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From the intersection of grassy roads, a much clearer road with trail markers takes a sharp left (north) turn and reaches the Reservation property line at the corner of an old Virginia rail fence to the left (west); the trail then passes by two houses, also on the left. The trail arrives shortly at Route 138. The AMC Tippecansett Trail follows the paved road left (northwest) about 150 yards (145 meters) then crosses it at the Exeter/Hopkinton town line.
The Tippecansett Trail leaves Route 138 behind and heads right (north) on a dirt road at the town line. The trail passes by two dirt roads on the right (east), the second of which is the AMC's blue-blazed Dye Hill Trail. The yellow markers of the Tippecansett Trail continue on the dirt road to another intersection with a dirt road. This time, the other road enters from the left (west). A small sign on a tree at the intersection indicates that the Tippecansett Trail travels on "Noah's Ark Road," heading north and crossing a stream.
Sign for Noah's Ark Road
Continuing on the road, the trail reaches an intersection with another dirt road on the right (northeast) that leads to private property that includes a gate flanked by substantial stone walls. The Tippecansett's yellow blazes lead left (northwest) and soon pass a lone stone marker on the right (east), among the shrubs; it marks the Rhode Island/Connecticut boundary. A carved "C" with faint yellow paint faces west, while a carved "RI" faces east.
Rhode Island / Connecticut
Boundary Marker
Soon after leaving the boundary marker, the trail/road meets with the southern Pachaug-Tippecansett Crossover at another intersection of dirt roads. The red-on-blue blazes of the Crossover lead left (northwest) on a dirt road to the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA) Pachaug Trail (0.6 mile/1 kilometer - see The Beachgoer). The yellow blazes of the Tippecansett Trail lead right (north) to yet another intersection. The trail crosses the dirt road and becomes a footpath, leading north. By now, hikers may hear traffic on Route 165 and, in summer, motorboats and swimmers on Beach Pond. On the trail, a few feet from the intersection, is a geodetic survey marker embedded in a boulder; a "witness post" sign accompanies the marker. Near the marker, the Tippecansett Trail veers right (east), while an unmarked trail heads left (north) along the state border. Travelers should be aware that a number of unmarked trails exist in the Beach Pond area; continue to follow the yellow markers.
The Tippecansett Trail descends to another dirt road, heading left (northeast). The trail follows the road briefly and then veers from it to the right (east). After crossing a stream, glimpses of Beach Pond will eventually be seen on the left (north). Before crossing another stream, a short side path leads to a rock that juts into Beach Pond for a good view.
Panoramic view of Beach Pond from its southern side
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The Tippecansett's yellow blazes climb to meet the white-blazed Deep Pond Trail at a four-way intersection at the base of Hemlock Ledges. The AMC Deep Pond Trail leads right (southwest) and the Tippecansett Trail turns left (northeast). From a low boulder painted with "LOOKOUT," an unmarked path climbs ahead (southeast) a few yards to the side of the ledge. A few white blazes lead left (northeast) through a cleft in the rock formation to the top. The climb rewards hikers with a good view of Beach Pond. J. Harold Williams wrote about this spot, "I remember the biscuit and pies we baked in the reflector oven on the bluff at the east end of Beach Pond and the wonderful fishing and swimming there." (Williams and Anthony vol. 1 p. 13)
Boulder marking path to Hemlock Ledges
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Returning to the four-way intersection and proceeding right (northeast) on the Tippecansett Trail, the yellow blazes hug the shore of Beach Pond. The trail crosses a stream on a fine footbridge built as an Eagle Scout project on May 29, 2004, by Dylan Audette of Troop 35 West Greenwich, Rhode Island.
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The trail continues northwestward to a small parking lot on Ten Rod Road (Route 165). Ten Rod Road is named for the unusually wide right-of-way it occupies; one rod equals 16.5 feet (5 meters) -- perhaps this is why the number 165 was assigned to the route. The road was used to lead herds of cattle eastward to Wickford, Rhode Island for shipment by sea (Wood pp. 306, 402; WPA, Rhode Island pp. 331, 448).
Hikers may carefully cross the road to the former swimming area at Beach Pond. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management closed the swimming area in 2008, due to budget constraints and erosion concerns. The concession stand, restrooms, telephone and water amenities were removed (Naylor; RIDEM).
Panoramic view of Beach Pond in autumn from the former swimming area
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Artist's drawing of Beach Pond, circa 1881 (Munro p. 251)
Postcards from Beach Pond,
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According to an article in The Boston Daily Globe of July 2, 1883 ("Beach Pond Day"), the sand of Beach Pond was popular for coating "rifles" -- sharpening sticks for scythes used in farming. Annual gatherings to collect the sand became major events known as "Beach Pond Days" on the last Saturday of June. While thousands were said to attend the festival in its heyday, its popularity declined by the late nineteenth century as other sharpening materials became common. The reputation of Beach Pond Day began to turn sour when old horses were forced to run in cruel races; drinking and brawls were also associated with the event.
The water body was also named "Paucamaug Pond" (and other spellings), derived from the Native American expression "pauqu'amaug," meaning "clear (or open) fishing place" (Hughes and Allen pp. 614, 615, 749). The pond is the source of the Pachaug River.
From the former swimming area, the Tippecansett Trail (see the Totally Tippecansett Trail) and the blue-blazed Pachaug Trail continue further away from camp to the northeast. The Pachaug Trail also heads southwest on Route 165, eventually ending at Green Fall Pond (see The Beachgoer). Hikers can return to Yawgoog from the swimming area by going the way they came and possibly take the Blue/Freeman or Galkin trails, upon re-entering Reservation property.
Driving Directions to Beach Pond from Yawgoog: Turn left at the intersection of Route 138 (Spring Street) and Camp Yawgoog Road and proceed west about 5.5 miles (8.8 kilometers) to the junction with Route 165 in Connecticut. Turn right onto Route 165 (Ten Rod Road) and head east 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) to the pond on the state border. Parking areas are available on both sides of the road.
Driving Directions to Beach Pond from Interstate 95: Take Exit 5A in Rhode Island to Route 102, heading east about 0.6 mile (1 kilometer) and veer right onto Route 3. Travel south for 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) and turn right onto Route 165 (Ten Rod Road). Proceed west for 7 miles (11.2 kilometers) to the pond on the state border. Parking areas are available on both sides of the road.