Rhode Island · Hiking

Watchaug Pond Trail

0.5 mi
round trip
33 ft
climb
71 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Oct
best months

Watchaug Pond Trail is a 0.9-mile out-and-back hike on Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge in Rhode Island, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The trail is short and low, with a total elevation gain of 33 feet and a high point of 71 feet. It is rated moderate, and the route is mostly flat, with the steepest stretch at about 0.1 mile, a 2% grade. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Westerly show May highs around 67°F and September highs around 74°F, while July averages about 82°F. Ocean View Trail is 0.4 miles away and Burlingame Trail is 0.9 miles away. Climbers can find Butt Cave about 2 miles off, and paddlers can head to the Pawcatuck River, roughly 6.8 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Oct

    Best time to visit Watchaug Pond Trail

    Best months: April–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      40° / 25°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      41° / 26°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      47° / 32°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      57° / 41°

      11 wet

    5. May

      67° / 50°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      75° / 59°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      82° / 66°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      80° / 64°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      74° / 57°

      10 wet

    10. Oct

      64° / 47°

      11 wet

    11. Nov

      54° / 38°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      45° / 30°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Westerly State Ap, RI, 6.1 mi away at 81 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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