Gaia: Track Miles: 5mi Duration: 1:25  Rating: 7/10

Although the Man Scouts group prefers moderate level hiking trails, periodically we find ourselves hiking easy level trails for a change of pace. The Great Swamp Management Area is just that. The trail system is primarily walking paths that are flat, laid with gravel in some areas, and wide enough for vehicles to pass. No matter how difficult the trails may be or the type of weather, when you are outdoors hiking, it is always great to be outdoors.

The Great Swamp Management Area may not be as challenging as an intermediate level trail, but it offers stunning views of the landscape, the Great Swamp, and provides excellent opportunities for bird watching, and also has a rich history. The area was once home to the Wampanoag’s, and it was the site of the Great Swamp Fight, a massacre of the Narragansett Indians’ encampment by the British Colonists in 1675 during King Philip’s War. Today, the Great Swamp Fight is commemorated by a monument that does not appear to be accessible from the trail, but is accessible from Great Swamp Monument Rd off Rt 2.

During the hike, our group covered most of the perimeter trails of the Great Swamp Management Area on a 4.5-mile loop. In the first half of the hike, we walked along the edge of the swamp. The air was cooler than the water, so the swamp water was evaporating, creating a spooky atmosphere. As we finishing up the last mile, we were glad to be wearing hunter orange, because we encountered some bow hunters along the way. And as usual, we veered off the planned path to unintentionally explore other trails. But as one of the hikers said, “not all who wander are lost”. We discovered new trails and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.

Overall, the Great Swamp Management Area is a great place to go for a hike, especially if you are looking for a beginner level trail with spectacular views.