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The Flora H. Whiteley Preserve

Westerly, The Westerly Land Trust

0.3 miles of trail

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Very Easy

Trails that are smooth and relatively level with no steps, no roots, stones or uneven ground. These may be paved, crushed stone, continuous boardwalk and similar surfaces. These trails have a route that is quite obvious such as a single point to point trail or an easy loop or network of trails.

Easy

Relatively flat and smooth trails with a route that is quite obvious such as a single point to point trail or an easy loop or network of trails.

Moderate

May have a few hills or steep sections and multiple surface types including rocks and roots. Trails are generally well-marked but following them requires a trail map.

Difficult

Strenuous trails, trail systems that mostly involve multi-mile loops and trails that are narrow and may have obstacles such as stream crossings or rocky areas, some trails are less well marked.

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.

What’s There:

From the Potter Hill Road trailhead at the southern end of the preserve, the trail heads into an old field before crossing a stream and entering a forest. Native American holly trees grow in this area. The trail works its way down to the Pawcatuck River before heading downstream toward the bridge and the ruins of the old Potter Hill Mill. The trail rises to a granite ledge overlook, which makes a nice picnic spot, before continuing on; passing small vernal pools before crossing a stone wall and going into a field. The trail continues across the field to Potter Hill Road near the bridge and the Potter Hill Dam.

Westerly Land Trust web page for their conservation properties

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

Skiing/Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing is viable but not cross-country skiing

Other Amenities: There is a bench at the Potter Hill Bridge trailhead at the north end of the Whiteley Preserve. A portage around the Potter Hill Mill Dam passes near the bench. There are no restrooms at the Whiteley Preserve.

Getting There:

Potter Hill Bridge (North) Trailhead

Google Maps is the mapping system used on the new ExploreRI maps and shows the trailhead located on a terrain view, a street map or an aerial photograph. Clicking on this link will take you to the full Google Maps website, which is not part of ExploreRI.org.
Acme Maps shows the trailhead located on a topographic map. The Acme Maps website is not part of ExploreRI.org.

Driving Landmarks: This trailhead is on the upstream side of Potter Hill Road just before it crosses the Pawcatuck River into Hopkinton. There is a single parking space on the side of the little garage, away from the bridge. There may be some roadside parking on the downstream side of the bridge on Hopkinton side of the river.

Parking: Yes: , 1 spaces, no overnight parking

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? No

Coordinates: 41° 24.83' N    71° 47.87' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Acme Maps


Potter Hill Road (South) Trailhead

Google Maps is the mapping system used on the new ExploreRI maps and shows the trailhead located on a terrain view, a street map or an aerial photograph. Clicking on this link will take you to the full Google Maps website, which is not part of ExploreRI.org.
Acme Maps shows the trailhead located on a topographic map. The Acme Maps website is not part of ExploreRI.org.

Driving Landmarks: To find this trailhead on Potter Hill Road look for a sign on the side of the road, about 300 yards north of Lima Drive or 450 yards south of the bridge and the historic Potter Hill Mill village community. The trail starts at the sign.

Parking: Yes: On street, 6 spaces, no overnight parking

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? No

Coordinates: 41° 24.707' N    71° 48.01' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Acme Maps


 

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This site report was last updated on February 27, 2019

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