Two Feet, Two Bucks: Colt State Park and environs

There’s nothing hidden about the gem that is Colt State Park – or is there? Thousands enjoy spectacular vistas through their windshields, attend picnics, fly kites, fish, or just relax overlooking the Bay. Formerly the wellgroomed private estate of Samuel P. Colt, nephew of the firearms Colt, a financier with a sideline in bootlegging, Colt Park is everything but the conventional state park where people take hikes.

Nevertheless, the ”Two Feet, Two Bucks” strategy – poke into everything – reveals a remarkable variety of hidden gems. Most of this route is within close sight of saltwater. Because colorful foliage endures longest in the seaside climate, this is an ideal late-fall hike. Hikers generally prefer a loop route, opposed to an out-and-back trail, but a linear route is better still. It offers more variety for the ground you cover and freedom to change plans along the way. This suggested hike from north to south roughly follows the perimeter of the park – and then some. The five mile point is where you can get back on the bus, or decide to walk another scenic half mile and conclude your day in downtown Bristol.

Take any RIPTA #60 bus and ask the driver to stop at Colt Park. At the entrance, two bronze bulls on marble pedestals are so striking that Colt is also known as Parque de los Toros. Instead of following the main road in, begin by entering North Burial Ground a few steps to the right. Bear left after entering from Hope Street, a short way to a memorial garden with benches and a small pond. Note this tranquil spot is the perfect place to sit and check your bus tracker if you decide to shorten this hike, or undertake it in the other direction. Wander the cemetery (if this is your thing) or follow the lane nearest the stone wall until you find the exit onto Asylum Road. Turn right and cross the East Bay Bike Path. A smooth, paved, shared-use path begins here and loops through the park, but today’s route proceeds straight where the bike path and Asylum Road veer left. Down past some athletic fields is sandy Bristol Town Beach. Left from here, paved paths hug the shore for more than a mile. In addition to shifting views across the bay are interesting sights on shore: A boat ramp, a stone arch over a tidal inlet, and a fishing pier. Examine the tide pool creatures, or just watch children doing so.

If you prefer to keep the day’s ramble under five miles, follow the shore a little ways past the pier, then walk uphill on the grass. Enjoy some views before you descend to the other side. Cross the park road to the bike path and follow it left, back to the park entrance with the bulls. If you want to cover more than five miles, by all means wander the hillside and over to the tidal pond and back. It is hard to get lost among the sweeping open spaces and visible landmarks and restrooms. To stay on track for the five mile trek, just stroll along the seawall promenade until it ends. Past the seawall’s end and the last picnic grove is about a half-mile of natural, rocky shoreline. The unkempt woodland makes for an interesting contrast to the elegant, manicured landscapes. Solitude is available here. You may extend this hike by beachcombing beyond the park’s boundary. Pick your way along the shore or return via one of the many paths and shortcuts through the woods. Unless you wish to lengthen the hike by exploring random trails, don’t stray far from the shore. When you emerge from the woods, turn right and follow the park’s vehicular drive. The park road curves along to meet Coggeshall Farm Road at a gated junction on the right.

Now another contrasting landscape envelops you. When Coggeshall Farm Museum is open, guides demonstrate early American life with historic breeds of animals and plants on a saltwater farm. At all times you may fully appreciate the antiquity of the grounds, stone walls, buildings, and maples as you pass by. At the lower end of Coggeshall Farm Road turn left on Poppasquash Road. “2F2B” generally does its best to avoid walking on roads that lack sidewalks but this walk, with an irresistible view of Bristol across its harbor at every step, calls for an exception. Traffic is sparse and slow thanks to narrow width and sharp curves. Local drivers are accustomed to walkers. There are several tiny beaches and resting spots. Too soon, you arrive at the East Bay Bike Path and just beyond, #60 bus stops on Hope Street. If you do not need to travel right away and are looking for a treat to wrap things up, you can’t fare better than in downtown Bristol, only three tenths of a mile down the bike path. If your destination is off Wood Street, home of the town common, Wood St Café, and more, take this shortcut: Cross Hope Street to Little Creek Lane to a boardwalk across a wetland to a playground and past a field to Wood Street. If the question is how can one pack the greatest assortment of picture postcard classic seaside New England scenes into one moderate day’s ramble on foot, the answer is a hike connecting North Burial Ground, Town Beach, Colt Park, Coggeshall Farm and historic downtown Bristol. •