Pocasset Ridge Conservation Area

Visit

• Parking

  The parking lot is located at approximately 2900 Main Road, near the intersection with Nanaquaket Road. Look for an orange and white entrance sign next to a large, unmarked garage, owned by the town of Tiverton.

• Trails

  Note: The first half-mile of trail may be very wet, depending on seasonal conditions. TNC is working with a local contractor to improve drainage and stabilize the path with stone. Please dress for muddy trails. 

  A small trailhead kiosk greets visitors with an introduction to the preserve. Follow the wide lane to the back of the garage and continue toward a larger kiosk, about 400 feet ahead.
  

  From there, the trail follows the edge of a forested wetland, then turns right toward the base of the ridge. After passing a small pond on the left, the trail makes a short, but steep, climb up the ridge, and then splits at the top of the hill (0.66 miles to this point). 

  To the right, the Cliff Trail (0.35-mile spur) passes under magnificent red oaks and crosses two streams (some rock hopping required). The trail ends at a high granite outcrop. Please be very careful in this area. 

  Alternatively, a left turn at the fork will take you on the Loop Trail (1.1 miles), which connects two old wagon roads. Giant boulders dot the oak forest landscape. Please respect the private property signage near the northwest corner of the loop and keep to the trail system. 

  If you walk both trails, the total length of the walk is 3.1 miles, out and back.
  

• What to See

  As a closed canopy forest, Pocasset Ridge is home to a wonderful mix of habitats, supporting songbirds and other wildlife that require large, undeveloped areas to thrive.

  Plants: The preserve's lowlands and swamps are characterized by red maple, yellow birch and black gum (tupelo), with hollies also present. The upland area in the vicinty of the Loop Trail contains a classic southern New England oak-huckleberry forest. 

  Birds: Pocasset Ridge is an important stopover and nesting site for many birds that migrate between Rhode Island and Central and South America. Scarlet tanagers, wood thrushes, and many warblers and flycatchers made be heard throughout the spring and summer. 
  

  Animals:  The preserve's streams and wetlands provide habitat for frogs and salamanders. Common woodland mammals in the area include fisher, mink, white-tailed deer, Eastern coyote, red fox, gray fox, and raccoon.

• 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, especially where the trail system passes near our neighbors' property.
    
  • Dogs are not permitted. 
  • Respect preserve hours (one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset). Fires and overnight camping are not allowed.
  • Do not ride horses, bikes or any motorized vehicle through preserves or on the trails.
  • Bowhunting for deer is permitted, but trapping and firearms are not allowed.
  • Do not remove any materials from this preserve, including firewood, stones, or historic artifacts, or disturb any vegetation.
    
  • Metal detectors and paint ball guns are not permitted.
  • Remove any trash you create and, if possible, any garbage that you see left by someone else.
  • In the spring, summer and fall, dress in long pants and socks to avoid deer ticks. After any walk on a preserve, it is a good idea to check for ticks when you return home.
  • Be careful! Your safety is your responsibility.