Long Pond and Ell Pond Trail (Hopkinton) Hiking Guide
The yellow-blazed Narragansett Trail between North Road and Canonchet Road in Hopkinton is short but hard. The Nature Conservancy calls it one of the most challenging and beautiful hikes in Rhode Island, and Audubon says its Long Pond Woods refuge has arguably the toughest hiking of any of its properties. The path scrambles over bare granite, drops through a rock cleft and climbs to ledges high above Long Pond, among hemlocks, Atlantic white cedars and giant wild rhododendrons. The land is shared by the Conservancy, Audubon and the state, and the state-owned parts are hunted.
Distance and Difficulty
Hiking Project's recommended route from the North Road trailhead to the big rock overlook above Long Pond and back is 2.1 miles with about 180 feet of climbing, and it rates it Difficult. Grades reach 19 percent, and the route crosses several steep, rocky ridges and valleys. The Nature Conservancy describes a longer version: North Road to Canonchet Road and back, side trails included, is about 2.7 miles. It asks hikers to allow three hours, which tells you how slow the footing is. Footbridges, stone steps and even a small ladder help over the worst spots, but you will use your hands.
The Route
About 300 feet from the North Road trailhead you reach the first granite scramble. The Conservancy suggests using it to judge whether you want to tackle the rest. At 0.2 mile the trail climbs steep bare rock to a crossroads. The unmarked path to the left leads to the base of a giant rock formation, and if you are sure-footed you can work around its left side to the top for the view of Long Pond. To the right, a short spur goes to the Ell Pond National Natural Landmark plaque, and the yellow blazes continue down between two rock walls into the Cleft, also called the Cathedral. Past a long footbridge over Ell Pond's outlet stream, the trail gets wilder, with overlooks across Long Pond and a long spine of bare bedrock.
Parking and Access
The Nature Conservancy puts the trailhead at 360 North Road in the Rockville section of Hopkinton, with room for seven cars. That stretch of North Road is unpaved and can be rutted. Audubon says visitors may also park along the road. The other end of the trail is the Rockville Management Area's Canonchet Road trailhead at 225 Canonchet Road. Neither the Conservancy nor Audubon lists a fee. With two trailheads, a group with two cars can walk it one way.
Hunting Land: Orange Required
The forest around the two ponds is co-managed by The Nature Conservancy, Audubon and DEM, and hunting is allowed on the state-owned sections, including the Rockville Management Area at the Canonchet Road end. The Conservancy says hikers there must wear fluorescent orange during hunting season. Under DEM's rule that means a 200-square-inch hat or vest from September 12, 2026 through February 28, 2027, and 500 square inches during the December 5-31 shotgun deer season. Audubon's Long Pond Woods itself does not allow hunting, but the trail runs across land with several owners, so wear orange for the whole hike in fall.
Rules, Seasons and Hazards
Dogs are not allowed on either the Conservancy preserve or the Audubon refuge. Bikes, horses and fires are banned too. The Conservancy asks hikers to stay on marked trails and leave the fragile shores of Ell and Long ponds alone. The granite is slippery when wet, and Hiking Project's contributor notes slick and swampy spots after rain, so pick a dry day. Mountain laurel blooms in June and the wild rhododendron in July, and the oaks hold their color into November. Wear long pants and check for ticks afterward.
Hiking tips for Long Pond and Ell Pond Trail (Hopkinton)
- Treat the first rock scramble, 300 feet in, as a test: if it feels sketchy, turn around.
- Wear an orange hat or vest from mid-September through February; part of this trail is state hunting land.
- Leave the dog home; both the Conservancy and Audubon ban dogs here.
- Drive the unpaved end of North Road slowly, or start at the Canonchet Road lot instead.
- Give yourself about three hours for the full North Road to Canonchet Road round trip.
Nearby trails to explore
- Browning Mill Pond Loop (Arcadia Management Area)
- Napatree Point Trail (Watch Hill)
- Blue Trail Loop (Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Hard scrambles like the Cleft are safer with a partner. Post a Long Pond hike on TrailMates, settle the North Road or Canonchet Road meeting point and the orange gear in the event's group chat, and leave the second car at the far end. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.