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 trail is well maintained and wide with boardwalks crossing wet areas. It is a very easy walk with gradual inclines except for one short, steep incline of about 2 feet, but there are roots on the trail and one area is a little hummocky. On its own, it is not a loop trail but you can follow the new Gansett Loop Trail, which connects the Canonchet Farm Trail and the Crooked Brook trail to create a 5.7 mile loop.

Canonchet Farm has a wide variety of habitats including salt and fresh water marshes, wetland forests, upland forests, meadows, streams, ponds and abuts the salt water Pettaquamscut Cove. Shorebirds are found in the cove and migrating song birds in the woods. Several varieties of frogs are in the ponds and can be heard between March and August at sunset. Of course, there are a large number of mammals as well.

The property was a part of the original Pettaquamscutt Purchase and was farmed by the first settlers of the area. Before that it was used by Native Americans for hunting and fishing. In the late 1800's it was purchased by William Sprague, Governor and Senator of Rhode Island. He and his wife, Kate Chase, built a large, sprawling mansion which stood just outside the current property boundaries to the east. In the 1970's the property was purchased by the Town of Narragansett for passive recreation. The South County Museum currently manages 10 acres with several buildings containing exhibits which are open from May to October, 4 days a week. One of the buildings is the remains of a stable from the Sprague era.

Interesting features include a large glacial erratic standing next to an oak tree uprooted by Hurricane Sandy exposing the bedrock Narragansett granite. Just to the east of the erratic is an old granite quarry. Next to the erratic lies a stone with the wedges and feathers still lodged in it from a failed splitting attempt. Interesting stone walls crisscross the property along the trail. One of them has a stile built into it. At the west end of the property, the path crosses Crooked Brook on a stone bridge which now has a boardwalk on top of it.

Be prepared for ticks and mosquitoes. Tuck long pants cuffs into socks. Spray shoes, waist line, cuffs and neck line.

Canonchet Farm website

Narragansett Town Parks

Dogs: Must be on Leash, pick up dog waste using bags provided.

Other Amenities: There is limited access to restrooms and picnic tables on a daily/seasonal basis within the South County Museum trailhead parking area during hours of operation. Restrooms are also available at the Community Center and the public beach pavilions during hours of operation.

West Lot, Anne Hoxsie Lane Trailhead

Driving Landmarks: This trailhead is across from the Narragansett Town Beach on Boston Neck Road. The trailhead is at the west parking lot for the beach. Note that parking is restricted and a fee must be paid during beach season.

Parking: Yes: Parking lot, 150 spaces, no overnight parking

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? No

Coordinates: 41° 26.214' N    71° 27.444' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Acme Maps

Narragansett Community Center Trailhead

Driving Landmarks: This trailhead is on Mumford Road, next to the Narragansett Community Center and Sprague Park

Parking: Yes: Parking lot, 12 spaces, no overnight parking

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? No

Coordinates: 41° 26.145' N    71° 28.164' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Acme Maps

South County Museum Trailhead

Driving Landmarks: This trailhead is located within the grounds of the South County Museum, to the left of the Museum driveway, with access as long as the Museum gate is open. Take Strathmore Street (by the wooden Indian) at the corner of Kingstown Road/Narragansett Avenue to reach the Museum. The spur trail starts between the Museum fence and the house fence to the west.

Parking: Yes: Parking lot, 15 spaces, no overnight parking

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? No

Coordinates: 41° 26.293' N    71° 27.628' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Acme Maps