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.
I’ve never been on a trail that was so well marked!! No need for a GPS!
A little icy on the paths but that should be gone soon. A little short, but very beautiful!
All 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.
Well blazed... a few blazes on trees that are now down, though. Where were all the birds?
Pros: 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.
This was a nice flat field loop. Perfect for recovering from broken foot and/or cold but sunny days. Betsy
Fun hike! You can make it as long or short as you would like. Varied terrain keeps it was interesting.
What 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.
Little 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.