Community Corner
Hidden Gem: Carrs Pond
Discover a Hidden Gem in East Greenwich that you may have driven by and never known it existed. Or maybe you have not visited this interesting spot in years. So take a little trip with Patch...we'll show you the way.
Carrs Pond lies just beyond the town's formal border, but tell that to the generations of young people who have used the pond as their secret getaway. Or to all those who live on Carrs Pond Road and nearby streets who walk their dogs there or stroll along the pond.
The fact is Carrs Pond is part of the East Greenwich psyche, even if its technically in West Greenwich. That's because for many EG young people, taking a dip in Carrs Pond is a rite of passage. Yet there's something that happens when those same people become adults: Memories of the pond seem to recede.
That may be because swimming is prohibited in Carrs Pond. Indeed, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) officers have been known to patrol the area to keep people out of the water. Carrs Pond is part of the Big River Management Area.
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But Carrs Pond is more than a pond. It is a true getaway.
The trails in and around the pond are teaming with wildlife, and the sounds and smells of civilization are well muted. That affords hikers a peaceful adventure. There are numerous hills around the pond, and some trails are a challenge to climb or descend, which makes for a thrilling trip for bikers.
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There is no easy way to access the area from East Greenwich except on foot. Parking is prohibited on Carrs Pond Road and there's no parking at all at the East Greenwich trailhead at Carrs Pond and Middle roads (police do ticket on Carrs Pond). There's a parking lot on Lenihan Lane near the intersection with Middle Road a half-mile from the entrance on Carrs Pond Road. That trail is easily followed in and out of the woods.
According to a map of the area on the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA), Rhode Island Chapter, there are five well-developed trails and myriad not-so-beaten paths to the water's edge. Take a look at the map before biking or hiking in the area lest you take a wrong turn and end up having to bushwhack toward the drone of Interstate 95 to escape.
There are two other parking areas, both in West Greenwich: The New London Turnpike entrance on Division Street — where Greasy Joe's used to be — is quite wide and family friendly. The trailhead on Hopkins Hill Road has plenty of room and a well-marked trail into the woods.
The DEM has recently allowed bicycling in the area, but there are postings that prohibit other activities, so be sure to read them before heading in.
Don't wait too long to discover this gem.