Just for Fun!

A Hike to Assonet Ledge

One of the most popular, easiest and fun hikes locally is the walk to Assonet Ledge. The ledge was a result of quarrying a unique type of granite called Arkose Granite, by the Fall River Granite Company during the 1800s. This granite was used in various construction projects that are still standing today: Fort Adams, Taunton State Hospital, New Bedford WaterWorks, New York State House in Albany and some of the Newport mansions.

Directions to the Area

From Fall River take Route 24 North towards Boston and take the Freetown exit 9. Bear left off of the exit, go under the overpass and in a few moments you will see , on your left, a sign for Copicut Road. Take a left and follow this road to the intersection of Bell Rock Road. You will see the Wampanoag Reservation sign on your right. Take a right down Bell Rock Road. Shortly you will see a state forest entrance on your right.

Once inside the entrance you will see the Indian meeting house and the dirt road, Ledge Road, continues on. To hike, park on this road. You may also drive to the ledge if your car does not ride too low (sometimes there are ruts and loose rock from rain runoff), but get some exercise! The hike is only about 1 and a half hours long total.

The Hike

Walk down Ledge Road until you reach what appears to be the end. Here you will see 2 streets signs: Ledge Rd. and Upper Ledge Rd. Either route is fun, pretty and interesting. The Upper Ledge Road offers an old Civilian Conservation Corps stone bridge and a large, mossy water hole; you will do all the climbing gradually, by road, and finish on the top of the ledge. On the other hand, Ledge Road will take you through some wonderful pine groves; you will end up at the base of the ledge.

Then you can climb the short, steep but not difficult hill, through the woods, to the top of the ledge.

The view from the top is one of the rare, unobstructed views in eastern Massachusetts. You will see a forest view, uninterrupted by telephone lines, houses or radio towers.

We hope you enjoy your walk through the Fall River/Freetown State Forest. If you would like to obtain a map of the forest, which shows this hike and many other choices for various forest user groups, go to the forest headquarters on Slab Bridge Road, Assonet, MA. To get there, take the same exit from Route 24 North. However, at the end of the exit , bear right. Go through Assonet Village and take a right off of Main St. (insurance company on your right). Go a short distance and where the street splits, bear right onto Slab Bridge Road.

Just a note:
We would like to remind you to take care of this area and any green spaces you venture to. Please carry out any trash you may have and respect the beauty of the area.

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