Posted on April 16, 2015 and last updated on March 15, 2021

Bass Rock Preserve, Bristol

QUICK TRAIL FACTS

  • Preserve Size: 11 acres
  • Trail Mileage: 0.5 miles in network
  • Pets: yes
  • Difficulty: easy to moderate
  • Sights: Muscongus Bay, seaside ledge, interesting geological formation

For a smallish preserve, quiet, out-of-the-way Bass Rock Preserve offers a lot of beauty. Two small forested loops bring you to the shores of wide Muscongus Bay. The shore is ledgy—so good for taking in some sun. Someone has also strung up a simple swing so you can glide over the stone and sea edge. The preserve also includes an interesting well-like rock, “a geologic mystery, a 2-ft by 2.5-ft-round, 4-ft-deep hole” in the ledge off the main trail.

Directions: Take Route 32 to Round Pond. At the Granite Hall Store, take the north fork (to the left of the store), which is Back Shore Road. The preserve is about 1.1 miles on the right. Trail head starts at the kiosk.

Let me know if you have any trail updates or corrections!