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Westconnaug Meadows

Scituate, Scituate Land Trust

1.3 miles of trail

Moderate

Close

Very Easy

Trails that are smooth and relatively level with no steps, no roots, stones or uneven ground. These may be paved, crushed stone, continuous boardwalk and similar surfaces. These trails have a route that is quite obvious such as a single point to point trail or an easy loop or network of trails.

Easy

Relatively flat and smooth trails with a route that is quite obvious such as a single point to point trail or an easy loop or network of trails.

Moderate

May have a few hills or steep sections and multiple surface types including rocks and roots. Trails are generally well-marked but following them requires a trail map.

Difficult

Strenuous trails, trail systems that mostly involve multi-mile loops and trails that are narrow and may have obstacles such as stream crossings or rocky areas, some trails are less well marked.

Hunting is not allowed here but it is permitted on nearby land. Wear blaze orange during hunting season. More information

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.

Westconnaug Meadows Entrance SignA footbridge over a wet areaBoulders in the woodsA vernal pool at Westconnaug Meadows

What’s There:

This property, owned by the Scituate Land Trust, offers a short trail that is just over a mile long. It is a good hike for beginners and children, and has been called one of the most peaceful, serene, and quiet hikes in Rhode Island. The trailhead is at the parking area for the ball fields on George Washington Highway in Clayville. Start at the north end of the parking lot where you will see a Westconnaug Meadows wooden sign. Cross through the gap in the stone wall and into the woodland. The trail first crosses two small boardwalks before turning right and slightly uphill into the thick of the woods. Along the way are several signs describing the types of trees such as black oak, red oak, white pine and sassafras, to name a few.

Follow the trail gradually uphill. The tree species change to mixed upland oaks as the site gets drier. At the fork in the trail, stay to the left and head down a short hill. As you walk, note small piles of stones and scattered American chestnut and witch hazel. This part of the trail is a loop. You will soon see yellow blazes and signs on your left that mark the Scituate Reservoir property, which is off limits and allows seasonal hunting. There is a small overlook along this stretch that gives you a view of the property to the west. You will be able to see a small stream and locate vernal pools down to the south (on your left). The pools will be full in the spring and dry in October. The trail slowly takes a series of small right turns passing some boulders left behind from the days of the glaciers. Soon the trail returns to the fork. Here, turn left and retrace your steps back to the parking lot. The entire trail is marked with brown plastic trail markers and is easy to navigate. The property is well preserved and maintained by the Land Trust and the Conservation Commission.

Town of Scituate Conservation Commission/Land Trust web page for Westconnaug Meadows

Dogs: Dogs must be leashed at all times.

Creature Challenge

This is a Creature Challenge site. The creature is on the Vernal Pool Loop.
Learn more about the Creature Challenge.

Getting There:

Trailhead

Google Maps is the mapping system used on the new ExploreRI maps and shows the trailhead located on a terrain view, a street map or an aerial photograph. Clicking on this link will take you to the full Google Maps website, which is not part of ExploreRI.org.
Acme Maps shows the trailhead located on a topographic map. The Acme Maps website is not part of ExploreRI.org.

Driving Landmarks: The trailhead is beside a baseball field and just a bit north of the dog pound, on George Washington Highway, about 0.4 miles south of the junction with Field Hill Road.

Parking: Yes: , 10 spaces, no overnight parking

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? No

Coordinates: 41° 46' N    71° 40.3' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Acme Maps


 

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This site report was last updated on September 21, 2023

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