Carter Preserve Loop Trail is a 4.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Charlestown, Rhode Island that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips and is best used from April until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
March 4, 2021
February 28, 2021I’ve never been on a trail that was so well marked!! No need for a GPS!
February 28, 2021A little icy on the paths but that should be gone soon. A little short, but very beautiful!
February 24, 2021February 21, 2021February 18, 2021February 1, 2021All the way back in Charlestown, one can find the Francis C Carter Memorial Preserve. Spanning over 841 acres, this preserve houses the second-largest nature preserve in Rhode Island. Setting off from the parking lot, a massive trail map hangs, displaying trail names and lengths. The first part of the river loop trail has a falling branch sign to warn hikers of the potential dangers. The distracting noise of passing cars quickly silences as the trail plunges further into the forest. About a mile into the river loop, lies a fascinating pine forest, with all saplings, a sign that the area recently had no trees, and in this case, settlers once used the land for farming. After immersing hikers in pines for a while, the trail pops out into a clearing with power lines. This disruption again can make the hiker feel less secluded in their mission to escape. However, every time I have hiked here, I have seen one or fewer other people hiking. All in all, the Carter Preserve offers very healthy forests with plenty of different trails, great for social and solo hikers alike.
January 24, 2021Well blazed... a few blazes on trees that are now down, though. Where were all the birds?
January 21, 2021Pros: The trail is kid, dog and family friendly, and often a beautiful trail. There are some fun landmarks like the vernal pond and the split rock, and the vast low bush blueberry clusters are very beautiful, and they look real cool. Cons: The trail is sometimes crowded and you might run into people with dogs. About: The trail is a very well kept trail, and is fun. The trail is not to long and is good for a short day hike to get your daily exercise in.
January 15, 2021Walking with my man and two babies
January 3, 2021Trail is easy to walk/hike. Many confusing offshoots from the main trail so pay attention to your gps. Several trees down so biking would be difficult but they are easy to climb over.
January 3, 2021Fave
January 2, 2021November 26, 2020Rainy wet Thanksgiving dog walk.
November 17, 2020November 8, 2020Fun little walk with the family.
November 7, 2020Wonderful trail with varying terrain & elevation change complete with a pond, vernal pools, glacial erratics & a large field. The trail is well marked & maintained.
October 18, 2020October 12, 2020This was a nice flat field loop. Perfect for recovering from broken foot and/or cold but sunny days. Betsy
October 11, 2020Fun hike! You can make it as long or short as you would like. Varied terrain keeps it was interesting.
October 10, 2020October 4, 2020If you skip leg day at the gym you can make it up here
September 7, 2020What a lovely hike. Woods, then lots of clearing because of the moth infestation and then a grassy field that looks like you walked into Vermont. Pretty and varied.
August 24, 2020Great loop trail with lots of different terrain. Brought my dog and she loved it. We were the only ones on the trail.
August 18, 2020July 15, 2020A very diverse trail! Multiple terrains for all skill levels! Gypsy moth caterpillar damage is very extensive.
June 21, 2020Little shade since the Gypsy Moth invasion in 2018/19. Ferns have totally overgrown the trail in areas. Bring a machete if you want to try this one.
