02-04-2025
Hiking through history: Discover the trails of the Blackstone Valley
To get you better acquainted with some of them, the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, a nonprofit that preserves, promotes and celebrates the Blackstone Valley's resources, has created a series of hikes led by experienced volunteer trail ambassadors that trek through glacial gorges, granite quarries, streams and ponds, and other natural features.
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On your way, ambassadors will point out historic sites, native lands, farms, and homesteads dating back hundreds of years. Hikers might pass by scenic natural features — waterfalls — or remnants of the American Industrial Revolution, all while being serenaded by a chorus of songbirds.
Anya Wilczynski, director of volunteers and community engagement at the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, said the hikes are easy for all ages, including kids and pets, but may be challenging for those with mobility issues, strollers, or wheelchairs.
Phil Johanson, a Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor trail ambassador from Massachusetts, leads a group of hikers at the Douglas State Forest.
Courtesy of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
On the Cormier Woods trail, a 5-mile loop around a 17th-century farmstead in Uxbridge, Mass., hikers often hear the roar of lions.
'Totally safe,' said Wilczynski of the growls coming from the Southwick Zoo nearby. 'You're pretty close to the lion's den at the zoo.'
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Trail ambassadors Ernie Germani of Rhode Island, and Phil Johanson of Massachusetts, provide a bounty of knowledge on local flora and fauna.
Johanson has carefully detailed notes about the trail in a wrinkled notebook.
'He has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to history and nature,' Wilczynski says. 'He has a dedicated notebook for every single hike. He keeps track of where it is, the quality of the trail, and special things you should note. He's hoping to someday pass that journal on to a future trail ambassador.'
While most of the trails are well maintained, they are not paved. Some are more rocky than others, and Wilczynski recommends hikers wear boots and prepare for muddy spots. Occasionally, there will be a boardwalk over a marsh.
Ernie and Phil do a good job of helping hikers over challenging terrain.
Hikers should pack water, bug spray, and wear comfortable pants and shoes. Pay attention to the weather when preparing for a stroll through New England's rolling hills and woodlands. This part of the state often has cliffs and rocky ledges.
Phil Johanson, a Blackstone Heritage Corridor trail ambassador from Massachusetts, leads a group of hikers.
Courtesy of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
Wilczynski said hikes last about two hours, but can go longer depending on the speed of the group (around 50 people) and weather. Bring snacks!
The series is popular with bird watchers and nature lovers who enjoy photography.
At Waters Farm in Sutton, Mass., walkers will come across harmless rock snake formation and prayer sites created by Native Americans. For the past two centuries the land was a farmstead and the progress of a family over six generations ais apparent.
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'Ernie will give a great overview of the history of that site,' Wilczynski said. 'Understanding, you know, how it was used as a monastery, and now, how it's used in a civic way.'
June hikes teem with blooming flowers, including
'There's a sense of that long-term history of all the people that have walked those trails in the past, but I feel like there is also a sense of the more recent preservation of these trails and the people who make these trails possible and that really ties into our volunteer program and just the stewardship that this region has,' said Wilczynski, who added there are roughly 200 volunteers who spend about 30,000 hours each year leading groups through
along the trails.
The hikes are either
on state property or managed by a nonprofit.
Day trippers can look at an interactive map on the Blackstone Heritage Corridor website for farms, ice cream shops, and historic places to check out after the hike. If you're planning to join the hiking series, they recommend hikers
'I love being a tourist in your own backyard,' Wilczynski said.
The spring series is as follows:
Saturday, April 5
– Waters Farm, Sutton, Mass.
Saturday, April 12
– Camp Shepard, Smithfield, R.I.
Saturday, April 19
– Castle Hill Farm, Whitinsville, Mass.
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Saturday, May 3
– Mendon Town Forest, Mendon, Mass.
Saturday, May 17
– Warren Brook Conservation Area, Upton, Mass.
Sunday, May 18
– Hawkins Pond, Glocester, R.I.
Saturday, May 31
– Stowe Meadows Conservation Area, Millbury, Mass.
Saturday, June 7
– Mercy Woods, Cumberland, R.I.
Saturday, June 14
– Douglas State Forest, Douglas, Mass.
Carlos Muñoz can be reached at
