Gaia: Track Miles: 7.8mi Duration: 3:00 Rating: 9/10

This hike was so good last week, the group decided to hike the Tillinghast Pond Trail System again with the larger group. Starting at the trailhead on Plain Road, the group followed the outer loop, which includes the Tillinghast Pond Trail, Flintlock Loop, and Wickaboxet Loop. The total distance of their hike was 7.8 miles.

For the first 6 miles, we encountered historical features such as cemeteries, rock walls, stone foundations, and rock piles. These features are reminders of the people who had lived in the area many years ago. The flat landscape and the rock piles suggested that the land had once been used for farming. Over time, a mix of oaks and pines have grown in the area, and there were also many ferns and wild blueberry bushes.

The group did not see much wildlife during the hike, except for the occasional frogs and toads that hopped across the trails. If you are hiking during hunting season, be sure to wear at least 200 square inches of fluorescent hunter orange above the waist to ensure you are visible to hunters.

The view of Tillinghast Pond was simply breathtaking, with lily pads floating on the surface and the trees’ reflection in the water. The group is eagerly anticipating seeing what the Tillinghast Trail System looks like in the fall, when the leaves change color and the landscape is ablaze with oranges, reds, and yellows.

Download the Trail Guide to learn more about the Tillinghast Pond Management Area