proceed down the now closed gravel road 100 yards and pick up the perimeter trail bordering the trees to the left. Be prepared for muddy areas after spring rains. Follow the edge of the field and turn left to the bridge crossing Cranberry Creek. Follow the tree line on your left to the end. A nice wooded loop is available just up the hill and to the left. Or continue north along the field and either take the side trail halfway up or continue to the corner. Turn right and follow the stone wall all the way to the upper stream crossing. Proceed past the site of the original barn (pictured on the kiosk) and follow the perimeter trail to the left around the hayfield to the starting point.

Pleased stay on the perimeter trails during the summer as the fields are managed as habitat for a variety of grassland birds (including substantial numbers of bobolinks) and hayed only once a year after nesting season. Lawton farm is replete with wildlife. Depending on the day and time of year you might encounter monarch butterflies, box turtles, red tailed hawks, blue birds nesting in the houses erected by local Boy Scouts, wild turkeys, foxes, or deer among other insect and plant life. The annual bird count consistently tracks nearly 40 species of birds. Dogs are not allowed from April 1 to August 31 during nesting season. The rest of the year they are welcomed on a leash. The trail map is posted at the trailhead.

Town of Scituate Conservation Commission/Land Trust web page for Lawton Farm

Dogs: Dogs are not allowed during nesting season, April 1 through August 31; allowed on leash September through March.

This is a Creature Challenge site. The creature is on the Woodland Trail Loop.
Learn more about the Creature Challenge.

Trailhead

Driving Landmarks: The parking area and trailhead are off Seven Mile Road, one-half mile south of the junction with Scituate Avenue (Route 12). Heading south from Scituate Avenue the entrance is on the right, after a large field.

Parking: Yes: Parking lot, 10 spaces, no overnight parking

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? No

Coordinates: 41° 45.385' N    71° 33.197' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Acme Maps