Paskamansett + Gidley Woods

Hiking in the wintertime isn’t for everyone. However, our winters are warmer than they used to be and a little bit of cold weather is actually good for you. Despite not seeing much of the sun, you can still absorb vitamin D on a cloudy day (and we need that year-round!). Of course hiking still has myriad benefits for mental and physical health; why take a break in the winter?

Paskamansett Woods is a great all-season hike. There are a couple of different loops that you can take, each clocking in under 2 miles. If you work anywhere in North Dartmouth, it’s a great spot to head to while on a lunch break, or for a quick jaunt before or after your workday. If you’re not a fan of the cold, it’s also a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy nature without having to be in the woods for too long of a time, as doing just a loop will likely take you about 35 – 45 minutes. If you are looking for an entire afternoon in the woods, we would suggest Destruction Brook Woods or Frank Knowles/Little River Reserve.

Paskamansett Woods is a relatively small reserve with only around 11 acres. After walking about half a mile into the woods, you will notice a sign for Gidley Woods. At this point, the DNRT Reserve ends and the privately owned Gidley Woods begins. Gidley Woods is a 45-acre property on which DNRT holds a Conservation Restriction. The owners, who are 12th generation Tucker-Gidley descendants, generously allow visitors to use the marked trails, with the same rules at DNRT trails.

As you head into Gidley Woods, you will come across the hand-constructed King’s Highway granite bridge. This was constructed in the 1850s and crosses the 13.4-mile long Paskamansett River. This bridge provided a vital link between Newport, RI and Plymouth, MA, an important trade route. At one point, the bridge did collapse from decades of wear and tear but was restored to its original glory in 2003. As this is no longer used as a trade route, we anticipate it will hold up to foot traffic for quite some time.

After crossing the bridge, you can either take the Green or Orange Trails. When continuing down the Orange Trail, you will eventually arrive at Gidley Pond. This is a beautiful place to stop for a few minutes. You can often find ducks and other birds floating in the pond. If you choose Green, you can do a short green loop, or loop back on the Orange Trail, stopping by the pond on the way back.

Whichever trail you choose will provide you will a beautiful backdrop of birdsong, pine forest, and serenity. Paskamansett + Gidley Woods is a great place visit on a winter’s day.