About this guide
The Smithfield Trail Companion is a self-guided audio tour for 12 conservation areas and parks in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Walk a trail with the app open and stories play automatically as you reach each mapped location. Every story is also readable and playable on demand, so you can enjoy the whole tour from your couch.
Your location
Location access is requested only when you tap “Start This Trail,” and it runs entirely in your browser. Your position is never sent to a server, never stored, and tracking stops the moment you end the walk or leave the page.
GPS accuracy and fallbacks
Phone GPS under tree cover is typically accurate to 10–30 meters, and some story locations were placed from public trail maps rather than field surveys. If a story doesn't trigger, use “Play nearby story” or open the story list and play it manually — nothing is ever locked.
Safety
Keep your eyes on the trail, not your screen. Use one earbud so you can hear traffic, cyclists and wildlife. Carry water, check the forecast, respect posted hours and private property, and be aware of hunting seasons on adjacent land. This app is a storytelling companion, not a navigation or emergency tool.
Research sources
- Wolf Hill Forest Preserve: Town of Smithfield; RI DEM; ExploreRI; Smithfield Land Trust mapping
- Mowry Conservation Area: Town of Smithfield Seven Scenic Walks; Visit Rhode Island
- Ken Weber Conservation Area at Cascade Brook: Town of Smithfield Conservation Commission
- Connors Farm Conservation Area: Town of Smithfield Conservation Commission
- Stillwater Scenic Trail: Town of Smithfield; Smithfield Comprehensive Plan; Visit Rhode Island
- Olivia's Forest: ExploreRI; The Land in Trust
- Mercer Lookout: Town of Smithfield Conservation Commission
- Esmond Park: Town of Smithfield Conservation Commission; RI historic survey
- Camp Shepard: Town of Smithfield Parks & Recreation; Trails & Walks in Rhode Island; Smithfield Comprehensive Plan
- Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge: Audubon Society of Rhode Island; Rhode Island Wild Plant Society
- Mowry Commons: Revive the Roots; local watershed context
- Georgiaville Pond Beach, Dam & Gorge: Town of Smithfield; RI historic survey; Smith-Appleby House Museum