Get outside and enjoy a winter hike on these trails around Greater Fall River
Have some resolutions you’re hoping to stick to this year? Maybe even ones that involve incorporating more movement into your daily routines?
Finding something you enjoy doing makes you more likely to stick with that activity, so that it becomes a habit, and also something that you look forward to.
If you’d like to add more walking to your everyday habits, consider heading outside and enjoying some local hikes this winter!
The Greater Fall River area has a lot of natural beauty to offer, and you don’t need to be an expert hiker to enjoy it.
As with getting outdoors at any time of year, it’s important to wear the right clothing, and to take all necessary precautions.
Here’s where you can get outside and enjoy some fresh air with a local winter hike, as well as some winter hiking tips:
Safety first: What to keep in mind for hiking in winter
There are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to winter-time hiking.
Do's and don'ts: Fall River's Bioreserve is ideal for winter hiking. Here's how to start and where to go
The National Park Service even offers winter hiking tips for when you want to head outside:
Bring the right gear, like sunscreen, sunglasses, water and snacks, and traction devices if you’re going to be walking on ice and snow.
Dress in layers.
Know where you’re going: You can’t always rely on cell service, so have a map and compass (or GPS) handy.
Check the weather forecast and know trail conditions.
Wear appropriate shoes, such as waterproof boots.
Pack a first aid kit.
Know your route, and don’t rely on others’ tracks.
If you’re in a space where there might be some present, be aware of wildlife and always keep your distance.
For even more winter hiking tips and advice, visit the National Park Service’s website.
Here are just some of the many places around Greater Fall River where you can enjoy some time outside this winter:
Bioreserve Loop Trail, Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve
2929 Blossom Rd., Fall River
A 20-mile path taking visitors on a tour through all the natural landscapes found in Fall River’s forested eastern half.
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Freetown-Fall River State Forest
110 Slab Bridge Rd., Assonet
This 5,000 acre forest includes 25 miles of trails. It’s also home to a Wampanoag reservation. The Massasoit Trail, which the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation designates as an “easy” trail is a three-mile journey through a red maple swamp, passing scenic overlooks.
Fall River Heritage State Park
Davol Street
Enjoy a walk along the waterfront at Battleship Cove, and check out the various programs that Heritage State Park has to offer, from StoryWalk, to films, to special exhibits.
Alfred J. Lima Quequechan River Rail Trail, Fall River
474 Quequechan St.
The Alfred J. Lima Quequechan River Rail Trail is popular with walkers, joggers, cyclists, skaters, and more. It was also extended in 2023. AllTrails rates it as “easy,” taking an average of one hour, 19 minutes to complete.
Copicut Woods, Fall River
Indian Town Road
The Trustees of Reservations describes Copicut Woods on their website: it “features a variety of natural communities, vernal pools, an abandoned farm settlement, and the nearly mile-long Miller Lane, a 150-year-old stone-wall-lined scenic cart path. All Trails says it is generally considered an easy route.
Watuppa Reservation, Fall River
Blossom Road
The Watuppa Reservation “is home to several miles of wide, well-maintained trails that visitors of all ages can enjoy,” according to its website. Check out the Homestead Loop, Corduroy Path, or Tattapanum Trail.
Swansea Village Park
Behind Swansea Town Hall, Main Street
The park’s pathways “wind through the monoliths” of Wildcat Rock and Abrams Rock, according to the Swansea town website. The park “provides miles of walking trails through beautiful natural scenery.”
Weetamoo Woods and Pardon Gray Preserve, Tiverton
Main Road
The Pardon Gray Preserve is 230 acres of protected and permanent open space, contiguous with the 550-acre Weetamoo Woods. The cemetery in the center of the farmland is that of the family of Pardon Gray; there is a Cemetery Trail. The loop trails in adjacent Weetamoo Woods are designed for “easy to moderate walks,” according to ExploreRI.org.
Westport Woods Conservation Park
Adamsville Road
According to the Westport Conservation Trust, this park was once home to the St. Vincent de Paul Camp. Today, it has almost three miles of trails through 61 acres of forest, plus natural play elements for children.
Herald News/Taunton Daily Gazette copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River area places to hike in the winter time
