Champlin Glacier Park

Nice trails sandwiched in Westerly. Make sure you bring the insect repellent

Water
rocks
and
houses
The Dr John Champlin Glacier Park is a parcel of land that is owned by the Westerly Land Trust and is open to the public. It’s not particularly large, a bit less than 150 acres, but you can stretch out a hike of about 4 or 5 miles if you use all the paths. Nothing strenuous or difficult, all the paths and trails are wide and easy.
The Glacier Park is an interesting place if you happen to enjoy geology. As the name implies the area was formed by the glaciers and in fact the entire park is a recessional moraine. Lots of boulders, kettle ponds and other obviously signs of glaciation are present and lots of cool stone walls meander throughout the park.
At one time the area held a stone quarry and huge chunks of worked granite can be seen laying around. At the highest point there is an observation platform where you can see a few miles out to the ocean. An impressive and nice view, especially in the winter.
One of the biggest problems with hiking here are the houses. The area has been heavily developed recently and houses are visible in the distance during almost the entire hike. They’re very nice houses but I would prefer more trees and stones and less signs of humans.
Glacier Park isn’t a hike for people that like to cover miles and want the solitude of the woods, plenty of other places for that near by. This hike is great for older people, kids or perhaps people with disabilities that keep them from climbing or doing the more difficult hikes. It’s also a great place for anyone interested in glaciers or geology. Definitely a place to slow down and look, listen and think.