AMC Narragansett Chapter Trail Committee
The following summary describes the ongoing restoration work being carried out on the Mt. Tom Trail (north side of Rt. 165) in Arcadia Management Area. This section of trail has experienced severe erosion for many years, causing water to run directly down the treadway and wash sediment onto Route 165. The AMC Narragansett Chapter Trail Committee began a multi-phase restoration project to stabilize this section, restore the original trail character, and improve long-term sustainability.
1. Initial Assessment and Issues Identified
- The trailhead was barely visible due to vegetation and erosion.
- Heavy water flow from higher elevations and an intersecting side trail caused deep gullies in the treadway.
- Water and soil were repeatedly being deposited on Rt. 165, creating safety and maintenance concerns.
- Rocks buried in the treadway created trip hazards and diverted water in unpredictable patterns.
- The trail had widened unnaturally as hikers avoided eroded areas.
The committee determined that a full reconfiguration and drainage redesign was necessary.
2. Trailhead Reconfiguration & Water Control
New Waterbar Installation
A new waterbar was installed approximately 20 feet up from the trailhead.
This single structure now:
- Diverts downhill water flow off the trail
- Intercepts water coming from a side trail
- Prevents water from continuing straight down the main treadway
This drastically reduces lower-trail erosion and eliminates runoff onto Rt. 165.
3. Lower Trail Reconstruction
To regain control over water movement:
- The treadway was slightly widened to create a controlled flow path
- Twelve (12) new check steps/check dams were installed
- These structures slow down water, break up its energy, and encourage sediment deposition
- The trail was reshaped to direct water across the treadway, not down it
All buried and exposed rocks in the tread were removed so grading could be done smoothly.
4. Mid-Slope Restoration: Narrowing & Re-Establishing the Original Trail
As the trail ascends:
- The tread was narrowed back to its historic width
- Soil was graded evenly with just enough outslope to shed water as a sheet
- This prevents the development of a “river channel” in the trail
- Rocks pulled from the tread were reused as gargoyles (barriers) to discourage hikers from stepping off the rebuilt treadway or cutting new paths
This restores the original feel and appearance of the Mt. Tom Trail.
5. Final Surface Hardening
The newly restored treadway was:
- Compacted and shaped for durability
- Left without leaf cover so the crew can observe how water flows during storms
(Leaves are typically used as a protective layer, but monitoring was prioritized)
The crew will return after several rain events to:
- Make micro-adjustments to grade
- Add or reshape drainage features
- Harden any soft or settling sections
6. Future Work
The AMC Narragansett trail crew plans to continue working uphill, installing an additional:
- Six to ten (6–10) check dams/check steps
This will complete the stabilization of the upper portion of this problem area.
7. Volunteers
Special thanks to the trail volunteers whose time, skill, and dedication made this restoration possible:
Ron, Doug, Steve, and Roderick
AMC Narragansett Chapter Trail Committee
Please click here to see pictures in the restoration sequence.
Tony
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