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.

It can be easy to miss the Bradford Preserve hiking trails, along Route 91. You’ll see the sign and lacrosse fields and will need to have faith that the trailhead lies at the back of the southern field (to the right from the parking area). The trails at Bradford Preserve are maintained by the Westerly Municipal Land Trust and the Westerly Track & Athletic Club. Their primary purpose is to serve the Westerly High School Cross Country Team, but the trails are open to the public when not in use by the team. The trail is blazed orange and starts with a short entrance trail. Turning left at the first intersection to begin the loop, you will climb steadily uphill along the northern end of the trail. Look for stone wall remnants from past land use. You will see a trail spur on the left that will bring hikers to the Woody Hill Management Area. Continuing on the Bradford Preserve trails, hikers will come to a large field. Be sure to turn right and follow the field edge. Turning left will take hikers back into the woods along a trail used for organized trail runs. Following the edge of the field, with the woods to the right, spring and summer hikers will enjoy the multitude of beautiful winged insects, including butterflies and dragonflies, populating the field. Enter the woods again and descend downhill along the southern portion of the trail. Hikers will pass a small trail on the left that leads to a monument built to honor the Vars family, settlers in the area in the 17th century. After following the Bradford Preserve trails further, take the next left back onto the entrance trail and follow back to the lacrosse fields. Since the trail map does not have much detail, use care when walking here to avoid getting lost.

Adapted, with permission, from Trails and Walks Rhode Island.

Dogs: Dogs must be leashed and picked up after at ALL times. There is a bag kiosk and waste receptacle at the parking lot.

Bicycles: Please use common sense and be courteous to other trail users.

Trailhead Behind South Lacrosse Field Trailhead

Driving Landmarks: Look for the white Bradford Preserve sign on the south side of Route 91 south of the village of Bradford in Westerly. The trailhead is located on the edge of the woods in the back of the southern lacrosse field (to the left of the parking area).

Parking: Yes: Parking lot, 10 spaces, no overnight parking

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? Yes

Coordinates: 41° 23.477' N    71° 45.268' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Acme Maps