Breakhart Pond and Shelter Loop is a 6.7 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Exeter, Rhode Island that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Great conditions, few hikers, trail on road side of river very scenic
I loved this hike although I went off route near the end, but I just kept going with it and was pleasantly surprised. The parts along the stream were especially nice.
I’d rate this on the easy side of moderate, but still really enjoyable. There was still a beautiful amount of foliage, even if it is a bit past prime time, and the trail was nice and dry. I found the trails well marked, however, there were a few points I got off track. There are multiple well-managed trails that connect with this one, but aren’t on All Trails. It was easy enough to get back on track though.
Love the pines, a little trouble following in a few spots but the AT app got me right back on track! Not a busy as I expected on a nice Sunday afternoon. I guess there are so many options for routes in this area it keeps everyone spread out.
This was the first day of fall and a great day for a hike. As others have noted, going counterclockwise, the trail was pretty easy to follow with GPS. The white markings seemed to be on every trail so we didn't trust them very much. Following this easy loop, we stumbled upon an abandoned campsite with several cabins in disrepair. Further down the trail, we came upon a shelter and picnic area with several picnic tables. The area reminded me of what Sleeping Giant State Park looked like before the tornados wiped out the picnic area and surrounding trees. We had no problems tracking until about 3 quarters of the way through the hike. Then things got dicey as the prescribed trail didn't match up with the surrounding area. We easily figured out how to get back on track, but it involved deviating from our map. This trail is dog and child friendly.
Beautiful trail! Looks like it could get very muddy in some areas but was completely dry. Wearing orange is a must! Driving in you got about 1.5 miles on dirt road which was super dusty. Followed trail counterclockwise and found it well marked (if you know which trails to follow) but did get confused towards the end coming back out to the road. Instead of crossing over and picking up the trail, we just followed the road back to the parking lot. Saw a few others hiking but was surprised at how few people were there.
Gorgeous hike. Well marked for the first four miles, then not so much. But the app works fine to get your bearing. Wear your brights! Hunting season is in full swing!
We parked and started at the first pond before you go over the bridge. Went counter clockwise did 7.9 miles. Very easy on the feet nothing crazy here. The old village is very cool and all the super clear water streams and bridges are great. Some horse poop to deal with but not crazy.