Simmons Pond, found in Simmons Mill Management area, is tucked away in a peaceful, often forgotten area of southeastern Rhode Island.
And by forgotten, I mean no offense, rather, I mean it as a compliment. While the East Bay certainly doesn’t lack for outdoor activities, Little Compton has managed to stay under the radar. For those like Benny and me, who love getting away from it all, Little Compton is a great, not-so-far-away town that makes visitors feel as if they’re in the middle of Vermont, allowing them to escape the hustle and bustle of nearby cities.
Parking and Orange Vests
After we parked at the trail head on Coldbrook Road, we saw that there were crates full of orange vests. Never in our days of hiking have we seen crates like this! Upon further inspection, we saw that these were hunting vests.
No, we weren’t going to go hunting. Benny wouldn’t allow it (he’s desperately trying to turn me into a vegetarian). These vests are offered to visitors by a couple who, on their own time, take care of the area. There is hunting in the area, so it’s a good idea to put a vest while you’re hiking. Don’t worry, you’ll be safe as long as you wear your bright orange vest. If you hear a lot of shooting, it’s probably from a nearby target range.
Beginning the hike
Anywho, as we started along on our 3-mile hike, we quickly saw how well maintained this path was. There are numerous signs explaining the type of trees and plants, and there are birdhouses scattered along our route. There were even cookies left out for us! I declined to try one; I wasn’t hungry, but Benny decided to have a sample.
If it weren’t for the signage, we wouldn’t have realized that we were walking in an extremely rare area, called an Oak-Holly forest. This type of forest only exists in a narrow band up from Long Island to Rhode Island.
There was also a puddingstone rock. Benny wanted to take a bite, but he was already full from having his cookie, or so he said. I personally think that he had a toothache.
Simmons Pond and the Partridge
A ways down, we found the pond that Mr. Simmons made for his mill. Benny astutely stated, “That must be where the name Simmons Pond comes from!” He’s such a smart bear, isn’t he?
After admiring the view, Benny and I walked around the corner. Benny gasped as he saw a small bird running away. Naturally, he went to go chase it, which meant that I, most naturally, had to go chase him. Benny was determined to find this partridge. We followed the bird down a side path that leads back towards the pond. When we got to the end, we had completely lost sight of our reluctant bird friend.
As we disappointingly turned around, the partridge revealed that it had been hiding in the nearby brush only 3 feet away! It took flight so suddenly that we thought we were under attack! It flew away, and, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take a picture. Benny says that because I don’t have picture, people won’t believe this story, but I assure you, it happened.
Continuing the hike
You can continue past Simmons Pond and continue to explore the six small ponds in the Simmons Mill Management Area. If you want to lengthen your hike by about a 3/4 of a mile, journey along Amy Hart Loop.
Along the way, you’ll see some interesting sites, such as:
1. An old survey line from the 1670s
2. The remains of an old farmhouse that was active from the 1700s to as recently as 1902.
3. The former location of a one-room schoolhouse.
After these interesting sites, the trail loops back to the ponds.
Other interesting finds around Simmons Pond
We found our hike in the Simmons Mill Management area to be very peaceful. Here are some other finds you can expect to enjoy if you decide to go for a stroll at Simmons Pond:
At the end of our hike, we saw someone raking the leaves out of an old historic cemetery. We started a conversation, and, come to find out, we were speaking with Gail Greene, who, along with her husband Roger, has volunteered countless hours keeping the Simmons Pond Management area in top condition for the public’s enjoyment. The Herald News has a great article about them and their work.
If you like reading about this hike, you’ll probably like learning about Destruction Brook Woods in Dartmouth.
Or, if you’re looking for other things in Rhode Island to do, check out more of our posts about Little Rhody.
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Parking for Simmons Pond Management Area can be found at 212 Coldbrook Road, Little Compton, RI.
Check out our map of places we’ve been in New England!
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5/27/21 Hi My Husband and I were in Blackstone today and I saw the sigh for Blackstone Gorge. When I went to look for information about it I discovered you. I enjoyed the pictures, safety descriptions, sites to look for as well as the conversation you tell of people you meet. I am looking forward to going back and enjoying for myself. All the best in your next adventure.
Hi Mary, thanks for your comment! It made my day. I’m glad you found the post useful. Our corner of the world has so many interesting things to discover!