Arcadia: Breakheart and shelter trails

Breakheart Pond Arcadia

On a crisp mid November morning I decided not to go bike riding and instead hike one of my favorite trails: breakfast trail in Arcadia forest in Exeter Rhode Island. 

First let me warm you,  Arcadia is big! If it's small compared to parks in new Hampshire or Maine.  But one wrong turn, and you could be hiking a few more hours than you planned.

I parked at Breakheart pond which is located off ft 165. There are plenty of areas to park.  The trails are well marked. Breakheart has yellow blaze markings and shelter tall is white. Break heart pond has a nice dam and some interesting rock formations to check out.

Trails are well marked

Follow the yellow trail,  which is break heart,  around the pond and you will get on a small single track tail.  You might still see some mountain bikers on this trail, but it's mainly good for hiking. I know when I've mountain biked it, I had to dismount a few time because of the rocks. 

After about 3 miles on the yellow  tail,  you will see markings for the white trail which is called shelter trail and that is also clearly marked. Shelter trail will take you back to plain road which is a dirt road that you can easily take to 165. There is an interesting abandoned campground on shelter trail and be careful to stay on the white trail at this location. I found myself getting off the train a few times because it was not marked very well and the leaf litter made finding the trail difficult.

Overall Breakheart and shelter trails are very difficult to hike. They are well marked, not many steep climbs and not too rocky. These trails are good for trail running and average for mountain biking. If you are in Arcadia in the fall, make sure you wear orange! There re plenty of hunters! 

One of the many creeks

On Shelter trail (the white blazed trail), on top of a hill, there are the remains of an old campground. there are many run down cabins and this impressive fire place. 

You'r friendly trekker