The Swellesley Report

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Beyond Wellesley: Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Rhode Island

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It was a late-spring Saturday, warm enough for an outdoor adventure. The forecast called for overcast skies, a bit of a breeze, and temperatures in the mid-70s. So not quite a classic a beach day. Still, after a long winter we wanted to remind ourselves what the ocean looked like. A hike, we thought, less than two hours  from Wellesley. A place that offered a few miles of trails, plenty of ocean views, and nature galore.

We found what we were looking for at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown, Rhode Island. About 50 miles from Wellesley, the drive clocked in at about one hour, fifty minutes to the national park run by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. There, nature lovers can park for free in the large lot while they roam the 242 acre penisula that sits between the Sakonnet River and Rhode Island Sound.

From the mid-1600s to the early 1900s, Sachuest Point was used for farming and sheep grazing. During World War II, the U.S. Navy used the site for a rifle range and communications center. In 1970, a 70-acre donation from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island led to the establishment of Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. Later land transfers from the Navy brought the refuge’s acreage to its current 242 acres, ensuring the preservation of an  important stopover and wintering area for migratory birds.

Sachuest point national wildlife refuge
The Visitors Center has a ranger on hand to answer questions, along with clean restrooms and interactive exhibits. Borrow a string bag that comes with a pair of binoculars and a bird guide. A couple of minutes after we headed out to the trails, a ranger pointed out a red-tailed hawk perched atop the building. The juvenile male raptor seemed to enjoy the attention for a while then made a dramatic exit, perhaps flying off in search of a meal.
Sachuest point national wildlife refuge
The Gothic-looking building across the water in nearby Newport is St. George’s private boarding and day school. The 350 students, grades 9 -12, enjoy pretty nice views and take advantage of their Atlantic Ocean location both academically and recreationally.

 

Sachuest point national wildlife refuge
Sachuest offers plenty of rock scrambling opportunities for the kids. Careful, some of those rocks are slippery, Don’t ask me how I know this.
Sachuest point national wildlife refuge
We took about two hours to hike the entire 3 mile loop. The views of  Little Compton and the mansions along Bellevue Avenue in Newport are unparalleled. We could hear and see the ocean almost always as we hiked the well-kept paths, popular with both locals and tourists.
Sachuest point national wildlife refuge
There are many overlook areas and plenty of opportunities to access the shoreline. The rocky, rough, wild nature of the area means no swimming. Second and Third Beaches are nearby, however, with lifeguards and large parking areas.
Sachuest point national wildlife refuge
Sachuest Refuge, looking very Winslow Homer.
Sachuest point national wildlife refuge
Sachuest Refuge paths are wide, level , and  can accommodate canes, walkers, and sturdy wheeled equipment. There are benches and seating areas in many spots along the walking paths. In prime viewing locations, the vegetation is often low enough that someone viewing from a wheelchair can enjoy the views.
Sachuest point national wildlife refuge
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge was established for the development, management, advancement, conservation and protection of fish and wildlife resources. The area also serves as for incidental wildlife oriented recreation area for activities such as fishing (with a permit), hiking, wildlife photography, and en plein air painting.
Sachuest point national wildlife refuge
This low lying area looks very moody in the fog.
Sachuest point national wildlife refuge
Sachuest Point is home to over 200 species of birds. We saw a red-tailed hawk, lots of common yellowthroats, cormorants sunning themselves on a rock, red winged blackbirds, and others.

Sachuest point national wildlife refuge

Nearby the Refuge are the popular Second and Third beaches. Just don’t try to leave your car in the Refuge lot and walk over. It’s not allowed, and a ranger is on duty to make sure you don’t go rogue. When we first got there, we saw a woman park her car, put her surfboard under her arm, get on her skateboard, and mosey down the easygoing hill leading to Second Beach. She looked so cool and surfer-girl, with her sun-streaked hair and her flaunting of the parking rules. Within ten minutes a ranger was stationed outside to prevent more scofflaws. Looks like summer is here, and the parking is not going to be easy, even if you are a free-spirited wave rider.

Just a few miles away is Newport, with plenty of lunch and shopping options, if you’re inclined to go in that direction. We had a nice day trip to this corner of Rhode Island and recommend Sachuest Point for those looking for a relaxed outdoor experience just a bit beyond Wellesley.

Beyond Wellesley: The hidden gardens of Beacon Hill

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Beyond Wellesley: New Bedford Whaling Museum and lunch

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