places where you won't be able to wipe the wag off your dog's tail - Cumberland RI
The Park
Diamond Hill opened in the late 1930s as a hike-up-and-ski operation. There was a 1000-foot toboggan run and night skiing. Later additional ski trails were added and Ski Valley opened on the opposite side of the hill. Tow ropes were installed. The vertical drop reached as high as 300 feet over the next few decades and Diamond Hill is where hundreds of Rhode Islanders learned to ski on the “Big Hill.” The ski operation closed in the 1980s and Rhode Island managed the area as a state park. In 1997 ownership of the property was conveyed to the Town of Cumberland who built athletic fields and altered the feel of the park from passive to active.
The Walks
If you are looking for the steepest canine hike in Rhode Island - you’ve found it! The trail seems to go straight up and, covered in loose rocks, is even nastier coming down. Your dog’s four-wheel drive is a definite asset on Diamond Hill. There are alternative routes to the top, remnants of the old ski runs, but you will no doubt want to test the hardest. Ten minutes of exertion should bring you to the summit. If there are no games being played it is generally quiet enough in the park to poke around with your dog. One trip on Diamond Hill with its paw-grinding rocks will probably be enough. You may come across some trail marked by aluminum disks. This is the southern terminus of the Warner Trail that runs for 30 miles to Canton, Massachusetts. On May 19, 1951, Charlie Warner walked 25 miles on his trail when he was nearly 83 years of age. No word whether he had his dog with him.
Where The Paw Meets The Earth: There are no maps and no trail markings that make any sense. Hopefully you will recognize Diamond Hill, accessed across a small stream.
Workout For Your Dog - An hour to completely explore the park, more if you set off towards Massachusetts on the Warner Trail.
Swimming - Silvy’s Brook is a nice place to cool off but not deep enough for an extended swim.
Restrictions On Dogs - Dogs are allowed in Diamond Hill Park.
Something Extra
The views at the top of Diamond Hill will not cause you to sink to your knees in awe but it is a nice vista to the east over Pawtucket Reservoir.
Phone - None
Website - None
Admission Fee - None
Directions - The park is located in northeast Rhode Island, on Route 114, just south of the junction with Route 121.
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