Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge

Absolutely glad we took the trek down today. There are two trails (white and yellow) on the map but while we were in the woods there was suddenly a blue trail. However, it wasn’t on my map so I wasn’t going to see where it went. If you’ve read my other reviews, then you know the two things that are a must for me; trail maps and clearly marked trails. This has both. The Carr Pond trail is a quick loop around. However, it meets up with the Hammitt Hill trail that loops around the pond back to CP trail. We hit that entire trail and I’m glad we did. CP is nice but flat. HH was more hilly and had more character. The hills and rocks were nothing strenuous and I still consider this an easy trail. I broke my arm about a month ago on a hike and I don’t look at rocks the same anymore. I think they’re all there to destroy me. So while the HH trail was more rocky it didn’t break me. I had both my kids with me (6 and 14) and we made it in and out in approximately an hour and a half. Not a long hike but perfect with the kids. It has plenty of parking and trail maps at the entrance. I see no reason why dogs wouldn’t be welcomed and I saw no «no dogs» listed anywhere. It was a really good morning and I’d recommend the adventure. Edited to read: the map says no dogs. Sorry.

Went here with my parents for a fall afternoon hike and it was amazing! The scenery is wonderful and the hike can be done by anyone of any age. It’s not too challenging so if this is what you are looking for then you may want to try another hiking trail. This trail can be done easily within a few hours if you complete the whole path which has great views of water and foliage. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was able to even get a work out from it even though it was a leisurely walk. I recommend this trail to anyone looking for a nice, relaxing yet slightly challenging afternoon hike!

The refuge is located right off RI 102. Very easy to get to from Interstate 95… just about 5 miles off the highway.
A nice parking lot with information sheets about the refuge and surrounding areas. The trail is a combination of loops that are well marked and well maintained. There are two main loops (yellow and white) as well as a cross over section (blue trail). Depending on how you go about it, it can be anywhere from 2 to 5 – 6 miles.
Carrr Pond is the water feature in this refuge and it is reachable through the white loop.
Great hike, especially in the Fall.

I wasn’t sure what to expect with the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, but it definitely is a hidden gem. The trails were beautifully maintained and the tree coverage is really nice in providing shade for a sunny day. While trails aren’t steep, they are nicely groomed and easy to navigate. Check out the Pond (abbreviated as CP) on the map. The trail to Hammitt Hill was open, but we didn’t have time to try out that portion of the trail.

I would like
this land
to breathe
Maxwell Mays was one of Rhode lsland’s best known folk artists and for decades he was in great demand not only for his wonderful and historic Rhode Island art but also for his speaking and storyteller abilities. Maxwell was also a philanthropist and environmentalist and when he died at the age of 91 donated his land to the Audubon Society so future generations could enjoy it.
The roughly 300 acre refuge actually started as a farm way back in the early 18^th century and the area continued as a working farm with large herds of cattle and sheep until Mays finally bought the property in 1941. Maxwell May lived and loved the property until his death in 2009. The area was dedicated this year as the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge is and is now part of the Audubon Society.
The refuge is a quite place with mature forest and wetlands. The roughly 11 acre Carr Pond is in the middle and at the right time of the year lots of birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and even beaver and otter can be seen. The hiking is easy with few hills or rocks and all the trails are very well marked. A nice place to hike for people that aren’t deep wood wise or just want a simple walk in the forest.
The present trial is only about a mile and a half long but by next spring another trial up Hammitt Hill will open that will make the hiking a bit more interesting. This isn’t a place for a strenuous workout, it’s a pleasant and quiet area that should be taken slowly to fully appreciate the beautiful scenery and subtle wildness. It will be great for snowshoeing and cross-​country skiing in the winter because of the lack of nasty hills and dangerous ledges.
Certainly not the place to go if you want some exciting and lung burning hiking, there are plenty of other hikes nearby that will give you that. This is a peaceful place to see some wildlife, hear and smell nature and take part in some quiet contemplation. Maxwell stated that he wanted this land to breathe and stay open because it has been very good to him. His gift will ensure that the old farm will continue to be good to others.