Wolf Hill Forest Preserve
Smithfield, Smithfield Land Trust
6.0 miles of trail
Moderate
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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.
Visitor Rating:
Based on 3 reviews with ratings
Wolf Hill is a long, rocky, north-south ridge running through the middle of the town of Smithfield, west of I-295 and east of the southern part of Woonasquatucket Reservoir (Stump Pond). All the trails are gently rolling, with the exception of a southern portion of Mary Mowry Trail which is very steep and rocky. Many of the trails are old farm roads from the time this was Mowry Farm. Most of the property is a mature oak and maple forest, with a few stands of pine and hemlock. The undergrowth contains many huckleberry and lowbush blueberry bushes. Several vernal pools are visible from the trails. In 2000 this property was acquired by the Smithfield Land Trust and in the ensuing years abutting land was acquired so that the protected area is now 300 acres.
In the center of the property is a memorial to three airmen who perished when their plane crashed on this site in August 1943. Bisecting the property is a right-of-way for National Grid's high voltage power lines. This right-of-way has created a low bush habitat for wildlife and here deer, wild turkeys, songbirds, and hawks can often be seen. At the southern end of the property is Mercer Outlook which offers views of the Providence skyline and beyond. Along the Ken Weber Trail the side of the rock ledge that makes up Wolf Hill is clearly visible.
Information on the 1943 plane crash.
Dogs: Dogs must be under owner's control. Owners must clean up after their pets.
Horses: Yes. Limited room for horse trailers to park on the roadside of Waterview Drive. No off road parking available for horse trailers.
Bicycles: Yes. Stay on paths.
Other Amenities: At the Conservation Center there is an ADA accessible fishing dock.
There are picnic tables at the trailhead.
Conservation Center/Waterview Drive Trailhead
Driving Landmarks: This trailhead and the parking area for it area at the Smithfield Conservation Center building located off of Waterview Drive. Waterview Drive is next to the Police Station on RI Route 5 & 116. Look for the sign for "Autumn Run" which is the condominium complex at the end of Waterview Drive. The Conservation Center entrance is 100 yards from the state highway, on the right side with a narrow dirt road entrance in between the tall evergreens.
Parking: Yes: Parking lot, 15 spaces, no overnight parking
ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? Yes
Coordinates: 41° 53.9' N 71° 32.417' W See this location in: Google Maps Acme Maps
Carlton's Way Subdivision Trailhead
Driving Landmarks: Carlton's Way is a subdivision that's under construction. The entrance is located across from 94 Mountaindale Road. At the back of the cul-de-sac is a gravel parking area for the trailhead, next to a boulder. PLEASE NOTE that there are only two off-street parking spaces. Parking on the street is allowed by please be careful not to block driveways or mailboxes, or park on people's lawns. If there is not space to park without creating problems or if you are planning a group trip that involves multiple cars please consider using another trailhead.
Parking: Yes: Parking lot, 2 spaces, no overnight parking
ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? No
Coordinates: 41° 52.867' N 71° 31.267' W See this location in: Google Maps Acme Maps
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This site report was last updated on February 27, 2019
Comments:
Amazing hidden gem
Submitted by: Val m; May 22, 2021; 6:25 pm
So many trails to hike. My daughter brought me here and showed me this amazing waterfall! Too bad partyers ruined the area around the area with garbage but my daughter brought a bag and gloves and cleaned up and toted that heavy bag back and disposed of it! Waterfall was like stepping into a fairy garden!
[Moderator's Note: the waterfall shown in Val's photograph and described in her post is not actually in the Wolf Hill Preserve. It is on an adjacent property.]
Photographs:
Photo Credit: Val m
Photo Credit: Val m
Great spot with dogs
Submitted by: Anonymous; December 28, 2019; 4:01 pm
One of my favorites. Good workout with nice rolling hills, safe and well marked.
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I love it here!
Submitted by: Anonymous; December 2, 2019; 3:27 pm
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Exceptional resource!
Submitted by: Andy; February 4, 2019; 6:31 pm
The Smithfield Land Trust has done a tremendous service to us; preserving and protecting this wonderful gift that all can enjoy. Beautiful vistas, well-marked trails and ample parking for easy access make this a favorite hike. Choose from trails that accommodate less strenuous goals, to challenging climbs and distance. Grab you boots and give it a go!
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Wolf hill preserve Carlton's Trail parking
Submitted by: Anonymous; December 9, 2017; 9:14 pm
There are only two parking spaces provided at this Trail head. Parking on street is causing problems with residents mail delivery, driveway access, construction vehicle access and property damage when parking on lawns.There are larger alternate parking areas available on Mountaindale Rd near bridge and Waterview Dr near police station.
Get out and Explore
Submitted by: S Reilly; February 26, 2017; 11:11 am
Rhode Island has some awesome wooded trails, get out there and explore. Love your website!
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