Since the kids are out of school due to the coronavirus, we’ve got some time to fill for our seven-year-old boy and four-year-old girl. I’m going to be writing about trails that are both physically-challenging for the kids, and also ones with opportunities for learning. Our latest trip was a quick trip over the border to Pulaski Park in Chepachet, Rhode Island.
Casimir Pulaski Park was created in 1939. It’s 100 acres with a beach and a picnic area. Those of you who paid attention in history class will remember Casimir Pulaski as the Polish general who’s known as “The Father of American Cavalry.”
Hiking is a great activity for kids, especially now. While it’s important to maintain social distancing, it’s also important to get kids out of the house and get them moving. It also gets them ready to go backpacking later on.
The Peck Pond Trail at Pulaski Park is a 1.3 mile loop that’s perfect for young kids. It also relatively flat. It was interesting enough for my seven-year-old son, but not too difficult for my four-year-old daughter (only one minor meltdown.)
Getting There
Located just off Route 44 near the Rhode Island/Connecticut Border, Pulaski Park is only about 10 minutes from Route 395. Every hike with kids should be an “adventure,” for them. You’re doing something big and fun and exciting so that it takes a little while to get there is a good thing. It gives you some time to get them ready for what they’ll see, and some time on the way back to either nap or discuss what they saw with you.
The Peck Pond Loop Trail
For a complete trail map, I recommend using AllTrails, which has apps for Apple and Android devices. The AllTrails map for the Peck Pond Loop is available here.
The trail itself starts on the beach at the end of the parking lot. I’d recommend starting the trail to the left, heading to the west. That puts the more challenging portions of the trail near the end.
You’ll start off going over a nice bridge. You’ll get a nice view of the waterfall by the dam. After that, you’ll head into the woods, and a nice gentle and wide lakeside trail to get you warmed up.
It gets a little bit rockier as you head north. Nothing too challenging. My wife pointed out to the kids that they were taller than some of the baby pine trees on the side of the trail. This entertained them for a while, as they proceeded to compare themself to every tree they could find.
Once you reach the retaining pool at the far northernmost point of your hike, you’ll head south. From here the trail gets narrower and rockier. It’s still flat, but much windier and more interesting as you follow the shores of Peck Pond for the rest of your journey.
The Pulaski Park Beaver Dam
Probably the most educational part of the trail is the beaver dam and pond that’s located about halfway into the trail. It’s a great place to take a break and mix in some learning.
The stretch run is always the toughest with little ones, so it’s nice that you’ll be able to see the finish line with about four-tenths of a mile to go. The beach you started from comes into view.
That being said, it was still helpful for us to come across a nice lady with her two dogs for the kids to pet. (Yes, we kept six feet between us and the nice lady.)
All in all, Pulaski Park was a winner for us. It kept the kids’ interest. There was very little litter. The trails were well-maintained and free of obstruction (save one downed tree that the trail now goes around.) There was only one small muddy stretch of trail, which is remarkable for New England in March.
I’d say it’s similar to Mohegan Park in Norwich, Connecticut (that I’ll review later) but it has the advantage (or disadvantage for the mobility-impaired) of having trails that are unpaved. My daughter would also want me to tell you that it doesn’t have any playgrounds.
Also in the Pulaski Park Area
We didn’t get to see it, but there is the very neat Carl Erickson covered bridge about a mile down the road.
If you’re looking to camp in the area, George Washington Campground is less than three miles away.
And if they or you) have been good, Deary Brothers Mikes Stand is a great ice cream shop that’s just a quick 10-minute drive away in Putnam. I’d be sure to check their Facebook page to make sure they’re open for the season.