FrPark

Difficulty: Clues and Hike - Easy

Background: In the early part of the 18th century a thread mill was built here by Thomas Tillinghast and Gen'l Christopher Rhodes and was known as the Mount Hope Factory. It was acquired by the town of East Greenwich in 1978 and became part of Frenchtown Park. The mill ruins are extensive and great fun to explore.

Caution: The old mill ruins contain a raceway, dam and several dropoffs. Though the site isn't particularly unsafe, young children should be watched carefully to make sure no mishaps occur.

Directions: This area is best appreciated by starting off at Tillinghast Road, a quaint winding road that exemplifies this old section of a small New England town. The park is located off of Frenchtown Road in East Greenwich. Frenchtown intersects Rt 2 just north of where Rt 2 crosses over Rt 4. Proceed west on Frenchtown Road and turn right on Tillinghast Road. Look for a place to park on your right after crossing the small stream (approx. 1/2 mile). There is a barred entrance here advising hikers to proceed at their own risk.

Proceed on the old dirt road that follows a small stream towards Frenchtown Park and the Tillinghast Mill ruins. East Greenwich boasts some of the priciest real estate in Rhode Island and throughout this hike you will be in the backyard of some very nice houses. After just under half a mile you will come to a fork in the road. There will be a small bench on your left just as it branches off the main trail. Take this trail towards the Fry Family Preserve. The trail goes through a narrow access in the back of a neighborhood on its way to the Preserve. When the trail splits again take the right fork. The trail makes a loop in the Preserve and you will end back here shortly. The trail keeps winding slowly to the left. You will see your first stone wall when you are approximately 3/4 away around the loop. Take 5 paces to the left and check low on the near (east) side for the Frye Family Preserve letterbox. (I couldn't read my notes and town's website misspells the name.)

Complete the loop and head back to the main trail. Go left at the intersection and head towards the old mill ruins. There are several small trails heading to the ruins of the old mill. On your left up the hill will be the foundations of several old buildings. Before arriving at the main section of the old mill ruins you will see a dammed up body of water on your right. You can take the trail across the pond and up to the back of the East Greenwich Parks and Rec. There is a plaque at the the top of the hill showing the complete Frenchtown Park area and giving the history of the mill.

Find the ruins of the mill and locate the raceway terminus. Look around for the highest rock structure and the end of a stone structure that runs east-west. Look low on the north side, 2feet from the end, 1 foot from the ground for the Common Thread that binds us all. After stamping in take your time and enjoy exploring the extensive ruins before retracing your steps to your car.

Before setting off be sure to read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.

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