Esek Hopkins Recreation Area
Scituate, Scituate Land Trust
1.2 miles of trail
Moderate
Hunting is not allowed here but it is permitted on nearby land. Wear blaze orange during hunting season. More information
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.
The trailhead is to the right of and behind the softball field adjacent to the parking lot. There are two main loop trails blazed blue and white with a yellow blazed crossover trail. The trails wander through the thick fern-filled forest with tall pines and oaks. Old fire roads and stone walls crisscross the property as well. The longer blue loop climbs over the aptly named "Huckleberry Hill," and the shorter white trail traverses low-lying areas offering glimpses of mushrooms, mosses, and a seasonal stream. There is also an old quarry along the yellow blazed crossover trail worth checking out. The Town of Scituate leases the property, which is owned by the State and managed by the local Conservation Commission and Land Trust. Trail and timber restoration is underway after a timber salvage operation to remove dead trees due to gypsy moth infestation. Be sure to follow the marked trails. There are several spur trails that lead to private property, including off-limits Providence Water reservoir land that allows seasonal hunting.
Scituite Land Trust web page for Esak Hopkins
Dogs: Dogs are to be leashed at all times
Other Amenities: There is a playground next to the parking lot and a port-potty during the summer.
Trailhead
Driving Landmarks: The entrance is on Battey Meetinghouse Road, just south of the junction with Danielson Pike. The State Police barracks are on the other side of Danielson Pike at this junction.
Parking: Yes: Parking lot, 15 spaces, no overnight parking
ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? No
Coordinates: 41° 49.75' N 71° 36.266' W See this location in: Google Maps Acme Maps
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This site report was last updated on September 6, 2021