This is a fairly easy area to walk, only a little bit of an uphill and for the most part the trails are easy to see. There is a great view of the pond and some man made mini waterfalls. I just recently went(March, Easter weekend) and found the area to be filled with mosquitoes and other small bugs. These trails are in wood areas with not many rocks, and the parking lot area I found had the best view of the pond. I did come across someone on a 4 wheeler, but neither of us were heading in the same direction. I also came across a trail where it looks like someone is living in the woods here? Overall, extremely beautiful spot, easy walking and the trees do a wonderful job of blocking the wind. There were just a few spots where it was very muddy and just a few rocks to jump on to get across. In general though I think this is a great place to bring anyone who doesn’t mind getting their shoes a little dirty ;-)
Brian S.
Place rating: 4 Warwick, RI
A hike that won’t break your heart The Breakheart Trial is one of the many trails in the the area that ends up(or starts) at Breakheart Pond. This is one of the main trails and despite it’s imposing name really isn’t very difficult. Sure some hills, rocks, roots and water but certainly nothing that is going to break your heart or any other part of your anatomy. I heard the name actually stated many decades ago when the oxen had to haul the corn and other farm veggies up a huge, rather steep hill and of course struggled to get up it. The hill may be tough if you’re hauling a wagon full of rutabaga but for a hiker it’s really not much of a challenge. The old names given to places usually have interesting stories behind them. I have heard that Roast Meat Road in Connecticut received it’s name because of a rather unfortunately incident in which a wagon of dry hay being dragged by a couple of oxen was hit by lighting. A rather unpleasant scene developed but I imagine the farmers did eat well that night. The actually Breakheart trail is pleasant with lots of water views including, rivers, steams, swamps and of course Breakheart Pond. In the spring it does get very muddy but there certainly are worse places. Of course because of the water, birds and many small animals make this their home. Lots of turtles, frogs and water snakes can be seen basking on rocks if you thread quietly. Unfortunately a vast number of stinging and biting insects are also present during certainly times of the year. Strong Deet is an absolute necessity if you dare venture here in the late spring, The main trail is poorly marked but easy enough to follow. If you want a challenge you can try some of the very small paths that lead off in all directions but you probably will get lost. Some of the paths just lead into old stone cellar foundations and then stop, Others meander into large open fields or into swamps. A reminder that in days gone by this whole area was once productive farm land. The Breakheart Trail is a well used path that is the most fun in the winter. Easy to follow the tracks of various critters in the snow and of course the horrible bugs are gone. It still is pleasant enough all year long if you don’t mine sharing the woods with some insects and lots of mud. An ancient and well traveled path that may break an ankle if you’re not careful but it certainly won’t break your heart. A hike that won’t break your heart
