The Whitehead Preserve in Little Compton, Rhode Island, was a beautiful, well maintained trail that wonderfully meandered through a forested wetland. The most difficult part of hiking the trail was finding it, as the Dundery Brook Trail is located behind a tennis court in Veteran’s Field Park. Walking up to the path, the boardwalk began right at the tree line, and offered a smooth transition from the cement in the park. The boardwalk was impressively built and maintained, with solid wood and a lip around the edges to prevent people with wheelchairs or strollers from falling off the side. In areas where the boardwalk traveled over water, this wooden lip became a chest-high wire fence, with a wood railing to support the hiker. Along the trail were numerous benches, where one could sit back and relax amongst the birdsong and frogs. A great surprise was a branch in the path that went over a pond, ending in a small, gazebo-like landing where one could sit for a while.
Blanche’s Path, which began where Dundery Brook Trail ended, is a grass path circling Bumblebee Pond. Because of the recent rain, and it being on a wetland, it was muddy in some areas, with hiking boots greatly recommended. Here there were many paired-off ducks swimming amongst the reeds, and if I stepped too close to the pond’s edge, little fish would scatter and disturb the surface. The trees around the pond had begun to bud but were very early in the process. Most of the other plant life was still dormant, but I imagine that that field would bloom beautifully with wildflowers. I was unfortunately not able to walk Hope’s path, as the ground was far too muddy, as it had rained the day before. The path is well known for the flowers that grow along it, so I would like to visit again when I can see that. The mud, however, allowed me to see many animal tracks, such as raccoon, and fur that was most likely from a coyote. Overall, even though I did not see much wildlife, the evidence for its presence and the high quality of the walk itself is enough for me to want to go back. The well-maintained boardwalk makes travel through such an environment possible for all, and the well-covered environment is aesthetically pleasing. For such a short hike, it offers plenty to see in terms of flora, fauna, and environmental variety, with the bonus of being walkable by anyone and everyone.
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AuthorZachary Wagner Archives |