Tillinghast Pond Loop is a 2.3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near West Greenwich, Rhode Island that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
It's required to wear orange until the end of May when on this trail as hunting is allowed on the land. The trail circles Tillinghast Pond, with spectacular, long views across the water. The white-blazed Tillinghast Pond Loop alternates between forest and field, with a half-dozen or more spots to pause and look out over the pond. Leaving from the north end of the parking lot, the trail winds quietly among towering white pines, almost immediately leaving the rest of the world behind. Before long, the pond appears on the right, below, as the trail follows the spine of a small glacial esker. At the end of the ridge, the trail switches back sharply to the left; a spur trail to the right provides an even better view. Here, the trail overlaps with Plain Road for about a tenth of a mile, before cutting back to the right at the corner of a hayfield. This next segment of trail generally winds between the hayfields and the pond's edge, passing a bench at Howard's Rest, crossing a small stream, and leading to an observation platform. The platform is somewhat obscured from the trail, but don't miss it! Step out over the pond, and you'll swear you're in Maine rather than 40 minutes from Providence. Departing the platform and turning right, hikers leave the hayfields behind, and follow and up-and-down path through the forest for the next half-mile or so. Near the northeast corner of Tillinghast Pond, a bog bridge carries the trail over a low drainage area, where ash trees dominate instead of oak and pine. The second half of the loop is fairly straightforward, but two more scenic spots await: one seems to provide a last look at the pond from the bottom of a hill, but there is another lovely overlook coming up on the east side of the pond, down a short side trail. Along the way, there are two junctions with the Flintlock Trail, which explores the open woods to the east of Tillinghast Pond. The Pond Loop concludes with some of the largest white pines in the area, before returning to parking lot kiosk.
The house visible from the trail in the area of the hayfields is not part of the management area; please respect our neighbor's privacy. Bring insect repellent in the summer months and a camera to capture the scenery. This trail is generally flat with a few, short but abrupt hills just past the observation platform. The route is family friendly, but those with limited mobility may decide to return via Plain Road. Closed-toed shoes are recommended.
Beautiful day to hike. Quiet I was listening to the ice move across the pond. Freakin cold though lol 16°f
Absolutely beautiful, and a very easy hike. There are a couple of mild inclines, but nothing substantial, and there are multiple outlooks with some beautiful views. The trail is very well maintained and very well blazes. I added the Coney Loop to the end of my hike just to add some additional mileage, and that was also an enjoyable walk through the woods. It was a bit more of a workout than the pond loop though.
very well groomed. nice look outs of pond. varied scenery. well marked
Beautiful hike, easy to moderate. more trails go off of water to some sites. An old farm, and some kind of rock structure.
Good hiking trail. Clear hiking trails. Well maintained. Nice views of pond throughout.
It was a very nice hike, but there were a lot of trees down blocking the path
The trail is very pretty but did not stumble upon anything interesting. The trail is well marked and easy, so it’s great to bring kids on or if you just want to stroll. My only issue was that there are several down trees that block the trail and while most were easy enough to maneuver around, there were a few you had to go way off trail to get around. I have an irrational fear of large animals when I hike, so I didn’t enjoy that.
Great trail, not good for strollers, about 15 downed trees requiring circumvention. Gave less stars because of trees.
After that storm there are many big trees down across the paths. There are ways around them.