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.

Oakland Forest & Meadow Preserve was conserved in 2000, a grassroots effort to protect the land, including the old growth beech forest from being developed into condominiums. The trail starts at a small bridge surrounded by pussy willows, crossing over a freshwater wetland. The trail then winds around the edge of the meadow and then crosses over another footbridge into the forest area. Follow the trail left for approximately 0.1 miles. At this point, you can follow the approximately 0.5 mile loop trail in either direction around the heart of the old growth forest, which contains beech and oak trees well over 250 years old. The forest is one of the healthiest examples of remaining old growth American beech (Fagus grandifolia). Though the preserve was never logged, it served as a "gentleman's" farm for generations, passing through the Channing/Gibbs, Vanderbuilt, and Young families. The band of rhododendron that runs through the forest is a remnant planting from one of the former estates. The forest, meadow, wetlands, and ponds onsite support numerous plant and wildlife species, including turkeys, coyotes, passerine birds, hawks, woodpeckers, and waterfowl. The trail may be wet in early spring, and you may encounter ticks and poison ivy, so please dress accordingly.

Aquidneck Land Trust website

Other Amenities: There is a bicycle rack at the trailhead. Remember, bicycles are not allowed on the trails.

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

Carriage Drive Trailhead

Driving Landmarks: Turn on to Union St. at the light on East Main Rd. in Portsmouth. Take your first left onto Carriage Drive. The road bends sharply to the right at approximately 0.1 miles. Comtinue to follow Carriage Dr. for approximately 0.4 miles to a small parking lot on your left. The there are several bushes in the parking lot area, and houses on either side. If you reach the end of Carriage Dr., you have gone approximately 0.1 miles too far.

Parking: Yes: Parking lot, 3 spaces, no overnight parking

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? No

Coordinates: 41° 33.41' N    71° 15.815' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Acme Maps