Chocomount Cove Trail

14. Chocomount Cove Trail [Former #10]

The Chocomount Cove Sanctuary on the opposite side of the road from Bull Rock was added to the Museum’s Land Trust in 2017. It completes the northern link of a wildlife corridor with walking trails that stretches through diverse habitats from the south shore of Fishers Island facing Block Island Sound to the north shore facing Fishers Island Sound.

Two small parking areas are available on Treasure Pond Road. One is on the left immediately after you turn onto Treasure Pond Road, and another is a little way up on the right, near the accessible overlook of Middle Farms Pond and Treasure Pond Trail. A third parking area provides access at the other end of the trail. To get there, as you drive up East End Road, take the first left after Bull Rock onto Spoffard Drive. Follow the left fork of the drive to a grassy parking area.

There is usually a sizable population of Black-capped Chickadees present as you are walking uphill into the Sanctuary. The heavily wooded area—red maple and black cherry trees dominate—transitions into an open grassland. The approach to the waterfront through the meadow affords wonderful views of Fishers Island Sound. A large American white birch is standing in the field.

Dragonflies and other insect species will compete with Yellow Warblers for your attention. A short path through the shrubs that parallel the waterfront leads to a scenic sandy beach. There is also a small marsh, created by freshwater runoff, at the west end of the beach. Birdlife abounds on both the cove and in the adjacent shrub line.

To return to the parking area, you can either retrace your steps, or take the alternative route not previously taken.