Westport-Little Compton Spot Offers Scenic, Moderate Family Nature Hike

Residents of the SouthCoast are fortunate to have many nature trails and open recreation areas to enjoy the outdoors when the weather permits. That good fortune extends into nearby Rhode Island and throughout southern New England, for that matter.

Family members of all ages can enjoy the scenery and serenity of the Guild Property and Grays Mill Pond in Little Compton, Rhode Island.

More on that in a minute.

For those looking for a day trip, some of my favorite spots within driving distance include Quechee Gorge in Southern Vermont and Horse Head Nature Preserve in Merrimack, New Hampshire.

Closer to home, Dartmouth's Destruction Brook Woods and Mass Audbon's Allen's Pond Wildlife Sanctuary in Westport and South Dartmouth are great choices for family outings.

However, longer trails may be too much for younger hikers and even some aging hikers who still enjoy communing with nature.

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The Guild Property and Grays Mill Pond feature 0.4 miles of trails right on the border of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. As a matter of fact, the parking lot is in Westport, but the trail and the entire property are in Little Compton.

The Sakonnet Preservation Association lists the trail as "moderate" because there are some stumps and rocks, and the trail requires hikers to follow a map.

Overall, it's a fairly easy trail, and the scenery is delightful in any season.

The trail begins at the rear of the parking area near the pond off Adamsville Road. There is a rail fence with a gate. Hikers are asked to close the gate behind them after entering the trail.

A short distance to the right of the gate is a wooden footbridge that takes hikers across Adamsville Brook. There are three paths to take you through the two loops of trails.

Springtime hikers can also enjoy the herring run if they time their visit right.