King Benson Nature Preserve

8/10 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊Mommy approved smiling faces

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/rhode-island/king-benson-preserve-trail

There are two parking lots for this location:

2203 Boston Neck Road (larger lot)  and Snuff Mill Road (smaller lot)

Saunderstown, RI 02874

 

King Benson Nature Preserve is beautiful and peaceful. The kids loved running around following the blazes, hopping from stone to stone and weaving under downed tree trunks. There was a stream flowing that went downhill causing a very small gurgling waterfall. The kids enjoyed the small beach “Girl Scout Beach” that they could look out on and play in the water on a warm day which was the case in November when we went but not so much in December. There is a clearing to get on the tiny bit of shore that opens up to an amazing panoramic view with a estuary. I swore this was just fresh water but my daughter spotted a crab so we looked it up and it is brackish water ( a mixture of fresh and salt water where the two meet)!  So interesting! I’m sure there are very unique creatures in this are that thrive in this type of water.  The trail follows the Pettaquamscutt River AKA Narrow River.

After a good rain it can be super muddy here but there are several planks in place that make walking the trail less messy. My kids would prefer the mud as most would 🤪!

 

 

The Skinny:

• Weather :  A  nice dry day ideally as it is a outdoor location
• Parking and Admissions : FREE admissions and parking as I mentioned at the top the first lot on Boston Neck Road is larger but I went on a day it was completely packed and both times there ended up being space in the Snuff Mill Road lot.
• Location : All Trails says this is a 3 mile easy loop trail.  It is a great area for hikers and bird watchers also a nice place to take leashed dogs. 
• Hours : Sunrise to sunset everyday
• Duration : We stayed here a bit over 2 hours on each of our trips.  the first one was in early November and it was unseasonably warm, the next was in early January and it was contrastingly cold.  With this location, there is not much sun so the trails are kept cool-keep that in mind! 
• Tips and Recommendations :  Pack a towel if your kids are like mine and want to dip their toes in the water.  Wear boots after a good rain as it can be pretty muddy.  Pack some binoculars or a camera if you want to see some birds while here.

Jewel Approved 👍🏼

Jamison Approved 👍🏼

 

We hope you and the kids enjoy it here as much as we did.  While in the area, be sure to check out John H. Chaffee Nature Preserve and Ryan Park.  Let us know what you think we would love to hear from you!  Stay safe and happy hiking!