Beaver River Preserve

Visit

• Parking

  There are two parking areas for this preserve. The Hillsdale trailhead is located at 350 Hillsdale Road. Look for a gap in the stone wall and pull into the short driveway.

  The Fox Ridge trailhead is located at the end of Fox Ridge Drive. Hikers may park on either side of the street, but please respect our neighbors' privacy.

  Both parking areas are marked by an orange and white entrance sign. 
  

• Trails

  Note: This preserve is less frequently maintained than TNC's larger preserves, and trails may be seasonally wet, muddy or overgrown. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended.

  Hillsdale—Blue Trail (1.5 miles): This loop trail starts as a wide farm road, weaving through an old horse pasture. The trail eventually narrows and splits as it enters a forest of hardwoods and pines and gradually slopes down to the river. 

  Fox Ridge—Yellow Trail (1.5 miles):  Starting beside the entrance sign, the trail enters a rocky hardwood forest. A quick right turn leads to a scenic view over the Beaver River valley followed by a short downhill scramble. The trail straight ahead starts off rugged but takes gentler route around the base of the hill. Both ways lead to an old cart path that ends at the remains of a large beaver dam, with a view of the river. 

• What to See

  The Beaver River Preserve helps protect one of Rhode Island's healthiest coldwater streams and provides habitat for a wide range of plants and animals. 

  Plants: The Beaver River Preserve features a highly diverse, second-growth forest community. Oaks and birches dominate the tree canopy, with scattered groves of tall white pines and hemlocks. The shrub layer is generally comprised of black huckleberry, giving way to sweet pepperbush in wetter soils.

  Birds: All of Rhode Island's native woodpeckers can be found on the preserve, from pileated to downy, taking advantage of the many standing dead oaks. The ponded section of the Beaver River attracts tree swallows in summer and hooded mergansers and other ducks in winter, as long as there is open water.

  Animals: Beavers continue to play a key role in shaping the preserve's ecosystem. Other common woodland mammals in the area include white-tailed deer, eastern coyote and red fox.

• Preserve Guidelines

  We hope you enjoy visiting TNC’s preserves in any season. We ask that you please observe the following guidelines:

  • Stay on marked trails and be careful not to trip on rocks and roots.
  • Dogs are permitted but must be leashed at all times.
  • Respect preserve hours (one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset). Overnight camping is not allowed.
  • Do not ride horses, bikes or any motorized vehicle through preserves or on the trails.
  • Do not remove any living materials from a preserve or disturb any vegetation.
  • Remove any trash you create and, if possible, any garbage that you see left by someone else.
  • Dress in long pants and socks to avoid deer ticks. After any nature walk, it is a good idea to check for ticks when you return home.
  • Be careful! Your safety is your responsibility.