Providence Mountains State Recreation Area is closed, and there is a locked gate 2 miles before the Visitor Center; so you have to park before the gate. This adds 2 miles each way; so the trek is now 9 miles with 3800' elevation gain. There is a caretaker staying at the Visitor Center. He doesn't mind hikers, but if he doesn't know you're hiking he'll wonder what you're up to when he sees your vehicle parked at the gate. It might be a good idea to leave a note on your vehicle letting him know where you're headed. Even since he's been there, they have had some problems with vandalism.
KathyW - Mar 3, 2013 6:31 pm - Hasn't voted
Locked GateProvidence Mountains State Recreation Area is closed, and there is a locked gate 2 miles before the Visitor Center; so you have to park before the gate. This adds 2 miles each way; so the trek is now 9 miles with 3800' elevation gain. There is a caretaker staying at the Visitor Center. He doesn't mind hikers, but if he doesn't know you're hiking he'll wonder what you're up to when he sees your vehicle parked at the gate. It might be a good idea to leave a note on your vehicle letting him know where you're headed. Even since he's been there, they have had some problems with vandalism.