NORTH SMITHFIELD – The public will once again have the chance to hear the history and see the beauty of significant sites in town with walking tour that began over the weekend now set to continue on with the North Smithfield Heritage Association.
On Saturday, Sept. 13, NSHA President Richard Keene guided the first ever group walk through what’s known as the Gold Forest. The land, which was once privately-owned by the Gold family, became town-owned in July, and is now open to the public.
“This is the first time we’re doing a tour there,,” Keene told NRI NOW. “This will kind of introduce people to the area and give them a little history.”
The walk covered information incouding the Native American history of the area, with trails through a former rail bed and piggery, along with views of Tarkiln Pond. Keene noted the group will also visited the Sayles Historic Cemetery, which is also now town-owned following the recent land acquisition.
Local resident Lucien Benoit joined the group to offer his perspective on growing up in the area and its history.
“There are a bunch of trails back there,” Keene said. The hike took place on Saturday, Sept. 13.
But if you missed the event, no need to worry: the Gold property off Mattity Road is now open to the public anytime.
It won’t be area residents’ last chance to hike with the NSHA this year either.
The organization’s next walking tour will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27 in Slatersville village. That tour will cover Slatersville’s 19th-century history with guidance from National Park Service rangers and Director Christian DeRezendes. The easy walk step off from Heritage Hall at 101 Green St. at 10 a.m. Participants should park at the Town Hall next door.
On Saturday, Oct. 18, the group will offer the public a tour of Reservoir Three. Keene will lead a group on that easy-to-moderate hike with a view of the Great Wall, the ruins of Obed Paine Farm, and a 19th-century quarry.
“It’s mostly woodland trails, but some off trail,” he explained.
That hike includes area of some privately owned land. The NSHA receives special permissions, so those curious will have to join the tour to see the sights. Participants will meet at 10 a.m. at the North Smithfield High School parking lot on Grange Road.
The most difficult of the hikes will take place on Saturday, Nov. 8, when NSHA tackles the Wunnashowatuckquet Conservation Area. The tour will view Harkness Hill and the Blackstone River, and includes some steep inclines. Those joining that tour should meet at 10 a.m. at the North Smithfield Fire Station at 675 Saint Paul St.
The final Heritage Walk of the year will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Forte Wildlife Refuge. The tour includes remains of an 18th-century homestead and native ceremonial stone features.
“It’s well maintained trails,” Keene said of the refuge.
That group will meet at 10 a.m, at the refuge parking lot at 1435 Providence Pike.
Such hikes have long been offered by the NSHA, but Keene said he hasn’t held a Heritage Walk in about a year.
“It’s nice walking weather and people have been asking when we’re going to start doing them again,” he said. “This seems to be a good time to be out enjoying nature.”
Attendees are advised to wear good hiking shoes to all of the events, and bring bug spray and water.
Questions can be directed to [email protected] or (401) 447-6394
