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.

Much of the walking in the 550-acre Westerly Grills Preserve is easy, with wide flat paths, some wide enough for a truck (although motorized vehicles are not permitted). Trails follow more than a mile of the Pawcatuck River, although spots flood during times of high water. A pedestrian bridge (at the site marked "former Polly Coon Bridge" on the map) connects with trails in the Hopkington Grills Preserve/Sanctuary. Other trails rise somewhat steeply to the top of "Big Hill", a granite out-cropping with extensive views. There are additional trails extending through deep woods. The southern boundary is along the main New York to Boston Amtrak line.

In addition to riverfront and granite hills, the Preserve has diverse habitats including streams and ponds, freshwater marsh, wetland forest, upland forest, and sandy pitch pine and oak areas being managed for New England cottontail rabbit. Otter and bobcat have been seen in the Preserve.

The Preserve was selected by the Rhode Island Natural History Survey as a site for a scientific 'Bioblitz'. Over a 24 hour period, scientists identified significantly more species of wildlife than found during any Bioblitz at other sites in Rhode Island. Thirteen species of rare plants were identified, some living nowhere else in Rhode Island.

A portion of the trail system is used as a cross country meet course by the Westerly High School. Visiting coaches have stated that it is the best such course in either Connecticut or Rhode Island.

There are many signs of former agricultural use of the land. The Preserve includes a historic cemetery, whose residents include a veteran of the Revolutionary War.

When walking in the Grills Preserve you may come across some areas where trees have recently been cut down. For an explanation for why these trees were cut down, see this op-ed published in the Westerly Sun in 2015.

Hunting is managed by DEM, and is limited to deer and turkey. A special DEM hunting permit is required. No hunting is allowed within 500' of the end of Bowling Lane, and that boundary is posted.

Westerly Land Trust web page for their conservation properties

Dogs: Yes. Must be under control or on leash. Waste pick up required.

Horses: Yes. More than two horse trailers could pose a parking problem.

Bicycles: Yes, but not on steep trails to hilltops or on one person footpaths

Skiing/Snowshoeing: Yes, the trails are good for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing

Other Amenities: There are no restrooms or other amenities at Grills Preserve.

Trailhead

Driving Landmarks: The Preserve parking lot is on the left at the end of Bowling Lane, which is off Main Street in Bradford, which is off Route 91 just south of the bridge over the Pawcatuck River into Hopkinton.

Parking: Yes: Parking lot, 25 spaces, no overnight parking

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? No

Coordinates: 41° 23.995' N    71° 45.55' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Acme Maps