Nine Men's Misery trail - Cumberland, RI

 After a busy morning and afternoon, I had some time to fit in a short walk. I decided to do my old stand by -- The Nine Men's Misery trail, at the Monastery.

 It was another picture perfect; almost fall day - here in New England! Too nice of a day; to let it pass by, without a walk.

 I parked at the lot; in the rear of the Monastery building.This is where most people seem to park; if they wish to use some of the other trails, besides the Beauregard loop.

Rear view of the Monastery building.

  Recently, a covered  information sign was erected. However, nothing has been put up, as of yet... I'm guessing a map of the trails located on the property - is the intended information.

information sign - sans information.

I began today's walk; (technically on the Beauregard loop) at the gated section, which can be seen, just behind the info sign -- in the picture above.

  This is the only portion of the trail that is paved. This portion, more than likely -- is all that remains of the access road the Monks once used . For more info on the history of the Monastery grounds , click HERE

Paved section of trail.

At this point; you can head either right or left, on to Beauregard. Today; we will be going right, to pick up the Nine Men's Misery trail.

What's around the bend?

After about 200 feet, you have another choice..

Exit, stage left..

This portion of the trail leads to the Monk irrigation pond - where you can find what remains of the pump house.

Ruble of the  pump house, can be seen in the undergrowth.

 The woods you pass through; are quite thick and composed predominately, of old growth oak and maple. If you choose to deviate from the trail and explore said woods - be prepared for some serious bushwhacking.

Example of woods, surrounding the irrigation pond.

 There is also; a swampy, marshy area opposite of the pond. I was able to capture a great blue heron, (seen here in flight) which are absolutely beautiful birds, its wingspan -- had to be five or six feet, from tip,to tip!

Great blue heron , flying away from me.

  From here; you have the option to take the "Old Road", which after a nice walk trough some woods brings you to an overlook of a quarry and some views of Providence to the south. However, we'll continue on our intended trail.

Old road trial, is to the left.

The 9 men's misery trail, leaves the woods for a bit -- bringing you to an open meadow.

View looking towards the meadow aprox ( NW) - it was recently mowed.

  Its a very nice and level walk through this section of the trail. The woods surrounding this meadow, are also very thick and expansive. I'm hoping to do some snow showing in these woods this winter. ( if it snows,that is)

Your view, as the trail makes it way through the open field.

Fall is definitely creeping in, the foliage is starting to dull and there were pops of color, here and there. See photo below.

Early fall color.

After a nice stroll; you either continue on towards the power lines, which run through a portion of the grounds, or as we will -- head back into the woods..

we'll explore the path straight ahead,another day.

Once your eyes have adjusted; you'll notice that the woods are much more open, which makes for much easier off trail exploration.

Easy bushwhacks,can be had here.

The Nine Men's misery monument, can be found up this short side trail -- seen in the below picture.

If you're not paying attention, its easy to miss the side trail.

After a short climb,you come upon the monument. For information of what occurred on this spot, in 1676 - click HERE

Nine Men's misery monument and inscription - erected in 1928

After allowing my mind to travel back to that day -- it was time to continue with my walk.The trail continues through some deciduous woodland, before entering into another meadow.

 I concluded my walk , where last weeks walk began. Overall, it was an enjoyable walk (as always) equaling approximately 1.5 miles. It usually takes me 45 minutes to complete, that's with frequent stops to admire trees -- or identify birds.

Heading home!