Tillinghast Pond

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

100 Plain Road

West Greenwich, RI

https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/tillinghast-pond-management-area/?tab_q=tab_container-tab_element_365445884

401-331-7110

Tillinghast Pond  is a great location in Rhode Island to take kids.  It offers an array of family outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.  The views of the pond are beautiful and being in the tall forests, it is very peaceful.  Many families visit this location with their dogs and really enjoy quality time with nature together.

When we went, my sister and her dog joined us.  We all really had a fabulous time.  Everyone got to enjoy each other’s company and get some fresh air while being active.  It was a chilly, sunny day but with our bodies in motion and the sun shining down on us (as well as proper attire), we were quite content and eventually ended up removing layers.

We parked at a large rectangular lot that had a compostable bathroom in front of it.  Due to COVID it was closed but its a great idea to have trails with restrooms and from what I have seen it isn’t very common!  We started on the trail to the right of the lot and didn’t even notice the long staircase down to the water at the far left corner.  In retrospect, it would have been nice to check out the view first but, I found it after the hike.  The trails were still a bit icy in places from cold temps and melting snow but it wasn’t unbearable.  There are several options for trails here but we chose to stick with the loop that goes around the perimeter of the pond and follows the white blazes.  It was great.  There were some really large rocks for the kids to climb up and feel like warriors and some logs to jump over as well and trees to climb.  This trail had some board planks but not a whole lot compared to other trails we have been to.  Also there were a few inclined areas which were a little challenging but pretty manageable.  We did hike through a couple of open meadows but it was mostly tall, secluded forest.  Can’t wait to return in summer and do some boating or fishing here.

The Skinny:

• Weather : Prepare for the elements here as it is a complete outdoor area to enjoy nature
• Admissions & Parking :  Free parking with about 20+ spots at the main trailhead.  It was pretty busy on a winter weekend around 11.  There are two other lots located at 600 Plain Meeting House Road and 150 Hazard Road if the main lot is full.
• Location : 2,200 acres of land to explore here on the property but the Tillinghast Pond loop was the hike we did which was 2.3 miles of mostly flat terrain.  As mentioned, this area offers longer or shorter walks depending on your preference.
• Hours : Open dawn to dusk daily
• Duration : We spent about 3 hours here, breaking for lunch and random sillliness
• Tips and Recommendations :   Hunting season takes place here from Mid-September to the end of February so wear orange during this time!  There is public fishing area and non-motorboat launch at the north end of the Plain Road parking lot.
• Cons : Although this area is well-trafficked, it is very secluded so that is something to consider if you are thinking to come alone with kids here.  Another thing that I noticed is that when on the trails, the map is continuously posted but doesn’t star where you are on the trail when looking at the map.  That would be a nice touch but it wasn’t a deal-breaker for us.  We didn’t get lost so that’s good.

Jewel Approved 👍🏼

Jamison Approved 👍🏼

While in the area, be sure to check out Coventry’s George B Parker Trail.