🏰 Discover Fort Barton: Tiverton’s Revolutionary Stronghold

If you love nature, walking in the woods, or learning about history, Fort Barton is a great place to visit. It’s right in Tiverton, Rhode Island, and it’s full of stories from a long time ago.

🏰 A Fort from the Past

Fort Barton was built during the American Revolution. That was over 200 years ago, when people were fighting for freedom. The fort helped soldiers watch over the bay and protect the land. You can still see the old redoubt – a small earthen fort – and climb the observation tower to look out at the water and the towns nearby.

The fort was named after Colonel William Barton, who once captured a British general in a surprise nighttime raid! There are signs at the top of the hill that tell this exciting story.

🚶‍♂️ Exploring the Trails of Fort Barton Woods

Behind the historic redoubt, Fort Barton Woods opens into an 83‑acre natural preserve with ~3 mi of interconnected hiking trails – Red, Green, Blue loops – crossing the scenic Sin & Flesh Brook area. Paper trail maps are available at the trailhead kiosk for anyone who’d like to bring one along, click here for an electronic version.

  • Trail network: The Red Trail forms a ~3-mile loop; the Green and Blue trails branch into more intimate woodland paths. All are moderately challenging, with roots, rocks, rustic footbridges, and occasional inclines.
  • Highlights: Multiple boardwalks over the brook, streams, hardwood forest featuring oak, birch, maple, sassafras, holly, and more.
  • Difficulty & family fun: A 2.3-mile loop takes ~52 minutes for fit hikers; stairs at the trailhead may challenge strollers but are manageable with breaks .
  • Amenities & etiquette: No bikes, horses, or motor vehicles. Dogs welcome (leashed or voice-controlled). Practice leave-no-trace, no camping or alcohol use. Parking is small (~12 spots), first-come, first-served.

🐾 Tips Before You Go

  • 🚗 Parking: There’s a small parking lot near Tiverton Town Hall.
  • 🐕 Dogs: Dogs are welcome, but keep them close.
  • 💦 Bring: Water, bug spray, and maybe a walking stick if you like extra help on hills.
  • 📷 Camera: The views from the top are amazing – don’t forget to snap a photo!

🌳 Why Visit Fort Barton?

Fort Barton is a quiet, beautiful place. It’s great for:

  • Learning about history
  • Getting outside
  • Seeing pretty views
  • Spending time with family or friends

🎯 Final Thoughts

Fort Barton is a true hidden gem in Tiverton – a perfect blend of Revolutionary-era significance and tranquil woodland exploration. Whether you come for the sweeping bay vistas or to lose yourself amid woodland trails and flowing streams, this 83‑acre preserve delivers a memorable, multi-dimensional experience.

Next steps: Park at 343 Highland Road, hit the redoubt, then plunge into the woods. Bring your camera – views over Narragansett Bay from the tower are breathtaking. Let the earthy trails guide you along Sin & Flesh Brook before circling back to wrap up a truly layered adventure.

Happy hiking and exploring – Fort Barton awaits!

PS- Looking for more trails? See the full list through the Insiders Guide, or click here.

PPS- Want to book a stay here in Tiverton? Start here to plan your Farm Coast getaway.