Garrison House Acres
South Kingstown, Narrow River Land Trust
1.0 miles of trail
Easy
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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.
Visitor Rating:
Based on 4 reviews with ratings
From the roadside trailhead the entrance trail passes through a scrub forest and a stone wall, and then continues into acres of a native grass meadow with views of the Narrow River. On the south side of the meadow the trail enters a wooded area with a small impounded pond that probably was a watering hole for cattle. The property is named for the fortified house destroyed during King Phillips War by the Narragansett Indians in December 1675.
This beautiful 26-acre coastal property is nestled along the Narrow River in South Kingstown. The one-mile walk follows a loop trail through deciduous woodlands, freshwater marshes, open fields and along salt marsh fringing the Narrow River. This property is of particular ecological interest because of its variety of habitats and because it abuts other conserved lands including the 554-acre John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge at Pettaquamscutt Cove (managed by US Fish & Wildlife) and land conserved by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. Together these conservation properties form a contiguous band of wildlife habitat along Pettaquamscutt Cove and the lower Narrow River.
Note: As of late August 2016 the trail was reportedly getting quite overgrown and hard to follow. Long pants are strongly encouraged and be prepared for the trail to be hard to follow.
This is a Creature Challenge site. Learn more about the Creature Challenge.
Middlebridge Road Trailhead
Driving Landmarks: At the western landing of the Middle Bridge crossing the Narrow River.
Parking: Yes: Parking lot, 3 spaces, no overnight parking
ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? No
Coordinates: 41° 27.488' N 71° 27.115' W See this location in: Google Maps Acme Maps
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This site report was last updated on September 18, 2023
Comments:
Great time to hike at Garrison
Submitted by: David White; August 28, 2024; 8:20 am
The trails have been mowed in July and August and are in very good shape. The only exception is where the trail goes over the little hill--it enters a very wet area, even now that things have dried out considerably. There is a loop trail around the field and a short trail that bisects the field. There is an amazing array of grasses, ferns and wildflowers. The mosquitos and greenheads are still there, but in very small quantities and are but a minor inconvenience. Recommended: bug spray and decent shoes for areas that might be wet.
Rating:
Needs grooming
Submitted by: Anonymous; August 22, 2024; 9:43 pm
Trail nice but not well maintained. Creature was found, but only because we were lost on trail. Very difficult.
Rating:
Mosquito Haven
Submitted by: Ann W; May 25, 2024; 12:53 pm
We tried to do this walk and couldn't get through the meadow because of the cloud of mosquitoes that followed us, even loaded up with bug spray. The trail was pretty overgrown but still visible so we thought we could manage, but ended up turning back. Hopefully they can mow it to keep bugs at bay, but I'd say skip it for now unless you want to be a meal for the mosquitos.
Rating:
Beautiful hidden secret!
Submitted by: Laura; June 15, 2021; 10:03 pm
What an amazing little gem! The trail had just been mowed and I was able to get through very easily. The reward of seeing the gorgeous meadow at the end was thrilling. Loved the osprey and view of the river and hidden pond too. Only found one tick after I came through but it’s probably loaded in there. Worth it. 💯
Rating:
Photographs:
Photo Credit: Laura
Photo Credit: Laura