Sowams Woods offers a 12-acre network of public walking trails which are open to the pubic year-round, dawn to dusk. Dogs are only allowed on leashes, due to the property’s status as a nature preserve. Bicycles are not allowed.
Parking
You may park in the dirt lot at the juncture of South Lake Drive and North Lake Drive in Barrington. From there, walk along the half-mile town-owned path, keeping Echo Lake on your right. Go past the fish ladder and the fence. The golf course will be on your left. The second trailhead on your right is marked as the entrance to Sowams Woods. You will also see the “No Bikes” sign at the entrance. This is the Jenckes Trail, marked with red blazes.
For a shorter walk, park along the Lighthouse Lane or Spinnaker Road. Walk across the street to the dirt road adjacent to the golf course. The trailhead will be on your left.
Download a Trail Map with a Brief History of Sowams Woods.
Tax Assessor’s Plat #5, Lot #7.
12 acres of mixed woodland of deciduous and evergreen trees.
Location: Intersection of South Lake Drive and Washington Road, bordered on the east by Echo Lake.
Acquisition: Purchased by the Land Trust in 2006 with major funds provided by the federal (NOAA) and State (RI Open Space Bond) governments, in addition to donations by members of the Rhode Island Country Club and other private citizens.
Take a Virtual Tour of Sowams Woods
Former BLCT Board President Helen Tjader was instrumental in the four-year, two-million-dollar campaign to preserve Sowams Woods. In this presentation, you’ll hear Helen speak about the unique environmental and historical elements which make Sowams Woods so valuable.