Ben Utter Trail

8/10 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊Mommy Approved Smiling Faces

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/rhode-island/stepstone-falls-via-ben-utter-trail

Stepstone Falls,

West Greenwich, RI 02817

This hike was so spectacular with the rapidly flowing river adjacent to the trail the majority of the time. The kids really enjoyed rock climbing and hopping along with finding some beautiful painted rocks, watching the waterfalls, playing in the mud and just being next to the powerful water. We saw several families with kids and dogs. We also saw beaver 🦫 signs but sadly no beavers. There were several bridges to walk over and get close to the water which was a real treat for the kids.   In general, this is a great location for active, nature-loving kids looking to explore.

These trails seem to be moderately trafficked.  Everyone that we encountered was courteous and pleasant.  We pet several dogs and exchanged information about the trail findings.  We saw mostly hikers and a few joggers but this area is known also  for fishing and horseback riding.  There are signs posted of the types of fish you can catch while here.  I’m sure its a relaxing area for fishing.  Despite the lack of foliage, it was still beautiful with the river views, so I’m sure it just gets better when things are in bloom.

 

 

 

The Skinny:

• Weather :  A  nice, dry day ideally because this it is an outdoor location
• Parking and Admissions : FREE admissions and limited parking* see more below on this 
• Location : All Trails says this is a 2.7 mile easy out and back trail.  It is a great area for hikers, joggers and bird watchers.  Leashed dogs are welcomed. 
• Hours : Sunrise to sunset everyday
• Duration : We stayed here almost 3 hours exploring the area. We didn’t pack a lunch but we did snack a bit while here
• Tips and Recommendations :  Pack a towel if your kids are like mine and get wet or muddy.  Wear boots, a small section of the trail was muddy. 
• Cons : Not much parking.  There are two tiny lots that fit probably 3 cars each and were full.  We ended up parking on the side of the dirt road we drove down to get to the hike..I would say that windy, twisty dirt road was a con too.  I did not expect to be even going in the right direction as I tried to get to this location.  It was very narrow and full of bumps and craters.  But at the bottom there it was to my surprise!  Its a very remote location.

Jewel Approved 👍🏼

Jamison Approved 👍🏼

 

When hiking here, be sure to also check out Fisherville Brook and the some other trails in Arcadia Management Area, Heart Break Pond and  Roaring Brook Trail they are very close by.