Gaia: Track Miles: 5.0mi  Duration: 1:46

Goddard Memorial State Park has always been a familiar haven for me, ever since childhood picnics and days spent splashing at the beach. But a couple of years ago, I discovered a hidden treasure within its borders: a network of nearly six miles of hiking trails. Intrigued, I mapped out a five-mile coastal route for a spring adventure. The sights were breathtaking – sailboats gliding across the calm bay, motorboats buzzing in and out of the docks, and the vast expanse of water stretching before me. It was a revelation, and I knew I needed to explore these trails more often.

Fast forward to Thanksgiving weekend, and the opportunity arose to introduce the hiking group to Goddard’s secret paths. We decided to tackle the same five-mile loop, creating a unique experience in two contrasting settings. The first hike was a rainy hike. Huddled under our hoods, we navigated muddy paths and dodged expanding puddles, our focus firmly downward. But the second hike, in crisp autumn air, transformed the landscape. With clear skies, our gaze shifted upward, drawn to the fall foliage and the bay.

Despite the weather’s impact, the trail itself remained easily passable. And with minimal elevation changes, it proved perfect for beginners and families. You could wander amongst the trees, feeling enveloped in nature, yet never stray far from the comforting presence of a road or the shoreline.

Mid-hike, a fascinating question arose: what was the story behind Goddard Memorial State Park? My curiosity piqued, I dug in and did a little research. As it turned out, Goddard Memorial State Park bears the name of Colonel Robert Hale Ives Goddard, a man of impressive legacy. Colonel Goddard graduated from Brown University in 1858 enlisted as a private soldier and fought in the famous Battle of Bull Run when the Civil War broke out. Son of Brown University’s first chancellor and heir to a prominent banking family, Colonel Goddard himself led a multifaceted life as a banker, industrialist, soldier, senator, and philanthropist. Upon his passing in 1916, his children honored his memory by gifting 490 acres to the state in 1927, leading to the creation of Goddard Memorial State Park in 1930. The park’s very name, and even the road it is located on, speak to the intertwined legacies of the Goddard and Ives families.

Our hike took place during a quiet season, with boats tucked away and beaches deserted. While we enjoyed the solitude, we will return again in the spring to witness Goddard Memorial State Park in its full glory, teeming with life, the beach buzzing with activity, and the air alive with the sounds of summer.

So, until our next adventure, Goddard’s trails will continue to call. Goddard Memorial State Park, more than just a park, is a journey through time, nature, and a fascinating family legacy.