d variations on this suggested route are possible. are route suggested this on variations d an side-trips Numerous Road. Pier and trails Rice work. Farm Farnham

road to begin the Division Wall Trail; follow this for 0.79 miles and return to the ferry landing via the Diamond and Buzzy Buzzy and Diamond the via landing ferry the to return and miles 0.79 for this follow Trail; Wall Division the begin to road the cross and left Bear Trail. Sunset the of end southern the to route same the along Backtrack Point. Providence at terminus

how you can support this this support can you how

at the green gate to the Reserve’s North End Unit. Continue north on the Providence Point Trail for 2.0 miles to its its to miles 2.0 for Trail Point Providence the on north Continue Unit. End North Reserve’s the to gate green the at dead-ends it until miles 1.9 for road the on continue and left Bear Marsh. Nag of sides two the between intersection three-way

Farnham Farm to find out out find to Farm Farnham

ow this for 0.51 miles. At Chase Way, emerge back out onto the main road and follow this northeast for 0.36 miles to the the to miles 0.36 for northeast this follow and road main the onto out back emerge Way, Chase At miles. 0.51 for this ow foll Trail; Sunset the join and miles 0.92 for road main the along north Continue Wharf. Stone the to miles 0.72 approximately

Stop by the barn at the the at barn the by Stop 1 miles to a small grass parking area. Continue north past three private homes to reach the Bay Avenue Trail; follow this for for this follow Trail; Avenue Bay the reach to homes private three past north Continue area. parking grass small a to miles 1 0.5 for shoreline the along road this Follow intersection. the at left bear and miles 0.91 for this follow Trail; Interpretive

End South the onto left immediate an take and road main the on right Turn T-wharf. the to miles 0.43 continue right; turn and miles, 0.06 for proceed left, Bear Road. Rock Seal with intersection its until shoreline southeastern Island’s the along miles

area and bear left. Proceed for 0.13 miles down a gentle hill and then turn right on East Shore Drive; follow this for 0.96 0.96 for this follow Drive; Shore East on right turn then and hill gentle a down miles 0.13 for Proceed left. bear and area parking small the to miles 0.19 for this Follow Ave. Narragansett on right bear and miles, 0.24 for proceed Broadway, on left volunteer effort. volunteer

continue 0.10 miles to the Diamond Trail, on left. Proceed southwest for 0.23 miles on the Diamond Trail (keeping right at for at right (keeping Trail Diamond the on miles 0.23 for southwest Proceed left. on Trail, Diamond the to miles 0.10 continue k), then bear left onto the Heritage-Army Camp Trail and follow this for 0.82 miles, passing Baker Farm along the way. Bear Bear way. the along Farm Baker passing miles, 0.82 for this follow and Trail Camp Heritage-Army the onto left bear then k),

accomplished through all- through accomplished

Start the hike at the ferry landing on the east side of Prudence Island. Begin by hiking west on Pier Road, directly across fro across directly Road, Pier on west hiking by Begin Island. Prudence of side east the on landing ferry the at hike the Start m the ferry landing. After 0.15 miles, turn left on the Buzzy Rice Trail and proceed for 0.30 miles. At trail end, turn right turn end, trail At miles. 0.30 for proceed and Trail Rice Buzzy the on left turn miles, 0.15 After landing. ferry the m and and

maintenance is is maintenance Prudence Island). Island). Prudence

Trail installation and and installation Trail providing excellent views of Narragansett Bay throughout the day. Allow at least 8 hours and be aware of time limitations due due limitations time of aware be and hours 8 least at Allow day. the throughout Bay Narragansett of views excellent providing to the ferry schedule (the last ferry of the day generally leaves at 6:00 pm and there are no overnight accommodations on on accommodations overnight no are there and pm 6:00 at leaves generally day the of ferry last (the schedule ferry the to

Interpretive, Sunset, Division Wall, and Providence Point Trails, as well as the Baker and North End Farms. The Traverse makes Traverse The Farms. End North and Baker the as well as Trails, Point Providence and Wall, Division Sunset, Interpretive, s; much of this hike is along shoreline roads and trails, trails, and roads shoreline along is hike this of much s; road primary and roads, limited-access trails, maintained of use

carried on these efforts for the benefit of current and future islanders. future and current of benefit the for efforts these on carried 8. Prudence Island Traverse Island Prudence 8. . This unique and ambitious hike extends 18 miles (round-trip) between the northern and southern tips of Prudence Island. It lin It Island. Prudence of tips southern and northern the between (round-trip) miles 18 extends hike ambitious and unique This . ks up some of the best trails and points of interest on the Island including the South End End South the including Island the on interest of points and trails best the of some up ks

islanders, and new generations of "Trail Gang" volunteers have picked up and and up picked have volunteers Gang" "Trail of generations new and islanders, Difficult

Today, the results of Mr. Clachrie's efforts are visible and well-known to to well-known and visible are efforts Clachrie's Mr. of results the Today,

: In summer this area is often swarming with mosquitoes, horse flies, ticks and other biting insects. biting other and ticks flies, horse mosquitoes, with swarming often is area this summer In : Warning Island. Patience to across

becoming the “Clachrie Trail," after Mr. Clachrie passed away. away. passed Clachrie Mr. after Trail," “Clachrie the becoming the historic North End Farm, and Providence Point (the extreme northern tip of Prudence Island with views to Providence). Four Providence). to views with Island Prudence of tip northern extreme (the Point Providence and Farm, End North historic the al access to Potter Cove and Coggeshall Cove with views views with Cove Coggeshall and Cove Potter to access al addition provide each) miles 0.2-0.4 from (ranging trails spur

"Christmas Trail“ although the name was changed several times, finally finally times, several changed was name the although Trail“ "Christmas . This 4.0-mile (roundtrip) out-and-back hike begins at the locked green gate to the Reserve’s North End Unit and introduces v introduces and Unit End North Reserve’s the to gate green locked the at begins hike out-and-back (roundtrip) 4.0-mile This . isitors to the seldom-visited north end of Prudence Island. Highlights include Coggeshall Marsh, Marsh, Coggeshall include Highlights Island. Prudence of end north seldom-visited the to isitors 7. Providence Point Trail Point Providence 7.

the Fire Station, to the site of the Baker Farm. This Trail was initially named the the named initially was Trail This Farm. Baker the of site the to Station, Fire the Return to the beginning by following the Schoolhouse Trail for 0.63 miles and turning left on Broadway. on left turning and miles 0.63 for Trail Schoolhouse the following by beginning the to Return

The first trail that they made was one that led from Narragansett Ave, south of of south Ave, Narragansett from led that one was made they that trail first The for 0.42 miles to Baker Farm and continue straight for another 0.40 miles to the intersection with the Division Wall Trail. Tu Trail. Wall Division the with intersection the to miles 0.40 another for straight continue and Farm Baker to miles 0.42 for rn right and continue for 0.31 miles and then turn right again to follow the Diamond Trail for 0.42 miles to return to Baker Far Baker to return to miles 0.42 for Trail Diamond the follow to again right turn then and miles 0.31 for continue and right rn m. m.

Clachrie was very interested in providing walking paths for islanders to utilize. utilize. to islanders for paths walking providing in interested very was Clachrie 6. Baker Farm Loop Farm Baker 6. . This 2.7 mile figure-eight hike showcases the historic Baker Farm and the extensive interior forests of Prudence Island. Th Island. Prudence of forests interior extensive the and Farm Baker historic the showcases hike figure-eight mile 2.7 This . e hike suggested here begins at the Heritage-Army Camp trailhead on Broadway. Follow this trail north north trail this Follow Broadway. on trailhead Camp Heritage-Army the at begins here suggested hike e

Making and maintaining trails soon became the gang's primary activity, as Mr. Mr. as activity, primary gang's the became soon trails maintaining and Making paved and dirt roads that pass through a wide-variety of interesting habitat types and old Navy bunkers. Interpretive guides c guides Interpretive bunkers. Navy old and types habitat interesting of wide-variety a through pass that roads dirt and paved an be obtained for free from the Reserve’s Education Shed at the T-wharf or from the Lab and Learning Center to the north. the to Center Learning and Lab the from or T-wharf the at Shed Education Reserve’s the from free for obtained be an

soon adopted this "Trail Gang," which initially was called the "Chain Gang." Gang." "Chain the called was initially which Gang," "Trail this adopted soon . This 1.9-mile self-guided interpretive trail includes 14 stops with information on the cultural and natural history of the S the of history natural and cultural the on information with stops 14 includes trail interpretive self-guided 1.9-mile This . outh End of Prudence Island. It starts and ends at the T-wharf and continues in a loop on a mix of of mix a on loop a in continues and T-wharf the at ends and starts It Island. Prudence of End outh 5. South End Interpretive Trail Interpretive End South 5.

such as the historical society and Prudence Conservancy. The Conservancy The Conservancy. Prudence and society historical the as such Moderate

tools. Financial support was sought from individuals and island organizations organizations island and individuals from sought was support Financial tools.

retirees. Mowers were acquired, and gas powered trimmers, plus various hand hand various plus trimmers, powered gas and acquired, were Mowers retirees. trailhead along Bay Avenue on the west side of Prudence Island, 0.5 miles south of Chase Way. It follows gently rolling terrai rolling gently follows It Way. Chase of south miles 0.5 Island, Prudence of side west the on Avenue Bay along trailhead n and passes through oak-dominated woodlands intermixed with stone walls and pockets of pitch-pine barrens. pitch-pine of pockets and walls stone with intermixed woodlands oak-dominated through passes and n

Trail Sunset This activity grew in size and scope and became a daily activity for these three three these for activity daily a became and scope and size in grew activity This . This 1.76 mile loop hike follows the historic Division Wall Trail and returns on Prudence Island’s newest hiking trail (the B (the trail hiking newest Island’s Prudence on returns and Trail Wall Division historic the follows hike loop mile 1.76 This . ladTal. h iebgn tasigned a at begins hike The Trail). allard 4. Division Wall and Ballard Trails Ballard and Wall Division 4.

an abandoned road with nice views of the West Passage of Narragansett Bay. Narragansett of Passage West the of views nice with road abandoned an

of trees that once were common to this area. area. this to common were once that trees of 3. Bay Avenue Bay 3. . This 1.4 mile (round-trip) out-and-back begins at the old Stone Wharf on the west side of Prudence Island. The trail initia trail The Island. Prudence of side west the on Wharf Stone old the at begins out-and-back (round-trip) mile 1.4 This . lly passes a few 19th century homes before continuing south along south continuing before homes century 19th few a passes lly

and bittersweet from trees on the island and also planting many different types types different many planting also and island the on trees from bittersweet and left to return to the gate or continue straight for another 0.12 miles to reach Jenny Marsh and long stretches of isolated beach isolated of stretches long and Marsh Jenny reach to miles 0.12 another for straight continue or gate the to return to left . .

Butterworth. Because Mr. Clachrie was a forester, he also started clearing briars briars clearing started also he forester, a was Clachrie Mr. Because Butterworth. the locked green gate for 0.11 miles and take the first right. Continue 0.28 miles, turn left and continue for another 0.26 mi 0.26 another for continue and left turn miles, 0.28 Continue right. first the take and miles 0.11 for gate green locked the les. Turn left again at road’s end and continue for 0.12 miles and then either turn turn either then and miles 0.12 for continue and end road’s at again left Turn les.

sides. Before long, he attracted a couple of followers, Al Corbett and John John and Corbett Al followers, of couple a attracted he long, Before sides. ok with dramatic views of Narragansett Bay. Proceed south from from south Proceed Bay. Narragansett of views dramatic with ok overlo natural a includes and grasslands upland through passes area Hill Pine Reserve’s the in hike loop mile 1.1 scenic This . 2. Pine Hill Pine 2.

initially picking up trash, both intentional and unintended debris along the road road the along debris unintended and intentional both trash, up picking initially route. route.

better than you found it.“ He soon started to apply this code at Prudence, Prudence, at code this apply to started soon He it.“ found you than better 1. Sunset Trail Sunset 1. . This 1.0 mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike starts at the trailhead on the south side of Chase Way. Scenic views of the We the of views Scenic Way. Chase of side south the on trailhead the at starts hike out-and-back (round-trip) mile 1.0 This . st Passage of Narragansett Bay are common along most of the the of most along common are Bay Narragansett of Passage st

saying, but rather a code by which he lived his life, was, "Always leave a place a leave "Always was, life, his lived he which by code a rather but saying, Easy

Prudence Island full time. One of his favorite sayings, actually, more than a a than more actually, sayings, favorite his of One time. full Island Prudence

places in Rhode Island to experience long, undeveloped stretches of the Bay’s coastline. The hikes listed below are just a samp a just are below listed hikes The coastline. Bay’s the of stretches undeveloped long, experience to Island Rhode in places le of the many hiking possibilities that exist on Prudence Island. Prudence on exist that possibilities hiking many the of le

Shortly after Bob Clachrie retired from his job around 1985 or so, he moved to to moved he so, or 1985 around job his from retired Clachrie Bob after Shortly

rallel the shore of Narragansett Bay, making Prudence Island one of the best best the of one Island Prudence making Bay, Narragansett of shore the rallel pa trails Many Island. Prudence to unique are that features p stewardshi ecological and historical, natural, of array diverse a

Trail Gang - Gang Trail Suggested Trails - Trails Suggested Joe Bains Joe by overview historical brief A Prudence Island offers 11.7 miles of hiking along blazed trails and restricted-vehicle access roads. These trails pass through pass trails These roads. access restricted-vehicle and trails blazed along hiking of miles 11.7 offers Island Prudence a variety of habitat types and showcase showcase and types habitat of variety a

Points of Interest - Prudence Island is rich in history, both cultural and natural. The island has The Narragansett Bay Research Reserve changed dramatically over the last few centuries and been witness to everything from tenant farming to British was dedicated in 1980 and is one of 28 soldiers during the Revolutionary War to a thriving resort community. Below are a few of the highlights to look for protected estuaries in the National Estuarine as you explore the island, which we hope will enrich your visit. Research Reserve System (NERRS), a TRAIL MAP partnership program between NOAA and the NBNERR Lab & Learning Center - The NBNERR headquarters are a great place to familiarize yourself with coastal states. The Reserve is located in the the island, including the Reserve’s ongoing research and stewardship projects. Our lab and learning center heart of Narragansett Bay on four islands: Prudence Island, RI offers opportunities to learn about island wildlife with educational displays and hands-on activities. During the Prudence, Patience, Hope and Dyer and summer months, the Estuary Education Shed (located at the base of the T-wharf) is open to visitors. Inside you protects approximately 4400 acres of land will find a touch tank and several aquariums, stocked with critters from the Bay, as well as fun activities for the NBNERR Lab & Learning Center and water; the headquarters are located on kids. As you explore the island, you are likely to see signs of our restoration projects, which include the removal the south end of Prudence Island. The Reserve’s mission is “to preserve, protect and restore coastal and estuarine of invasive species (European larch, phragmites, autumn olive), controlled burning of pine barrens habitat and ecosystems of Narragansett Bay through long-term research, education and maintaining areas as coastal grasslands. Prudence Island Schoolhouse training.”

Farnham Farm - Farnham Farm was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006, recognized for its significance as the last working farm on Prudence Island when it ceased operating in the 1950’s. Farming first began here in the mid-1600’s and continued until the British burned the area during the Revolutionary General Information War; farming resumed again in the early 1800’s. The Farnham family worked this land from the 1860’s until the 1950’s, operating a dairy farm as well as growing corn, fruits and vegetables. Today, the Farnham Farm land is owned by the Prudence Conservancy and is operated by the Farnham Farm Trustees. Community • Prudence Island is accessible via ferry (vehicles and passengers), departing members take great care to maintain garden plots, a blueberry patch and a small vineyard. The beautiful gingko tree growing in front of the farmhouse was planted in from Bristol (www.prudenceferry.com). Bikes are a good way to get around the the 1880’s, brought over as a seedling from a ship’s captain as a gift to Sarah Farnham. island, but bear in mind many of the roads have deep ruts and are not well paved; bikes with thick, wide tires are ideal and bringing a spare is always a Prudence Island Schoolhouse - Built in 1896 by Captain Halsey Chase, the Prudence Island School is the last functional one-room schoolhouse in Rhode Island. good idea. It was the fourth schoolhouse built on Prudence Island, replacing one that used to stand north of the Baker Farm site. The school was closed from 1981-1989 but has • The only public restrooms on the island are located at the NBNERR otherwise remained active for over 100 years. They operate under a home-school model with student ages ranging from pre-kindergarten through high school. Only a headquarters (typically open M-F, 9AM-3:30PM) and there is a composting toilet handful of students attend the school now, but many island residents remember going to school here. An addition to include bathrooms and a kitchen was built in at the south end near the T-wharf. 1954, with another small room added in the 1990’s. The bell, originally a fog bell, was donated by George Williams, an island resident at the time and descendent of Roger Williams. • There are no overnight accommodations or restaurants, but there is a small Pine Hill Trail general store at the ferry landing at Homestead. Prudence Park (Stone Wharf) - The wharf at this site dates back to the establishment of a summer resort community, Prudence Park, in 1875. Regular steamship • Boats are permitted10 minute live docking at state docks, but aside from that service operated from Providence to Newport until 1918, and the lure of escaping the summer heat of the city brought many people to Prudence Island. It was soon a there are no public docking options. thriving resort village, complete with inns, a casino, gas streetlights and a bathing pavilion. Developed and distributed From here you can see Hope Island to the west, another island managed by NBNERR; it is a significant nesting site for several species of wading birds, and for this • Ticks are present and in relatively high quantities. It is wise to stay out of any courtesy of the reason is off limits during the spring and summer months. tall grasses and conduct a thorough tick check after your visit. Narragansett Bay National • In the event of an emergency, dial 911 and note that you are on Prudence Estuarine Research Reserve Division Wall - In the mid 1630’s, a large boulder (Division Rock) was used as a survey point to divide the island in half, with Roger Williams owning the northern Island. half and Governor John Winthrop owning the southern half. Approximately fifty years later, Benjamin Browne requested that his land be surveyed so that he could determine the exact boundary location of his property on the south end of the island. The surveyors began a line at Division Rock that ran east until nearly reaching NBNERR, 55 South Reserve Drive, Prudence Island, RI 02872 the shore, subsequently dividing the island in half. There is a beautiful well-maintained trail that runs the length of what is now known as Division Wall. (401) 683 6780, www.nbnerr.org