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.

The 25 acres of land that is now the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge once belonged to the DesLauriers family, who were well known in Bristol in the early 1900s. At that time, most of the property was a family farm where corn and other crops were grown. Claire was the second of two children, born in 1915. She grew up in the family home at 1389 Hope Street, and also spent most of her adult life there (the house is still in its original location, but does not belong to ASRI). Claire's husband died long before she did and they had no children. A licensed practical nurse and a private duty nurse, Claire had a very strong love of animals and nature and at her death in 1992 left the 25 acres of family land to ASRI, hoping that others would enjoy its wildlife and natural beauty as much as she did during her lifetime. Her will also created the Norman A. DesLauriers memorial fund to endow the property. Norman, her only brother, was killed in action in WWII.

The property now is home to the award-winning Environmental Education Center, where educational and refuge programs are offered year-round. The fields, woods, wetlands and the boardwalk to the shore of Narragansett Bay present the visitor with a wide variety of habitats for nature study and observation.

Just north of the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge is the Warren Land Conservation Trust's Jacob's Point Preserve. You can get to this preserve by walking north along the bike path or the beach.

McIntosh Refuge page on the ASRI website

Web page for the Environmental Education Center at McIntosh Refuge

Other Amenities: The Audubon Environmental Education Center at McIntosh Wildlife Refuge is a state-of-the-art natural history museum and aquarium offering many natural wonders to explore. Look inside a 33-foot life size Right Whale, discover life in a tide pool, observe Narragansett Bay 's marine life, visit a rare blue lobster, or even explore a cornfield at night. The Center's interactive exhibits feature local habitats and offer many fun ways to enjoy nature.

The Center offers guided tours, nature walks, special family programs and much more throughout the year. The facility and trails are handicapped accessible.

Trailhead

Driving Landmarks: From Newport: Take the Mt. Hope Bridge to Rte. 114 North. Travel north on Hope Street (Rte. 114 north). The entrance is approximately 5 miles from the bridge, on the left, just before the Bristol/Warren town line.

From Providence: Take I-195 East to Exit 7 in East Providence. Go South on Route 114, through East Providence, Barrington, and Warren, to the Bristol town line. The entrance is on right, immediately after the Bristol/Warren town line.

From Fall River: Take I-195 West to Exit 4 in Swansea. Go west on Rte. 103 to Rte. 136 south. Turn left onto Rte. 136 south to the stop light at tupelo Street in Bristol. Bristol Toyota will be on your left. Turn right onto Tupelo. Follow to end, turn right onto Hope Street (Rte. 114 North). Entrance is approximately 0.5 mile on the left just before the Bristol/Warren line.

Parking: Yes: Parking lot, no overnight parking

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? Yes

Coordinates: 41° 42.594' N    71° 16.966' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Acme Maps