Tarbox Pond - Rhode Island - USA (by This.Usually.Works) 

some more ponds in RI hopkinton area

As with most hikes at Big River, be sure to have a map and/or GPS. This hike partly on each side of Hopkins Hill Road follows trails less used. Starting from the large parking area for Tarbox Pond and Carr Pond hikes follow the trail to the left into the property. The trail starts a long descent downhill. There is a spur trail to the left. Ignore it and continue straight ahead to the (next) four way intersection. Here you will turn left and continue straight to Hopkins Hill Road. There will be a couple spur trails and intersections along the way. Ignore them all. When you reach the road, follow it downhill to the pond. Tarbox Pond is flanked by pine trees as it stretches to the east. In the summer months the small coves along the pond will be filled with lily pads. Across the street is a wooden guard rail. Directly to the left of it is a narrow trail-head. This is where you will go to continue this hike. Be careful crossing the street here as there is bit of a blind spot. Once on the trail you will notice a narrow river to the right and down the bank. The trail splits, stay to the right as the trail descends downhill once again. The trail widens a bit then bends to the left. The trail traverses through a forest floor of ferns as it continues ahead. To the right you will catch glimpses of tall dead trees in a swamp. This is the Carr River. Soon you will pass two trails to the left. Make note of the second one, this will be used on your exit. The trail then turns slightly to the left. Just ahead you will see a pile of debris that was used to block a former trail. At this point and on the right is a very narrow (almost non-existent) trail that climbs up a small knoll. It dead ends at the end of the peninsula surrounded by the swamps of the Carr River. This is a great and secluded spot to sit on a fallen tree and take in nature for a few moments. From here retrace your steps the “second left” now on your right. Follow this trail as it climbs uphill and bears to the right joining the main trail that climbs uphill. You will pass two four way intersections (not very far apart). Continue ahead and at the next major intersection turn left. This trail (sometimes referred to as the Big River Expressway) will lead you back to Hopkins Hill Road directly across from the parking area. Make note that hunting is allowed here.

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