Adirondack Camping at Rollins Pond/Fish Creek State campground

West on Mass. Pike ( I-90).
Stay on I-90 as you enter New York.
When you come to the merge of I-87 and I-90, take exit B-1, follow I-90 northwards.
In approx.15 miles you will cross the Hudson River
Approx 6 miles after crossing Hudson, take exit 1 (I-87N) follow I-87 N
Take exit 23 off of I-87
Left at end of exit ( Rt 418)
Follow 418 for approx. 1 mile
Turn right on to Rt 28
Follow for approx 36 miles to intersection with Rt 30
Turn right on to Rt 30 and follow for approx 45 miles to Tupper Lake Turn right onto Rts 3 & 30
Bear left on Rt 30 (when 3 & 30 split) approx 6 miles
Rollins Pond/Fish Creek State campground will be on your left

Suggested Camping Gear

Bass River Cape Cod

A  fun, scenic paddle along the bike path in Lincoln.  This trip is suitable for everyone.

 Albion to Manville (no shuttle required)

Directions

From 295N
Take Exit 10 – Route 122 – Cumberland
Take a right at end of ramp
Proceed approximately .4 miles
Take a left on to Albion Road – look for a CVS on the corner
Proceed approximately .7 miles.  You will see a sign for the Blackstone River
State Park on the right.  Additional parking is available across the street.
Put in is located up the bike path about 100 feet.

From 295N
Take Exit 10 – Route 122 – Cumberland
Take a right at end of ramp
Proceed approximately .1 miles
Take a left on to Albion Road – look for a CVS on the corner
Proceed approximately .7 miles.  You will see a sign for the Blackstone River
State Park on the right.  Additional parking is available across the street.
Put in is located up the Bike Path about 100 feet.

Blackstone Gorge to Millville lock, Blackstone MA  Suitable for all levels of experience.

Blackstone Gorge to the Millville Rapids from Erik Eckilson on Vimeo.

The Blackstone Gorge : GPS Coordinates: N42 00.923     W071 33.165

Triad Bridge on the Blackstone River

Check out Erik's video

Directions from the North:

Route 146 South: Take the Forrestdale/ Slatersville exit. At the top of the ramp turn left, then right at light onto Rt. 146A. At next intersection with traffic light turn left onto St. Paul Street. Follow St. Paul street until end at light at Route 122 (Main Street) in Blackstone Mass. Take left at light. Follow Rt. 122 North for about 1 mile. You will see brown and white sign directing you to turn left onto County Street towards Blackstone Gorge. Gorge is at end of County Street, parking lot on left.

Directions from the South:

Take Route 146 North to the Slatersville/Forestdale exit. Take a right at the top of the exit ramp, then right at light onto Rt. 146A. At next intersection with traffic light turn left onto St. Paul Street. Follow St. Paul street until end at light at Route 122 (Main Street) in Blackstone Mass. Take left at light. Follow Rt. 122 North for about 1 mile. You will see brown and white sign directing you to turn left onto County Street towards Blackstone Gorge. Gorge is at end of County Street, parking lot on left.
 

Route 16 to Route 122, Blackstone River Uxbridge MA shuttle  South Uxbridge M

Moving water, good steering control a must.

Directions to starting site: From 146, take Exit for Route 16 East.
Travel approximately 3 miles through Downtown Uxbridge, continuing on Rt.16 East. After passing St. Mary's Church on your right, look for an old wood and brick building on your left (Stanley Woolen Mill). Park on your right, just over a bridge and just past the mill. We will be shuttling vehicles and boats as part of this trip. After dropping off boats  shuttle vehicles to route 122 in South Uxbridge. The parking lot is on the left just past Susan Parkway, just before a bridge.

Blackstone River So Uxbridge to the Gorge. 

South Uxbridge Drive Inn to Blackstone Gorge, Uxbridge MA shuttle

Class II rapid on this trip.

Driving directions to the Uxbridge drive in (which is now a storage facility):
From the north: Take route 146 South. As you head south you will see one exit that says 146A Chockalog Rd. , but don’t take that one, go one more, take the 146A exit that has a sign for McDonalds and reads 146A North Smithfield. (If you stay on 146 and go too far you will cross the into the Rhode Island border. Turn around and follow the south directions). At the end of the exit ramp turn right and go underneath the highway, you
should see McDonald’s on your right. Pass McDonald’s and watch on your right for a small green sign that says "Balm of Life Spring" and a large sign that says Drive-In. If you get to Ironstone street you have gone too far on 146 A. Turn right on Balm of Life Spring road, turn left
immediately after you pass the Drive-In Movie Screen and drive down the gravel lane. Watch on your right for the parking area filled with cars
and boats. From the south: Take route 146 North. Cross from Rhode Island into Massachusetts, the first exit in Mass says 146A and has a sign for McDonalds. ( If you get to the 146A Chockalog Rd. exit you have gone one exit too far.)
At the bottom of the ramp, take a left onto 146A. Watch on your right for a small green sign that says "Balm of Life Spring" and a large sign that says Drive in. (If you get to Ironstone street you have gone too far on 146 A.) Turn right onto Balm of Life Spring road, then make a left
immediately after you pass Drive-In Movie Screen and drive down the
gravel lane, watch on your right for the parking area filled with cars
and boats.

Directions:

146 North or South to the Exit for Rt. 116 North. (Albion-Ashton Exit)  Follow Rt. 116 to the second light, Lincoln High School is on the left.  Turn right at the light and take a quick left onto River Road.  Take the first left after the Town Hall onto Cullen Hill Road.  At the bottom of road, turn left onto Lower River Road.  Follow Lower River Road to end. The parking lot is underneath the bridge for Rt. 116. 
 

Erik's video on River Island Park.

Directions:

N 41°59.811' W 071°29.656'

From north of Woonsocket

Take Rt. 146 south into Rhode Island.  Continue on Rt. 146 past the exits for Forestdale/Slatersville (Rt. 5/102), Pound Hill Road, and Downtown Woonsocket (Rt.104).  Approximately 2.5 miles after you pass the Downtown Woonsocket exit you will come to a stoplight – you need to be in the left lane.  Take a left at the stoplight on to Sayles Hill Road (There will be a small sign on the left directing you to Rt. 99).  Continue on Sayles Hill Road until you reach the intersection with Rt. 99.  Take a left on to Rt. 99 north toward Woonsocket.  At the light at the end of Rt. 99, take a left on to Rt. 122 - Mendon Rd.  Continue on Rt. 122 through three stoplights - you will now be on Cumberland Hill Rd.  Continue on Cumberland Hill Rd. about a mile until you reach a forth stoplight.  At this light, take a left on to Hamlet Avenue - you will be on a bridge crossing the Blackstone River. Immediately after the bridge, take a quick left on to Davison Street.  The entrance to the Rivers Edge Recreational Complex is about a tenth of a mile down the road on the left after the bike path parking lot.  Turn into the Rivers Edge Recreational Complex and continue about a quarter of a mile until you see the sign for the Canoe Launch on the left.

From south of Woonsocket

Take Rt. 146 North to Rt. 99 North.  At the light at the end of Rt. 99, take a left on to Rt. 122 - Mendon Rd.  Continue on Rt. 122 through three stoplights - you will now be on Cumberland Hill Rd.  Continue on Cumberland Hill Rd. about a mile until you reach a forth stoplight.  At this light, take a left on to Hamlet Avenue - you will be on a bridge crossing the Blackstone River. Immediately after the bridge, take a quick left on to Davison Street.  The entrance to the Rivers Edge Recreational Complex is about a tenth of a mile down the road on the left after the bike path parking lot.  Turn into the Rivers Edge Recreational Complex and continue about a quarter of a mile until you see the sign for the Canoe Launch on the left.
 

We will put-in at the River Island Community Park and Nature Trail, and paddle a 2 mile section of the Blackstone River from the Valley Falls Dam on the Cumberland/Central Falls line to the Elizabeth Webbing Dam on the Central Falls/Pawtucket line.  There is a little quickwater at the start which can easily be avoided.  We will explore the system of trenches that provided power to the Valley Falls Mill Village, and then paddle down a pleasant section of the Blackstone River.    

Valley Falls to Slater Mill-  video by Erik

Directions:  From Route 295, take exit 10 for Route 122 toward Cumberland.  Take a left on to Route 122 – Mendon Road.  After 2.5 miles take a left on to Broad Street.  After 1.5 miles you will cross the Broad Street Bridge into Central Falls. Take the first left on to High Street.  Parking is about 500 feet down the road on the left after an old mill that has been converted to apartments, and before a walking track.  Parking is limited.  After unloading, please move your car across the street to the parking lot at the Valley Falls Landing.  For Google Maps or Mapquest directions use 1461 High Street, Central Falls, RI

Bowdish Lake

Bowdish Lake - Glocester RI

GPS put-in coordinates are:  N41 55. 408'  W071 45.493

From Worcester - Take Rt. 290 South until it becomes Rt. 395 South. Continue to Exit 97 in Putnam Connecticut for Rt. 44 East.  Follow Rt. 44 East for appox 7. 5 miles to G the George Washington Camping area on your right. ( you will not be charged a day use fee). Go into the campground and follow the one way signs for approx 1/4 mile.

From Rt. 146 South - Take Slatersville Exit.  Turn right onto Rt. 146 A. At light by Slatersville Plaza, go straight on Rt. 102 South. Follow Rt. 102 South  for seven miles to intersection with Rt. 44 in Chepachet.  Turn right onto Rt. 44 West and continue about four miles to  the George Washington Camping area on your right  (you will not be charged a day use fee). Go into the campground and follow the one way signs for approx 1/4 mile.

From Rt. 146 North - Take Slatersville Exit.  Turn left off ramp onto School Street.  At intersection by Slatersville Common and Church, veer left onto Green Street.  Continue through Slatersville to first light at Rt. 102.  Turn left onto Rt. 102 South.  Follow Rt. 102 South  for six miles to intersection with Rt. 44 in Chepachet.  Turn right onto Rt. 44 West and continue about four miles to  the George Washington Camping area on your right. ( you will not be charged a day use fee). Go into the campground and follow the one way signs for approx 1/4 mile.

From Rt. 295 - Take 295 North or South to exit 7B Greenville, Route 44 west. Follow Rt. 44 West for approx. 13.5 miles to the George Washington Camping area on your right. ( you will not be charged a day use fee). Go into the campground and follow the one way signs for approx 1/4 mile.

Bristol Harbor (Independence Park):

From Providence:
195 East to Exit 7 (114 South...Barrington). 
Stay on 114 South all the way to Bristol (You'll go through Barrington and Warren on the way). Go past Colt State Park, past Poppasquash Road and you'll see the harbor on the right. Bear right onto Thames Street, then immediately bear right into Independence Park (there's no sign). Put in at the ramp or gravel beach and park.

From Fall River:
195 West to Massachusetts Exit 1 (not RI). At end of ramp, turn left at the lights (toward McDonald's). Go through the next set of lights (this will take you to the left onto Route 6).  Just before the next intersection at Bugaboo Creek--it comes up fast--bear right onto 114A. Continue on this road, which will merge onto Route 114 South. Stay on 114 South all the way to Bristol (You'll go through Barrington and Warren on the way). Go past Colt State Park, past Poppasquash Road and you'll see the harbor on the right. Bear right onto Thames Street, then immediately bear right into Independence Park (there's no sign). Put in at the ramp or gravel beach and park.
 

Bungay River  Attleboro MA

An easy paddle up a very scenic river. You will soon forget you are in the city of Attleboro after a few of the twists and turns of the Bungay River. 

GPS Coordinates: N 41 57 228  W071 16 822   GPS Address: 102 Holden St, Attleboro MA

On I-95 take exit 5 (rt 152). Take a left off the exit and bear right. Your on 152 now. Go about 3/4 of a mile and on your left you'll see a sign for Holden street. Take that left. The put-in is 1/4 mile down on the left. Just before you come to the bridge crossing the river there is a state canoe launch and a parking area on the left.

Charles River- Cambridge to Boston

Paddle up the Charles River past the Museum of Science and through the locks. We will venture a short distance into Boston Harbor and view the US Constituion before turning around and returning to our put-in. 

Leaving the locks and entering the Charles River

Directions to put-in:

Get onto the Mass Pike, Route 90 East.

Take exit 18 (on the left) marked Brighton/ Cambridge.

Move into the right lane and follow signs toward Cambridge/ Somerville.

Merge onto Cambridge Street. Cambridge Street becomes the River Street Bridge. Immediately after going over the bridge turn right onto Memorial Drive ( not marked well). Follow the river for approx. .5 of a mile, stay right and turn into a ball field and parking area.

Charles River  & Populatic Pond- Norfolk to Medway/Franklin MA  

GPS coordinates are: N 42 07.906 W 71 21.801

 Suitable for all level of experience. The river is narrow and more suitable for boats 15 feet and shorter.

The Charles River affords canoeing, kayaking and fishing opportunities in Franklin,  MA, especially where the river moves past picturesque Populatic Pond, a recreational body of water open to non-motorized boating. 



The pond connects to the Charles River and straddles the border between the three adjacent Towns of Franklin, MA, Medway, MA and Norfolk, MA.  You can paddle down the Charles River onto Populatic Pond or continue on the Charles as it moves downstream through the towns of Medfield and Millis and beyond

 Rt.495 North to exit 16 King St/Franklin. RIGHT onto King St. towards
 Franklin/Medway  Go approx. 1.3 miles to a set of lights.  Go straight thru and the  road now  becomes Chestnut St.  Follow for approx. 2.9 miles and take a left  onto  Myrtle St.  Go approx 1.4 miles and take left onto River Rd.   Parking on side  of road. 

Many twists and turns. Long boats not recommended. 

Charles River - Medfield to Natick MA

Considered one of the prettiest stretches of the Charles River.   Any length boat ok but paddlers in shorter boats may find the distance too great. 11 mile trip. A shuttle  is helpful for this trip.

 

Charles River So. Natick

You can put in below the South Natick dam on the right, but it may be difficult. A better launch site is from Elm Bank Reservation off Route 16 (about one river mile downstream from the dam) on the south Natick/Wellesley line.

The gates at Elm Bank, owned by the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) are open 8 am to dusk. Just downstream from Elm Bank, the flow from Waban and Fuller brooks enters the river on the left. Next you will pass several large coves which are open to exploration.   The Central Ave. launch site ( a small unimproved site for a few cars just before a stone bridge with wooden rails) is on the left about 5 miles from Elm Bank. Also of interest are the open fields of the Trustees of Reservations Charles River Peninsula (29 acres) located on the left one mile downstream. After you pass the Charles River Peninsula, be aware that the Chochrane Dam is just ahead and stay near the left bank. Takeout is at MDC's Red Wing Bay Canoe Launch (off Fisher street) which is located on the left, just above Chochrane Dam.
 

Charles River -Elm Bank Reservation, Wellesly, MA to Fisher Street Needham MA.  

Directions courtesty of Susan Engelman

This trip is 5.8 miles. 

This is another pretty stretch of the Charles River starting at the 182 acre Elm Bank reservation and old estate property.

Surrounded on three sides by the Charles River. The reservation is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The river twists and turns to the take out at Cochrane Dam.  The Dam was originally built in 1675 and is in a beautiful rural-like area and once backed up water for mills making paper, nails and textiles.

 http://www.onthecharles.com/

 Put-in (where we meet) Elm Bank is 900 Washington St.  

 Take out- 100 Fisher St.  Needham.

 GPS coordinates  ....Elm Bank    N42  16.600     W 71  18.464                                       

 Red Wing Bay Canoe Launch/Fisher St.  (take out)  N42  15.631N     W71  15.909

Charles River “Lakes District” – Newton, MA - Directions and history courtesy of historian Erik Eckilson

Suitable for all boats and all levels of experience – no shuttle required. Put-in at the public boat launch on Norumbega Road for a paddle through the inlets and bays of the Charles River behind the Moody Street dam.  Much of this area is surrounded by park and reservation land and the scenery here is as pretty as any on the river.  In the early 1900s, this section of the Charles was known as the "Lakes District" and it was one of the most heavily canoed stretches of water on earth. More than 5000 canoes were berthed along its 5.8 mile length. Norumbega Park and more than a dozen other local recreational facilities made the "Lakes District" famous.  See this website for more information on the history of canoeing on this section of the Charles:

http://www.ci.newton.ma.us/jackson/Canoeing/index.html

Directions to Put-in

From Route 95/128 North take exit 24 – Route 30.  Turn right onto Commonwealth Avenue – Route 30 East.  Approximately 100 yards down the road (in front of Charles River Canoe & Kayak) make a U-turn on to Route 30 West.  Take a right onto the ramp for Route 95/128 North, an immediate right onto Norumbega Road (don't miss the turn or you will be back on the highway) and a right into the parking lot across the river from Charles River Canoe & Kayak.

Cold Spring Park, The Blackstone River in Woonsocket

Video - Erik

GPS Coordinates for launch site: N42 00.484   W071 31.516

From the North:
Take Rte. 146 South into RI. Take the Forrestdale/Slatersville exit. (If you reach the Pound Hill exit you have gone too far). At the top of the ramp turn left. This road will take you to an intersection with a traffic light. (Lil' General Store and the Kennedy Diner are at the intersection). Turn left at the traffic light onto St. Paul Street. Take this street as far as it will go. St. Paul Street ends at (Main Street) Route 122 in Blackstone MA. Turn right onto Main Street (Rte 122) Rte. 122 crosses back into RI (Woonsocket) and becomes Harris Avenue. Start watching on your right for a fence bordering Cold Spring Park and a street sign saying Katherine Road. Turn right into the park on Katherine Road. Follow the road down hill into the park all the way to the end. You have arrived !

Directions from the South:
Take 146 North to the Slatersville/Forestdale exit. ( If you cross into MA on 146 you have gone too far) Take a right at the top of the exit ramp. This road will take you to an intersection with a traffic light.  (Lil' General Store and the Kennedy Diner are at the intersection). Turn left at the traffic light onto St. Paul Street. Take this street as far as it will go. St. Paul Street ends at (Main Street) Route 122 in Blackstone MA. Turn right onto Main Street (Rte 122) Rte. 122 crosses back into RI (Woonsocket) and becomes Harris Avenue. Start watching on your right for a fence bordering Cold Spring Park and a street sign saying Katherine Road. Turn right into the park on Katherine Road. Follow the road down hill into the park all the way to the end. You have arrived !

Concord River 

Paddle down the Concord River, Bedford to Concord section, Meander past the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and stop for a hike and photography.  You may end the paddle at the Old North Bridge and tour the Minuteman National Historic Park. 
 
Any size boat ok.  shuttle

Directions:  Route 495 to exit 32.  Take right at end of ramp and follow Route 225E
towards Carlisle.  Go approx. 1.4 miles to stop sign.  Take a left.  Continue on Route 225E.  At approx 5.1  miles another stop sign.  Take a left.  Continue on Route  225E.  At 7.8 miles you will cross over the Concord River and go down the road and take your first left.  Continue down road to put-in.

Connecticut River Excursion  Suitable for experienced paddlers

This is a 14 mile paddle. Paddle at a moderate pace (3.0 mph on flat water with no wind or current) rather than the typical leisurely 2.0 mph pace. There is a current which varies from 1.0 mph to 2.5 mph. This means you should be able to paddle this in approx. 4 hours.

This is a gorgeous paddle. Pauchaug Boat Ramp is the 14-mile shuttle drop-off location. Rounding a wide bend in the river you’ll see Moose Plain on the west bank as you approach the Schell Bridge. In the distance beyond the Plain is a jumble of hills known as Satan's Kingdom, created by glacial deposits. Half a mile downstream you pass under a railroad bridge--the site of Northfield's first ferry. Follow the river past Great Meadow and a series of fields and plains until you pass beneath the broad Route 10 bridge. Bennett Meadow Wildlife Area is on the west bank here. You may pass ducks, egrets, great blue herons, king fishers, and ospreys in season. A couple miles downstream is Munns Ferry, the last ferry to operate in Massachusetts. It’s a great place to lunch.

Further downstream, Riverview features a beautiful picnic area just across Rt. 63 from the Northfield Mountain Visitors Center. The river follows a fault line here, running through the spectacular French King Gorge with its 250 foot high rocky banks, then past the French King Rock and under the graceful arch of the French King Bridge. Proceeding downstream and through the Narrows you will reach Barton Cove, your journey’s end. Take time to explore the nooks of this peninsula. The rock formations are fascinating, and you will see a multitude of wildflowers and ferns--not to mention shore birds—and possibly bald eagles. The eagles nesting area is roped off on land. It may be late in the season to see them. You can find more about them and the eagle cam on their nest at:

 http://www.firstlightpower.com/eagles/default.asp

Launch from Pauchaug Brook Boat Ramp, Northfield, MA

Directions: From RI, go north on 146 to Worcester, take I-290 East to I-190 North, to route 2 West.

At the Connecticut River in Erving, take route 63 north to Northfield Center. Pauchaug Brook is on the left a mile past Northfield Center. If you get to the split of route 10 and route 63 (or the NH border), turn around. It is a short distance on your right.  It’s about two hours from RI.  Takeout at Barton’s Cove, Gill MA.

MapQuest Link:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?latlongtype=internal&addtohistory=&latitude=s JvOCMFoxt7liSgOuDw0yg%3d%3d&longitude=V59ZiiZHATKQVjO7Kwv5JA%3d%3d&name=Pauchaug%2 0Brook&country=US&address=&city=Northfield&state=MA&zipcode=&phone =&spurl=0&&q=brook&qc=Stream

Connecticut River Eagles Paddle - Barton’s Cove, Gill MA.

This is a 10 mile paddle. Suitable for experienced paddlers but works with all sizes of boat.  Very short boats and slow boats may not want to go all the way, there is an option to turn back, making the trip shorter.

Expect a fair amount of boat traffic, similar to the Narrow River in RI. However, much of the paddle is in a wide area of the river where it is easy to avoid the boats. You have to pay attention in the narrow sections.

There is a current which typically runs 1.0 mph at most in this section of the Connecticut in summer.  

This section of the Connecticut was Henderson Lake for over 4,000 years following the last glaciation. The lake was 100’ deeper than the river is now (i.e. the water was 100’ higher). The banks of the river are that high. This is a gorgeous paddle. You may pass ducks, egrets, great blue herons, king fishers, and ospreys. You will see eagles or your fee will be cheerfully refunded. (Note: there is no fee, but it will be refunded anyway.)

We will paddle right under the bald eagle nest at the start and again at the end of the trip. The baby eagles will be in the nest, but probably not flying yet. Bring your binoculars as we can paddle pretty close to the nest high up in a tree. We will have a clear view. This is the only eagle nest in the US with a web-cam. Here is the web site to check on the eagles before you go.

       http://www.firstlightpower.com/eagles/default.asp

The eagles are in a large dead tree on an island in Barton’s cove. You cannot go ashore here. Actually, you can go ashore, but you will be arrested (maybe … just remember Hitchcock’s The Birds). It’s roped off. 

We start the paddle at Barton’s Cove at the base of Pisgah Mountain behind you (North). From the cove, we paddle east upstream through the wide cove around the peninsula and eventually north into the Narrows following a natural fault line to the graceful arch of the French King Bridge high above the river. We continue north into the French King Gorge with its 250 foot high rocky banks, and past French King Rock to Riverview Recreation Area. Riverview features a beautiful picnic area at the base of Northfield Mountain. We will have lunch here and then return. Check it out on the aerial view of the map below. Riverview is at the end of Ferry Road off Route 63. 

Launch from Barton’s Cove, Gill MA.

AutoNav GPS address 66 French King Hwy, Gill, MA 01354-9718 

Directions: From RI, go north on 146 to Worcester, take I-290 East to I-190 North, to route 2 West to Gill.

When you cross the Connecticut River (on the French King Bridge) you enter Gill. Barton Cove Public Ramp is on the left about 3 miles or so after the bridge. It is about .4 miles before the traffic light, with a big sign “Boat Ramp.” If you come to a traffic light (well after Orange), you just passed it. Turn around just past the light on the left at the overlook of the dam. The boat ramp will now be on your right. It’s two hours from Providence. 

MapQuest Link: www.mapquest.com/maps/66+French+King+Hwy+Gill+MA+01354-9718/  

..............

CT River Opera House to Ferry   East Haddam

7-8 miles

Directions:

 I-95 North: Go to exit 70, left at end of ramp, then pass under I-95 to traffic light.

I-95 south: Go to exit 70, go straight (slight zigzag to left) and travel .7 miles to second traffic light. Turn right at traffic light onto Route 156. From the traffic light, travel north for 8.5 miles to the stop sign at the end of at the end of Route 156. Turn left at stop sign onto Route 82 and travel 3.3 miles, go right at first stop sign and continue north on 82. Follow signs to East Haddam. Once in East Haddam, the road turns into a one way. As, two-way traffic begins again, the Opera House is directly in front of  you. Take the left just before the Opera House, go past the parking lot and turn right down the small dirt road just before the airport entrance.

CT River Ferry to Hamburg Cove

Directions: I-95 north: Go to exit 70, left at end of ramp, then pass under I-95 to traffic light.

I-95 south: Go to exit 70, go straight (slight zigzag to left) and travel .7 miles to second traffic

light. Turn right at traffic light onto Route 156.

From the traffic light, travel north for 8.5 miles to the stop sign at the end of Route 156.  Turn

left at stop sign onto Route 82 and travel 3.3 miles, go straight at first stop sign (Route 148),

then turn left at next stop sign and go .2 miles to the ferry landing.  The ramp is on the right at the

ferry landing.

Deerfield River

 Description of river trip- shuttle  Just below Zoar Gap to East Charlemont Picnic area.
Paddlers looking for milder whitewater run on the Deerfield river!

Video of a previous trip- by Erik

video  2011 Erik

The 11.5  mile run holds both class I and II rapids. It takes about 3 hours and starts just below Zoar Gap. The best route is down the middle of the river. There are 2 sections of rapids between the Rt. 8 bridge and the take-out. But, for the most part, the river is fast-flowing and unobstructed.

The Fife Brook Dam release is generally about 4 hours. You can call the Fife Brook Dam voice recording the morning of the paddle to get the exact release time that day.
It takes 2 .5 hours for the water to reach the lower section where we will be paddling.  You'll know that morning what the put-in in will be and need to flexible to the power company's timed release that day. The Dam release # is 1-800-452-1737, the Dam code is 255123. This recording will tell you the exact time of release scheduled.

Take the Mass Pike West, to Rt 91 north to Exit 26, RT 2 west for about 17 miles to the Indian bridge. Once your reach the Indian bridge take the right just before the bridge onto Zoar Rd. There is a sign there "Rowe/Monroe" also. Follow Zoar Rd. to the end. Make a left at the end and proceed under the RxR bridge. Continue on the road until you reach the bridge that passes over the Zoar Gap. The parking area just before this bridge on the right. The put-in is across the street under the bridge.

The take-out, and where you can meet to shuttle:  Travel RT 2 west. From the town line of Charlemont, Ma. on RT 2 continue for 1.2 miles from there to the take-out and meeting place "East Charlemont Picnic Area" on the left side. Across the street from the take-out is "Hill Top Motel" on a red sign.
 

Deerfield trip 2-  quickwater and class one shuttle

Echo Lake (Pascoag Reservoir)- Glocester RI

Approx paddle time  2 hours.

From Rt. 295 - Take Take 295 North or South to exit 7B Greenville, Route 44 west.  Follow Rt. 44 West for approx. 12 miles Turn right onto Jackson School House Rd- Follow for a half mile and turn  right after the bridge at N 41 55.593 W071.43.164. State access site is .10 of a mile on the right.

From Rt. 146 South - Take Slatersville Exit.  Turn right onto Rt. 146 A. At light by Slatersville Plaza, go straight on Rt. 102 South. Follow Rt. 102 South  for seven miles to intersection with Rt. 44 in Chepachet.  Turn right onto Rt. 44 West and continue about 2.5 miles to Jackson School House Rd.  Turn right onto Jackson Schoolhouse Road. Follow for a half mile and turn right after the bridge at N 41 55.593 W071.43.164..  State access site is .10 of a mile on the right.

From Rt. 146 North - Take Slatersville Exit.  Turn left off ramp onto School Street.  At intersection by Slatersville Common and Church, veer left onto Green Street.  Continue through Slatersville to first light at Rt. 102.  Turn left onto Rt. 102 South.  Follow Rt. 102 South  for six miles to intersection with Rt. 44 in Chepachet.  Turn right onto Rt. 44 West and ccontinue about 2.5 miles to Jackson School House Rd.  Turn right onto Jackson Schoolhouse Road.Follow for a half mile and turn right after the bridge at N 41 55.593 W071.43.164..  State access site is .10 of a mile on the right.

From Worcester - Take Rt. 290 South until it becomes Rt. 395 South. Continue to Exit 97 in Putnam Connecticut for Rt. 44 East.  Follow Rt. 44 East for appox 6 miles to Jackson School House Rd.  Turn right onto Jackson Schoolhouse Road. Follow for a half mile and turn right after the bridge at N 41 55.593 W071.43.164..  State access site is .10 of a mile on the right.

Falls Pond North Attleboro MA

Rt 1 North by the Emerald Mall or North Rt 1 as you come off 295.   Follow RT1 to lights at Stop & Shop (after Bennys) take right at lights onto Rodney Rd. Go to Stop sign at Jefferson Rd. Turn right.  Go 2 mi. to Barbara Rd. turn left and put in will be at end.

Five Mile River

N41 55 117   W071 49 845

From Rt. 295 - Take 295 North or South to exit 7B Greenville, Route 44 west. Follow Rt. 44 West for approx. 20.5 miles to the 5 mile River put- in on the left hand side of road just after the bridge.

From Rt. 146 South - Take Slatersville Exit. Turn right onto Rt. 146 A. At light by Slatersville Plaza, go straight on Rt. 102 South. Follow Rt. 102 South for seven miles to intersection with Rt. 44 in Chepachet. Turn right onto Rt. 44 West and continue about seven miles to the 5 mile River put- in on the left hand side of road just after the bridge.

From Rt. 146 North - Take Slatersville Exit. Turn left off ramp onto School Street. At intersection by Slatersville Common and Church, veer left onto Green Street. Continue through Slatersville to first light at Rt. 102. Turn left onto Rt. 102 South. Follow Rt. 102 South for six miles to intersection with Rt. 44 in Chepachet. Turn right onto Rt. 44 West and continue about seven miles to the 5 mile River put- in on the left hand side of road just after the bridge.

From Worcester - Take Rt. 290 South until it becomes Rt. 395 South. Continue to Exit 97 in Putnam Connecticut for Rt. 44 East. Follow Rt. 44 East for appox 4. 5 miles to  the 5 mile River put-in on the right hand side of road just after the bridge.

Farmington River – a ten mile trip requiring a shuttle. Officially designated as a National Wild and Scenic River and one of the prettiest rivers in southern New England. We will put in at the Riverton Picnic Area and take out at Satan’s Kingdom State Recreation Area (before the Satan’s Kingdom’s rapids).  This section runs through the American Legion and Peoples State Forests and includes quickwater with short class I and II rapids.  This is a beginner trip, but prior quickwater experience is required - you must have directional control of your boat at all times.  Cold water paddling gear (wetsuit/drysuit) is also required. Bring a lunch.

French River

US Army Corps

• Mass Pike to Exit 10, (Auburn/Worcester, Rtes 395, 12, 290).
• Stay Left after Toll, for 290, 20E, 395 "Worcester".
• Stay right on the ramp, and get on 395 South.
• Take Exit 4B on I-395 to Oxford.
• Go through Oxford Center (across Rt 12) and continue straight for one-half mile to Howarth Road. Turn right and follow to the dam.

Hodges Dam From Worcester and points North:

• Route 290 becomes Route 395 (just beyond the the MA Turnpike exit)
• Take Exit 4B, Sutton Avenue, toward Oxford
• Continue straight, through traffic light across Route 12
• Proceed one-half mile, turning right onto Howarth Road which leads to the dam.

Hodges Dam from points South:

• Take Route 395 North
• Take Exit 4B, Sutton Avenue, toward Oxford
• Continue straight, through traffic light across Route 12
• Proceed one-half mile, turning right onto Howarth Road which leads to the dam.

Great Swamp Paddle, Taylors Landing, Kingston, RI. shuttle

Pro jo

 Directions. From Rt. 1 South or North take Rt. 138 heading WEST. Follow this to the intersection with Rt. 110. Right after this intersection on your LEFT is the put in. Watch for the sign. This can also be reached from Rt. 95 North or South. Take the exit for Rt. 138 and follow it EAST.  Put in:  N41 28 962   W071 33 082

Take out at Biscuit City:   N 41° 27.060   W 071° 36.969 Directions: From Rt. 95 North or South. Take the exit for Rt. 138 and follow it EAST. From the intersection of Routes 2 and 138, head south on Route 2 for approx 3+ miles.  Take a left on Biscuit City Road (off of Rt 2).  If you miss that left, take the next left on Kenyon School Road.  River access is a short way down road on left,  just before the Fenced off railroad tracks

Worden's Pond is one take out area.  Rt. 138 to Rt. 110 to Worden's Pond Rd., take right ½ mile on north side (S). Cement Slab ramp. more detail -Take out at Worden's Pond fishing access on Worden's Pond Road.   41.25.778  071.34.064  From Taylor's Landing. Drive down Ministerial RD (RT 110) to Tuckertown Four Corners. At the blinking light at intersection (Soccer Fields on far left).  Turn
right on to Wordens Pond Rd.  When you first see the pond, turn right into parking lot.  

Herring River  West Harwich, MA

In West Harwich has to be Cape Cod's equivalent of a Massachusetts Wild and Scenic River". The Herring River encompasses a multitude of habitats and allows you to paddle from salt water to brackish water, salt marsh to cattail marsh, and salt water to fresh water." writes Fred Bull author of "Paddling Cape Cod". Last year on this river I saw a pair of Osprey hunting eels and an amazing number of bird species. The river is tidal up to the dike where a fish ladder provides access to the fresh water in the West Reservoir. An easy carry over the dike will allow us to explore the West Reservoir which is home to the black crowned night- heron.

Directions to Cape Cod: Take I-195 East for 43.7 miles to Exit 22A. You will see a sign reading "Exit 22A RT-25 E to CAPE COD/THE ISLANDS" Bear right on ramp at Exit 22A to RT-25 East. Go east on SR-25 for 9.5 miles to US-6. Continue on US-6 and go Southeast for 0.8 miles to S Bourne rotary. Bear right onto S Bourne rotary and go Southwest for 0.1 miles to Sandwich Road ( US-6). Bear right onto Sandwich Rd (US-6) and go northeast for 3.0 miles to Mid Cape Connector (US-6). Turn right onto Mid Cape Connector (US-6) and south for 0.3 miles to US-6. You will see a sign reading "US-6 E" bear right on ramp. Go Southeast on US-6 to Exit 10.

Directions to the MA 28 launch site: Take exit 10 from US 6 and turn onto MA 124 south. Drive to the intersection of MA 124 and MA 39. Take MA 39 south for 1.3 miles to MA 28. Turn right onto MA 28 north, go 0.9 miles, and turn left onto the town landing just before the Herring River bridge. .

Hopedale Pond, MA

The town was settle in 1842 as a Utopian socialist commune and evolved into the home of the Draper Corp, at one time the world's largest manufacturere of automatic cotton looms. Hopedale has an area of only 5 square miles, a population of about 6,000 and is located in the Blackstone Valley.
Massachusetts maps showing Hopedale's location.
(info gathered from http://hope1842.com/)

Directions: From Route 146 North or South: Take Route 16 Exit.  Follow Route 16 East for about nine miles, through Uxbridge and Mendon into Hopedale. At first traffic light in Hopedale, turn left onto Hopedale Street.  Follow Hopedale Street north for about 3/4 of a mile, passing massive Draper Loom Mill on left.  Canoe launch is on left.

From Route 495 North or South: Take Exit 20 for Route 85 south.  Follow Route 85 for one mile to intersection with Route 16.  Turn right on Rt. 16 west and proceed about 2 miles to light at Hopedale Street.  Turn right onto Hopedale Street.  Follow Hopedale Street north for about 3/4 of a mile, passing massive Draper Loom Mill on left.  Canoe launch is on left, just past The Little Red Shop.

Hopeville Pond Griswold, Connecticut

Hopeville Pond is a widened three mile section of Pachaug River in Griswold, Connecticut. It winds through woodland, farmland and areas with light cottage development between a dam at the north end and a section of the river connecting to Pachaug Pond at the south end. Pachaug pond can be reached by paddling upstream on the river at the south end and carrying around the dam." Description taken from AMC Quiet Water Book

Directions: Take Interstate 395 to exit 86 and take Route 201 South, following signs for Hopeville Pond State Park. Stay on Route 201, which forks to the right after about a half mile. (where Hopeville Road goes off to the left); the park entrance is on the right one mile past the fork.  Go to Boat launch area: GPS  N41 36 183   W071 55 673. Note if the gate is closed to the boat launch (it will not be locked),  open it and drive in.  Close gate behind you.  There is a small sign on the gate that says "only open for boat launch".

Hunt River East Greenwich RI

 A lazy afternoon float through a wildlife sanctuary.  This location also has several miles of easy hiking trails.

Directions from Northern RI: Rt. 95 South to Route 4 (which is exit 9). Go 2.2 miles to Frenchtown Road (Route 402). Keep left on exit for 0.2 miles and take ramp to right to Frnchtown Road.  At end of ramp, turn right (east) onto Frenchtown Road. Go 0.1mile to Davisville Road. At traffic light, take a right onto Davisville Road. The river access will be 0.3 miles down Davisville Road on the right.  Park on either side of the bridge.

 Directions from Southern RI: Rt. 95 North to Route 2 (which is exit 8A). Go south on Route 2 for 2.5 miles to Frenchtown Road (Route 402). Turn left on Frenchtown Road and go 0.3 miles Davisville Road.  At traffic light, take a right onto Davisville Road. The river access will be 0.3 miles down Davisville Road on the right.  Park on either side of the bridge.

Indian Lake- Worcester

Directions to Indian Lake (North Pond):
From the South of Worcester MA.
1. Rt 146 north toward Worcester
2. Merge with Rt 290 through the center of Worcester
Note: Rt 290 stay in right lanes, due to construction

3. Exit on off ramp # 19 - 20 , stay left , take RT 190  to Exit #2 Ararat
Street
4. Left at traffic light ( Ararat Street) stay in left lane.
5. At traffic light take left at RT 290 Auburn, (South Frontage RD)
6. Merge  Right on to Shore Drive/Norton Drive EXIT ramp.
7. Bottom of ramp, at traffic light, take a right on to Shore Drive,
heading west.
 Put in is at City Beach on left side of road, just after YMCA
 Water is also swimmable.

Johnson's Pond  Big River  - Coventry RI

Erik's video on the Big River

 Trip is not suitable for kayaks over 15 feet.  Narrow and twisty river. Paddle upstream against the current and then return with the current to the put-in.

Zeke's Bridge state access. N41 39 906  -   W071 37 115

Johnson's Pond is a beautiful pond . The Big River is also accessed at this put-in.

Directions from 95 South.. Take exit 6 To Rt. 3 north ( DO NOT take exit 6-A or 6-B Hopkins Hill Road) Take a right at the bottom of the exit and follow 3 North for about a mile and a half. Take a left onto Harkney Hill Road. Follow for a little over a mile and look for the access for Zekes Bridge.

Directions from 95 North, Take exit 6 to Rt. 3 north. ( DO NOT take exit 6-A or 6 B Hopkins Hill Road) Take a left at the bottom of the exit and follow 3 North for about a mile and a half. Take a left onto Harkney Hill Road. Follow for a little over a mile and look for the access for Zekes Bridge.

Keach Pond Glocester, RI

Suitable for all levels.

Directions: Take 295 North or South to exit 7B Greenville, Route 44 west. Follow route 44 west for approx. 9 miles. Turn left onto Chestnut Hill Road (soon after the CVS). Follow Chestnut Hill Road  to Indian Trail on the left.  Follow Indian trail until the end of the road, state ramp and parking lot on the left.

From Rt. 146 South - Take Slatersville exit.  Turn right onto Rt. 146 A. At light by Slatersville Plaza, go straight on Rt. 102 South. Follow Rt. 102 South  for seven miles to intersection with Rt. 44 in Chepachet.  Turn left onto Rt. 44 East and continue about one half mile mile. Look for Chestnut Hill on the right, just before the CVS.

From Rt. 146 North - Take Slatersville exit.  Turn left off ramp onto School Street.  At intersection by Slatersville Common and Church, veer left onto Green Street.  Continue through Slatersville to first light at Rt. 102.  Turn left onto Rt. 102 South.  Follow Rt. 102 South  for six miles  to intersection with Rt. 44 in Chepachet.  Turn left onto Rt. 44 East and continue about one half mile mile. Look for Chestnut Hill on the right, just before the CVS.

Kettle Pond Visitors Center Charlestown

The Kettle Pond Visitor Center is located on the North side of Route 1 in Charlestown.

When traveling on Route 1 Northbound, travel just past the sign for Burlingame. Look on the left side of Route 1 for Bend Road. Make u-turn onto Route 1 South, travel 0.5 miles. Take right on Bend Road.

When traveling on Route 1 Southbound, continue past Ninigret NWR entrance. Travel 0.5 miles South on Route 1 and take the right turn onto Bend Road. (Note: you will have just passed the Willows Resort on the left.)

Address 50 Bend Road Charlestown, RI 02813

Kickemuit River

Lake Ripple  and the Qunisigamond River

Grafton, MA

A flat water trip. Head up Lake Ripple and into the Quinsigamond River.    

 Directions from the North:  Note, these directions are from 146. You can also get to Lake Ripple From route 122/140. When 140 splits, stay right on 122. On route 122, just past the Grafton municipal center, turn right on Bringham Hill Rd. Turn right after the third house on right by the Lake Ripple Conservation area sign. From 146 Head south on route 146. Take the Millbury West Main Street exit. (This exit is shortly after the Mass Turnpike/route 20 exit) At the bottom of the ramp turn left onto Elm Street. Continue on Elm Street through Millbury. Towards the end of (.6 miles from 146) Elm Street, Watch for CVS on the left and Ice Cream Barn on the right. Ease slightly left on Grafton Street. Notice the "to 122" sign. Stay straight on Grafton Street. Follow Grafton Street 3.9 miles toward Route 122. Grafton Street becomes Millbury Street. At the end of Millbury St. Turn left onto 122. Beware, this is A tricky turn because of speeding traffic on 122. Take your second left onto Bringham Hill Road. Bringham Hill Rd. is just before the Grafton Municipal center sign. Make the left, then watch on your right. Count three houses. The third house is red. Just after the red house is a dirt road with a sign beside it reading "Lake Ripple Conservation Area." Park at the end of the dirt road . 

Directions: from the South: Take route 146 north. Take the Millbury West Main Street exit. This Exit is a few miles past the Boston Road light. At the end of the ramp turn right on Elm Street. Continue on Elm Street through Millbury. Towards the end of (.6 miles from 146) Elm Street, Watch for CVS on the left and Ice Cream Barn on the right. Ease slightly left on Grafton Street. Notice The "to 122" sign. Stay straight on Grafton Street. Follow Grafton Street 3.9 miles toward Route 122. Grafton Street becomes Millbury Street. At the end of Millbury St. Turn left onto 122. Beware, this is a tricky turn because of speeding traffic on 122. Take your second left onto Bringham Hill Road. Bringham Hill Rd. is just before the Grafton Municipal center sign. make the left, then watch on your right. Count three houses. The third house is red. Just after the red house is a dirt road with a sign beside it reading "Lake Ripple Conservation Area." Park at the end of the dirt road.

Lackey Dam Paddle and The Mumford River

Take 146 north into Whitensville, take the exit that reads Lackey Dam Road/Whitensville. At end of exit take a right, follow road approximately 1/2 mile to the dam.  Parking is available on the service road to the dam. Paddle through Lackey Pond into the Mumford river.  N42 06.184  W071 41.394

Lincoln Woods Olney Pond, Lincoln RI

Lincoln Woods state park.Olney Pond 126 acres.

Directions: Take the Twin River Road exit from route 146 and follow the signs.  Turn right onto the ring road in the park ( you have to). Follow  a few miles to get to the state boat ramp. Lincoln woods put in- boat ramp -   N 41 53 370   W 071 25 684

Lincoln Woods sites 45 & 46 for RICKA Picnic  N 41 53 666  W 071 26 086

Long Pond, Lakeville MA  Leader: Burt Nowell  bnow@naisp.net 508-695-1866

Long pond is about 4 miles long with a state boat ramp. A nice Sunday paddle. Bring a lunch. Suitable for all boats.

Dir: RT 495 E to exit 5 to RT 18 S (Lakeville) Follow RT 18 about 9&1/2 miles to state boat ramp on right.

105 & 18 join together for about 2&1/2 miles. Follow 18 right (105 continues on) @ Lakeville Historical Museum. 18 is Lakeside Ave. changes to Middleboro
Rd. @ County line. Boat ramp about 1/2 mile after County line.

Lower Pawtuxet River. Pontiac Mills to Rhodes on the Pawtuxet.  Suitable for all boats and levels of experience. shuttle

95 North or South to exit 12 onto 113 East. The first intersection is the junction of route 5 (Greenwich avenue)  and 113. Turn left and go past Apex, cross over route 95 to Greenwich Apartments. Turn right into the apartments.  Put- in is behind the apartments in the far back corner.

Manchaug Pond in Sutton

corrections made 7/19/11

From Rt. 146 North or South take Exit 5
and head west (from the South this will be a LEFT and from the North you will turn RIGHT) to Manchaug on Whitins Road. Continue several miles to fork of Parker Rd. and Manchaug Rd. Take left fork onto Parker to end, and then a right. Boat Ramp is on left. GPS coordinates: N42 05.533    W071 46.040

Mansfield Hollow  Mansfield CT .  

Manville Quarry Paddle

Put-in and paddle upstream (right) and then return. N41 58.328  W071 28.231

Blackstone River
From 295 No. take exit 10. Turn right and go 5 lights to Manville Hill Road (about 3 miles).
From 295 So. take exit 10. Turn right and go 4 lights to Manville Hill Road (about 2 3/4 miles).
Turn left onto Manville Hill Road and go down the hill about 3/4 of a mile and look for the quarry entrance on the right. Turn in and then turn left into a small field and park. If you go over the bridge and come to a light you have gone too far.
 

Manville to Albion  The Blackstone River
 

Mystic River and Seaport, Mystic CT

Isham Street ramp

The river is suitable for all canoes and kayak, and paddlers of all skill levels. Start off paddling around the seaport viewing the old sailing vessels, then paddle upstream to the marshes and turn around.. Sea kayakers can venture out to the sea.

Ramp is at the end of Isham Street. Parking is limited, so you may have to drop your boat and gear and park in the seaport parking lot. (Free and a short walking distance away, also public rest rooms available.)

Directions: Isham St. boat ramp, Mystic CT. Take Rt. 95 to exit 90. Take Rt. 27 Greenmanville Rd. Follow signs for Mystic Seaport. (you will be heading south). Just past the seaport, turn right onto Isham St. (It is just before Oak St. which can also take you there). Ramp is at the end of Isham St.

Alternate put-in: State boat access right under I95. Parking is good there too. The directions below avoid Mystic Seaport area.  Directions:
Take I-95 S into Connecticut
Take exit 90 for CT-27
Turn right at CT-27/Rte-27/Whitehall Ave (signs for OLD MYSTIC)
Continue to follow CT-27/Rte-27 for 1.1 mi
Turn left at River Rd and to to about 550 River road just before you cross under I95.

ADDRESS: 550 River Road Mystic CT (Mystic is part of Groton CT)

Description of site: http://www.lisrc.uconn.edu/coastalaccess/site.asp?siteid=584

Ninigret Pond, Charlestown RI

Ninigret Pond is Rhode Island's largest coastal salt pond. The area features stunning landscapes and abundant coves for paddle craft to explore. It is also a great place to view wildlife. The area near the Charlestown Breachway (the outlet to the ocean) is dangerous for paddle craft and should be avoided because of both strong currents and heavy boat traffic. Otherwise, the pond is usually a calm and easy place to paddle. On most days the southwest wind fills in across this area in the morning and blows throughout the afternoon.

(Trip description courtesy of RI Blueways Alliance
Directions from Blueways and modified by Jim Cole.)

GPS coordinates to parking lot: N41  22 .288    W071 39.858

Directions: 
Take Route 1 south to Charlestown, going 2.3 miles past the junction of Route 1 and Route 2.  After going past Prosser Trail (Windswept Inn on corner), make a U-turn onto Route 1 north, then bear left onto Route 1A (at the Tourist Information sign)  follow the Ninigret Park (a town park) sign on Route 1A for 0.5 mile and then turn right into the main entrance to the park (across from Charlestown Police station).

The launch site is at the very end of the main access road (about 1 mile down Park Lane). Follow the road (Park Lane) left at the tennis courts, past the Frosty Drew observatory, and then straight to the terminus of the road at the Grassy Point parking area in the US Fish and Wildlife Refuge.  

There is a gravel road at the end of the parking area to drive down to the Kayak Launch to unload your boats.  Once unloaded, drive cars back to parking area.  There is also a rest room located at the parking area. Parking available for 25 to 30 cars.
 

Launch from the Charlestown Public Access Parking Lot near the Beach and Breachway.

DEM fishing ramp off Charlestown Beach Road. GPS Coordinates to the DEM parking area/launch N41 21.820 W71 37.592 I-95 S toward Providence, RI (Crossing into Rhode Island). Merge onto RI-4 S via EXIT 9 on the left toward North Kingstown. RI-4 S becomes US-1 S. Follow Rt-1-S into Charlestown Make a U-turn onto US-1 N/Post Rd. at the Charlestown Breachway Sign. (Just past Rt-2) Take first exit on Rt. (Town Dock Rd.) Follow to the Stop Sign. Turn left onto Old Post Rd. Follow this for approx. 1/2 mile. Take Right onto Matunuck School House Rd. Take Right onto Charlestown Beach Rd. Continue down Charlestown Beach Road till you come to the Kayak Centre. Cross the bridge and watch for a dirt road turn off on Right. (1st Right) Follow the dirt road around to the DEM Fishing Launch.

............... 

Nantasket Pier & Weir River  No Shuttle Required!  There is a $3.00 per car fee for parking.

Narrow River Narragansett RI

Directions: Take 95 South to exit 9 (a left exit) towards Newport/S. County. Merge onto Rt. 4 South. Turn slight right onto Tower Hill Road. Turn left onto Bridgetown Road (at large tower). Turn slight right onto Middlebridge road. Approximately a mile and half-mile up on the left will be Pollock Street. Turn and follow to the parking area.  N41 28.044  W071 27.013

Gilbert Stuart

.............

Nemasket River in Lakeville MA The AMC River guide describes this river as one of the prettiest in Eastern MA
Very clean river !  Suitable for all boats.  A chance to check out two herring runs. Description:  A few  quickwater stretches and a couple of easy portages.  12 mile paddle.shuttle

Fish ladder (this can be easily portaged)
 
Directions: Take exit 4 off of RT 495.  Follow Rt 105 south towards Lakeville for 1.1 miles. Take a left and turn onto Vaughan street ( just before Starr's liquors) and follow straight for one mile to the put-in which is on the left. Vaughn Street put-in GPS coordinates are: N 41  51.598'   W 070  55.018'

To get to the take-out from the put-in: Turn Right onto Vaughan Street . Turn right onto 105 north.  Pass under 495 to 28 North left.  Follow 28 to rotary, go half way around rotary to 28 North (still). Continue approx. 2.5 miles to Plymouth Street and take a right. Go .3 miles to first left Titicut Street.  Take-out is on the bridge1/4 mile on the left.  Titcut take-out coordinates are:  N41 56.034'   W070  57.421'

Nipmuc River and Harrisville Pond
Suitable for all ages and levels of experience.

This river, above the pond and above where the Clear River enters, is listed by the state as pristine water, the state's highest rating for water quality.  Note, if you choose the river route, there are numerous beaver dams to drag your boat over.

Nipmuc River Video - Erik

upper Nipmuc River Video- Erik

GPS coordinates for the put-in: N 41  58.258'     W071  40.738'

Directions from the South: Quickie directions: 146 North to Route 102 West to East Ave to Harrisville to Route 98 and the Harrisville Fishing Area just outside of town by the green bridge.

*More detail: Take Route 146 North (On 146 North, make sure you stay left when 146 and 146A split) to the Forestdale/Slatersville exit. At the top of the ramp turn right and then left at the light. This will turn into Route 102. Once you enter Burriville on Route 102, you will watch for East Avenue and a sign for Harrisville at a traffic light (it should be the second light at an intersection you come to.) Turn right and follow East Avenue all the way into Harrisville. When you enter the town you will drive over a bridge next to the dam. Turn right onto Route 98 at the next intersection. Just outside of town on Route 98, is a large green truss bridge. Park next to the bridge by the Harrisville Fishing Area Sign.

Directions from the North: Quickie directions: 146 South to Chocolog Rd. Right on 146A by Darling Farm. Right on 98 south to green truss bridge by Harrisville fishing area.

*More Detail: Take Route 146 South until you get to the Chocolog Rd. Exit. At the end of the ramp turn left onto Chocolog Rd. and head towards Route 146A and Uxbridge. By the Darling's Sewer service, turn right onto the Quaker Highway/Route 146A. Turn Right onto Route 98/Aldrich Street by the Little Texas Restaurant and the old Brick Quaker Meeting House. Drive about seven miles south on Route 98. During that seven miles, you will cross into Rhode Island. Watch for the large Sherman Farm because just after the farm is a large green truss bridge. We will be parking by the bridge. If you get to the Harrisville Fire Station, you have gone too far.

North River

Osterville Grand Island Circumnavigation, Cape Cod
 

Have you ever paddled past elegant homes with security cameras disguised as birdhouses following your every movement?  Cape Cod's prettiest waterways. Approx. 7-8 miles of saltwater bays and river paddling.

Directions: Cross over the Bourne Bridge and follow Route 28 S to Route 151 exit (7.7 Miles from bridge). Exit at 151 and go EAST on 151 (7.0 Miles) until it rejoins 28 at a small rotary. Pick up Route 28 SOUTH at this rotary. Proceed 5.1 miles and take a right onto South County Rd/Main St. (When this trip was scouted  out the sign for South County/Main St was missing. Look on the left side of the road for the Main St sign and take that right.) Go 2.0 miles into town. At the small circle take right onto Parker St (about 85 FEET long) and an IMMEDIATE  right onto Bay Street (Easy to miss Bay Street). Drive to end of road (0.5 Miles) to the put-in.

You could also go over the Sagamore Bridge and follow Rt. 6 to exit 5 and get on Route 149 south  to Marston Mills. Take a left on Route 28 South .Follow for approx. one half mile, then take a right onto S. County Rd/Main St. (when this trip was scouted  out the sign for S.County/Main St was missing. Look on the left hand side of the road for the Main St sign and take that right.) Go into town and at circle take right onto Parker Street and an IMMEDIATE  right onto Bay St. (Easy to miss Bay Street) Drive to end of road to the put-in. Check your map.

Pachaug River -  Griswold, CT

 Suitable for all boats and levels of experience.

The Pachaug Pond Boat Launch

Access to Pachaug Pond is provided through a state owned boat launch located adjacent to the dam.  The boat launch can be reached by taking Interstate 395, Exit 85 onto Route 138 east.   Proceed east on Route138 for approximately 2.5  miles to launch area. 

The Pachaug Boat Ramp- The ramp is of concrete planks with an asphalt approach.  There are parking and fishing facilities for the handicapped adjacent to the boat  launch. Parking Area -The parking area adjacent to the boat launch can accommodate approximately 40 vehicles. Chemical toilets are available on a seasonal basis.

For a directional map to Pachaug Pond, please see - The Index Map of Pachaug Pond. For more infor on this paddle go to: http://dep.state.ct.us/cgnhs/lakes/pachaug/lake.htm

Palmer River,  Rehoboth MA

An easy, scenic paddle up the Palmer River. This is a round trip and no shuttle is required. Suitable for all boats and levels of experience.

Directions: For Route 6 put-in:

Take 195 East to Exit 2 ( Rt. 136 towards Warren/Newport). Keep right at the fork in the ramp. Merge onto James Reynolds Road. Turn right onto Rt. 6. Drive for 0.06 miles, you will see the put-in on the left, off load and park.

Directions for the upper access put-in:  More Parking and less mud.

Travel east on 195 from Providence. Take exit #1 in Massachusetts (Route 114).  Turn left on Route 114 and go .5 mile to light (County Street).
Turn right on County Street (becomes Providence St. in Rehoboth) and
go approx. 3.7 miles.  Access is on right, immediately after bridge

Pawcatuck River

From I-95 take RI Exit 1 (right at end of exit), Head south on Route 3 (toward Ashaway) go for about 2 miles.  Take a left onto Route 216 and go for 2 miles.  Take right onto Route 91 and go about 1/4 mile to Bradford fishing access (on Left).

Pawcatuck  Alton to Bradford

Plummer’s Landing to River Bend Farm, Northbridge MA (shuttle) Northbridge, MA: Plummers Landing to River Bend Farm: shuttle 
Moving water winds around S curves, paddlers should have moving water experience.

Directions to Plummers Landing: From 146, take Rt. 16 East to Uxbridge Center. Take a left onto 122 North and travel for approximately 3 and a half miles. Take a right onto Church St. Extension  (Burger King and the Walmart Shopping Center will be on your left). Park on the right hand side of Church St. when you see the DEM Picnic Area sign.  N  42  7.715      W  071  38.245
 

Pawtuxet Cove, Warwick, RI

The easiest place to put into Pawtuxet Cove is beside the Aspray
Boathouse in Pawtuxet Village - Warwick. 

From south of Providence, take 95 North to exit 14A and follow signs for Rte 1 North, which is the Post Road.  Stay on the Post Road for 2.7 miles to a stop light where the Post Road Ts into Narragansett Parkway.  You will be looking across a small park at Pawtuxet Cove. Turn right and almost immediately left into Pawtuxet Park.  From the
north take 95 South to exit 18 (Thurbers Avenue) and follow signs for  Rte 1 South (left at bottom or ramp and right at blinking red light. Allens Avenue becomes Narragansett Boulevard, comes into a residential area, and comes close to the Providence River.  At the only stop sign turn right onto Ocean Avenue, go up two blocks to Broad St, and turn left onto Broad St.  Drive through Pawtuxet Village, cross the bridge over the Pawtuxet River, and stay to the left onto Narragansett Parkway.  Look for a sign for Pawtuxet Park, which has a white gazebo in the middle. The Boathouse is beyond the park itself at the water.  There is a ramp to the right of the Boathouse as you look at the water, and there is ample parking. 
(Pawtuxet Cove directions are courtesy of RICKA's Sea Kayaking web site)

 

Pawtuxet River, Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, Cranston RI

 no shuttle needed for this trip

You can put in at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet,  paddle upstream and then return to Rhodes.

Directions to the put-in:  From 95 South take exit 17- From 95 North take exit 16. Both exits lead to Elmwood Avenue.  Drive south on Elmwood until you come to the traffic light at Elmwood and Park Avenue. Take a left onto Park Avenue (A mobile station will be on your left). Stay straight on Park until you can go no further (Park Avenue will end) and take a right onto Broad Street. Go ½ mile on Broad Street. You will see a gazebo on your right. Take a right at the gazebo and follow the road right in the parking lot.

Lower Pawtuxet River - Warwick to Pawtuxet Cove  7miles. shuttle

Read the RI Blueways description of the river and the changes since the dam removal.

River restoration

New put-in: This put-in was constructed for paddling by the Pawtuxet River Authority.

These directions are an excerpt from Jim Cole's informative new book "Paddling Connecticut and RI".   "From Route 95, take exit 12A to Route 113 East, Warwick.  Go .6 miles then turn left onto Route 5 (North).  Go .09 miles and take a right onto Knight Street (across Bridge after Greenwich Village). Go .07 of a mile until the river is on your right. The put-in is on the curve at Knight Street next to the bike path and an old cemetery."  GPS N 041 43' 51.89"    W071 27'. 43.81"


Alternate Put-in is just below the old Pontiac Mills dam off Route 5 near the Warwick Mall. Take 95 North or South to exit 12 onto 113 East. The first intersection is the junction of route 5 (Greenwich avenue)  and 113. Turn left and go past Apex, cross over route 95 to Greenwich Apartments. Turn right into the apartments.  Put- in is behind the apartments in the far back corner.. We will be shuttling cars to the take out at Rhodes-on- the-Pawtuxet.

To leave a car at the take out at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, go south on route 5, cross interstate 95 and take the first right for access onto interstate 95 North. Follow route 95 to Route 37, take Route 37 east to Route 1 (Post Road) north). Follow Post Road as Route 1 changes to Route 1A into Pawtuxet Village, turn left onto Broad Street, cross the river, and then take Rhodes Place left to the parking lot near a large white building on the riverbank.

Providence River and Seekonk River put-in's

 Bold Point, East Providence

Access to the Providence River and the Seekonk River.

Kayak skirts are recommended for the crossing.

Leaving the put-in you will head northwest towards the hurricane barrier. On the left you will pass century old pier pilings (caution, some may be just below the surface). Entering the open water below the hurricane barrier there may be some chop,  especially with a south wind. Tidal currents are generally not a problem.  There can be swells coming up the bay in the open area. Kayak skirts are recommended for the crossing.

Rounding the corner, passing tugboats on your right, you pass through the barrier and enter the quiet Providence River. The electric company will be on your left and great views of the city ahead. After passing under the first bridge you are in and under the city. Waterfire braziers line the center of the river. The Providence court house and RI School of Design (RISD) are on your right. Passing under more bridges you come to the confluence of the Woonasqatucket and Moshassuck Rivers.

Bearing to the left you come into Water Place Park. The Providence Mall is in front of you. Paddle under the mall and the train tracks and continue up river until you run out of water. It is best to do this section at higher tides.

Directions: Take 195 East from Providence to exit 4.  Take exit 4 off of 195 east (RT 44 Taunton Ave/ Riverside), bear right towards Riverside and take first right onto Mauran Drive. Go two stop signs and turn left onto Pier St (also known as Waterfront St to right), follow past large nursing home on left and go to far end of dirt parking lot. You have arrived, enjoy!
Bold Point  N 41.813962 W 71.390233

 Directions to Collier Point:    (this put-in is not currently available)

From I-95 North and South, take the Thurbers Avenue Exit 18 towards Allens Ave. Take a left at the fork in the ramp, merging onto Thurbers Avenue.  Turn left onto Allens Ave.  Collier Point Park is approximately 0.8 mile up on the right hand side. Note: When traveling down Allens Ave to  the entrance to Collier Park- follow the signs for the Russian Submarine Museum and when turning off Allens Ave make a hard right, around building and it will lead you into the park.  ( it is a bit tricky without heads up).

Directions to the South Water Street Boat Ramp

Access to the Providence River

Directions to the South Water Street Boat Ramp

Note: Frank has updated theses directions. 

Directions to South Water St put-in,  Providence 

From the East: Take your shortest route to Interstate 95 in Providence and follow the directions below for 95 North or South.

From the West:  Take US 6 East past 95 merging onto Memorial Blvd and follow the directions below.

From the North:   On Interstate 95 headed south in Providence take the triple exit 22A, B, C.  On the ramp keep to the left to take exit 22A.

From the South:  On Interstate 95 headed north in Providence take exit 22A, on the ramp keep to the right.

From the Exit 22A ramp:  Merge onto Memorial Blvd, continue across Francis St (US 1).  Continue curving to the right along the river passing Exchange Terrace, Washington St and College St bridges on your left.    (Total distance on Memorial Dr is about 0.8 of a mile.)Get in the left lane and turn left over the next bridge at South Water St.  Make an immediate right to stay on South Water St.   The put in is 0.2 miles on your right.  Parking is on the street and there are parking meters which I believe must be fed until 6PM but check the info on the meter.   NOTE:  South Water St is one way.  

GPS Coordinates: N 41 49 341  W071 24 351

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Quaddick Reservoir- Thompson CT. -Meet at the State Police Barrracks in Chepachet RI and we will caravan to the put-in.

From Rt. 146 South - Take Slatersville Exit.  Turn right onto Rt. 146 A. At light by Slatersville Plaza, go straight on Rt. 102 South. Follow Rt. 102 South  for seven miles to intersection with Rt. 44 in Chepachet.  Turn left onto Rt. 44 East and continue about one quarter mile  to  the State Police Barracks on your right.

From Rt. 146 North - Take Slatersville Exit.  Turn left off ramp onto School Street.  At intersection by Slatersville Common and Church, veer left onto Green Street.  Continue through Slatersville to first light at Rt. 102.  Turn left onto Rt. 102 South.  Follow Rt. 102 South  for six miles  to intersection with Rt. 44 in Chepachet.  Turn left onto Rt. 44 East and continue about one quarter mile  to  the State Police Barracks on your right.

Scenic Quaddick Reservoir is nestled in the northeast corner of Connecticut — near the Rhode Island and Massachusetts borders — in the town of Thompson. The village of Quaddick began as a mixture of farming and small industry. The industry, run by water power, grew up along the Five Mile River, with the farms populating the outside areas. Prior to the Civil War, Quaddick included such industries as a grist mill, a hat manufacturer, a sawmill (which later became a twine mill) along with numerous farms, a school and a tavern.

With the advent of the Civil War, the need for more industry developed however the rather sluggish Five Mile River was no longer able to keep up with the expanding demand. In order to harness and control the water power of the Five Mile, a partnership of five gentlemen from eastern Connecticut decided to build a dam at the northern end of the river. In 1864, they began buying land surrounding the river and, between 1864 and 1875, the flowage rights from 63 people were bought at prices ranging from $35 to $9,500. The location of the dam was decided to be at the north side of the Providence to Springfield Turnpike. The dam was started in 1865 and finished in 1867. It created the eight mile long Quaddick reservoir behind the dam, a small mill pond in front of the dam and two spillways. The water from this new lake was able to power at least seven mills running along the river from Quaddick south to Danielson. As the industrial revolution continued into the early 1900's, Quaddick Lake was also heavily used as a source of power as well as water for processing textile materials in the plants in Killingly.*

Shortly after its creation, local residents began building summer fishing cottages and year-round homes on the lake to take advantage of its spectacular tree-lined views, swimming in the cool reservoir, boating on its nearly 2 miles of open water and some of the best fishing in New England.

In 1951, Quaddick was designated a state park after originally being developed as a Forestry recreation area. The site of the state park was originally a fishing area of the Nipmuck Indians and then was Thompson's town farm where elderly residents of the village spent their reflective years.

from http://www.quaddicklake.org/

Upper Quinebaug River -- Putnam to Dayville CT shuttle

This section of Quinebaug River  is a 6 mile trip in Eastern Connecticut and includes a shuttle  The river alternates between riffles and flatwater for the first half of the trip-- the second half of the trip is flatwater..  The river may be shallow during dry spells.

Directions to the put-in: Follow Rt. 44 in through downtown Putnam, CT. Take a left onto Kennedy Drive. (It is the street just before the bridge and waterfall) Look for the third parking area in a riverside picnic ground called the John F. Simonzi Memorial Park. There is a small boat launch area. N41 54 30.5     W71 54 35.3

Leave a car at the take out.  To reach the take out drive CT 101 west of Dayville CT to the river, a lane on the south side leads to a parking area and your take out. N41 50 56.7    W71 55 17.1

GPS coordinates for put-in:  N 42 04 932    W 072 09 801

                             for take out:  N 42 06 777    W 072 07 909

Directions:  Take I-95 north, to Route 146 north, to I-90 Mass Pike west, to I-84 west.  Take exit 3B to Route 20

Continue on Route 20 until you reach the intersection of Route 20 and Route 148 - about one and a half mile. Go straight through the light and continue on Route 20 for another 1 and 1/2 mile. Take a left onto Holland East Brimfield Road - there will be a sign for Holland and a large sign for the Quinebaug Cove Campground.  Continue approximately 2  miles and take a right onto Morse Road- there will be a brown canoe launch sign. 

After 1/10 of a mile, take a sharp left down the hill on a dirt access road. 

At the bottom of the hill, take a right following the canoe launch signs.  Put-in is 2/10 mile on the right before the Pond Bridge Road bridge.

Quinebaug River Canoe Trail    One way trip- (no shuttle) up the river and back to put in

Quinsigamond River- Riverview Apartments put-in.

 N 42 11 232    W071 41 652

irections: Take Route 146 south into Sutton MA. After the traffic light on 146 and Boston road, prepare to exit on the next exit which is Central Turnpike. Take the Central Turnpike exit. Head east toward Northbridge. The road become Sutton road, continue straight east. At the stop sign at the five way intersection at Adam's Corner, continue straight. Drive down the big hill into Rockdale. The road comes to a  T intersection. Make a left onto route 122. Head North into Grafton.  Shortly after in Grafton 122 and 122A split. A Cumberland Farms store sits precariously in the middle. Stay on Route 122 (to the right) for another mile.  Turn left at the sign for RiverView Apartments.  Follow road 1/4 mile to end (it becomes a dirt road).


Driving Directions from Providence

Take Route 146 North. Drive past the three Northbridge exits, but after the Purgatory Rd. exit, begin to watch for the sign for Central Turnpike. Take the Central Turnpike exit. At the top of the ramp turn right and head east on Central Turnpike toward Northbridge. The road become Sutton road, continue straight east. At the stop sign at the five way intersection at Adam's Corner, continue straight. Drive down the big hill into Rockdale. The road comes to a T intersection. Make a left onto route 122. Head North into Grafton. Shortly after in Grafton 122 and 122A split. A Cumberland Farms store sits precariously in the middle. Stay on Route 122 (to the right) for another mile.  Turn left at the sign for RiverView Apartments.  Follow road 1/4 mile to end (it becomes a dirt road). Note: You can also follow 122 to get to the put in.

Alternate directions:    Directions: 146N take a right onto Boston Rd  ( Tony's Pizza on left)  Follow 1.2 miles to the end.  Take a right onto Providence Road or 122A South. At 1.8 miles, turn left onto Cross Street (it’ll be before the Valley Plaza Discount Liquor Plaza & sign). Take Cross Street (aptly named because it connects 122A to Route 122) to the end and turn left onto Route 122 North for 0.7 miles – turn left into Riverview Apartments and continue following the road (it’ll turn into a dirt road that takes you to the put in).

Note: if you miss the left turn onto Cross Street, and you get to the Cumberland Farms store & gas station (0.3 miles from Cross Street), you need to make a hard ‘V’ left turn onto 122N and proceed 1.0 miles to Riverview Apts on the left.

From the Worcester area: Those coming from the Worcester area take 146S and take a left onto Boston Rd (Tony's pizza on right)  and follow directions as above.

N 42 11 232 

W071 41 652

Quinsigamond River-  Ekblaw put-in.

GPS coordinates: N043 41.206  W071 37.446

146N right onto Boston Rd. (Tony's pizza at left) Follow 1.2 miles to end.  Take a right onto Providence Rd or 122A South. At 1.8 miles, turn left onto Cross Street (it’ll be before the Valley Plaza Discount Liquor Plaza & sign). Take Cross Street (aptly named because it connects 122A to Route 122) to the end and turn left onto Route 122 North. (if the Cross Street turn is missed, continue to Cumberland Farms and take the left there to go North on Route 122) Continue 2.4 miles until the intersection of Routes 122 & 140 – turn left at this traffic light onto 122N/140N. Once you see Stop & Shop and CVS on the right (0.7 mi), Ekblaw put-in will be 0.1 mile further on the LEFT. 

From the Worcester area: Those coming from the Worcester area take 146S and take a left onto Boston Rd (Tony's pizza on right)  and follow directions as above.

  From S. MA:  Those coming from S. MA.  take 495 N to Exit 21B for W.Upton. Take a right off the exit and follow to Upton.  Take a right onto 140N and stay on this road until you come Ekblaw put-in on left.  approx 7 miles.

Quonochontaug Pond, Charlestown RI

Description from RI Blueways site

<The boat ramp at the inner end of the Quonochontaug Breachway provides access to both Quonochontaug Pond and Block Island Sound. The pond is a large salt pond with many coves and channels to explore in a kayak or other small boat. This boat launch is the only good access to this salt pond and sees heavy use from fisherman, boaters and day-trippers. Once beyond the launch area and on the salt pond it can be a blissful to paddle the salt pond with its expansive untouched barrier beach, classic Victorian summer cottages, extensive salt marshes and bird sanctuary.

The tide runs very hard through the breachway so caution is advised in and near the breachway, including crossing the inner end of the breachway. Be especially careful when launching and landing since the boat ramp is in the breachway channel. Use the nearby sandy area to launch hand-carried boats to avoid the current in the breachway channel (and leave the ramp clear for trailered boats). In sea kayaks or other small craft, only experts should attempt to head out the breachway and onto the open waters of Block Island Sound. Breachways such as this can easily be closed even to large boats by breakers as the wind picks up or even just as a result of a change in the tide, leaving no way to back shore.

On most days the southwest wind fills in across this area in the morning and blows throughout the afternoon, so be prepared for this when planning your trip.>

GPS N41 20 178  W071 43 323

Directions from the North: Take Rt. 1 to West Beach Road, which will be on your left. (It’s after East Beach Road) (From Westerly area: Take Rt. 1 to West Beach Road which will be on your right (it’s a short way past the Rt. 216 turn).

From both directions: Turn onto West Beach Road. Go straight to the very end of the road, which will eventually bear slightly right and turn into a dirt road along a breachway. The parking area and pond/launch is at the very end.

Upper Pawtuxet River, Hope RI

Suitable for all boats and levels of experience.
Hope Landing Access. Rt.116 to Hope Furnace Road, access to upper Pawtuxet River.

You may paddle up to the Scituate Reservoir and back again. The water is very clean, coming directly from the reservoir. A 4 mile round trip. 

Coming from the North, travel on Route 116 South into the village of Hope, in the town of Scituate. Just past the junction of Rt. 115, look for the bridge crossing the river. Turn right onto Hope Furnace Road. The access to Hope landing is down a short gravel drive.

Coming from the South travel on Route 116 North into the village of Hope, in the town of Scituate. The access, Hope Landing, will be on your left just after entering Scituate, before the bridge crossing the river. Drive down a short gravel drive onto Hope Furnace Road.  GPS Coordinates: N41 43.868  W071 33.930

River Bend Farm

Paddle on the canal to historic Goat Hill lock or more experienced paddlers can paddle the  loop, down the river and then up the canal."

Video by Erik

Directions to River Bend Farm:

GPS coordinates:  N 42 05 641  W071 37 442

From Rt. 146 North or South: Take the exit for Rt. 16 East. Follow Rt. 16 East for about three miles into downtown Uxbridge. At light turn right and immediate left, to continue on Rt. 16 East. After light, continue to second left. Turn left onto Oak Street. Proceed north on Oak Street for about 1.5 miles, staying right at fork by school. River Bend Farm is on the right. The parking lot is next to the red barn.

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Tri River Medical parking lot for the canal and Goat Hill Lock:

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River Island Park to Manville, Woonsocket RI (shuttle )  The river  starts out rocky and offers a few sets of rapids.

River Island Park:
Rapids begin this trip.

Driving directions:
This is a vehicle shuttle trip. Park your vehicles at River Island
Park and leave a van or two at Manville.
From the North:

Take Route 146 south into Rhode Island. After the Pound Hill road exit, watch for the Route 104 Downtown Woonsocket exit. Take that exit. At the bottom of the ramp notice the brown Visitor Center sign. You can follow these signs . Park in a lot behind the Museum of Work and Culture.
From the South:
Take Route 146 north. In North Smithfield, 146 splits. Make sure you stay to the left. Don't take the Park Avenue exit on the right unless you know Woonsocket well. Park behind the Museum of
Work and Culture in Woonsocket.
After the split take the next exit, Route 104. Follow the brown visitor center signs at the bottom of the ramp. You can follow these signs. Park in a lot behind the Museum of Work and Culture.

Roger Williams Park Providence RI

A unique location suitable for everyone.

Directions to the put-in:  From 95 South take exit 17- From 95 North take exit 16. Both exits lead to Elmwood Avenue.  Drive south on Elmwood until you come to the traffic light at Elmwood and Park Avenue.  Turn left onto Park Avenue and drive past the RT. 10 on/off ramps.  Stay on Park Avenue until you come to the traffic light at the Park School.  The school is on the right and the entrance to the Roger Williams Park is on the left.  Enter the park and bear left-the launch site and parking will be on the right side of the road at the lake.

Salt Pond - Galilee

Narragansett, RI

A state launch is available on Salt Pond Road: 

N41°25'39.00"
W71°29'47.40"

Hanson's Pub is 210 Salt Pond Road, RI.

Directions:  FROM THE NORTH: Take 95 South to Exit 9 (left side exit) to Route 4. Stay on Route 4, eventually it will join Route 1. Continue on Route 1 (NOT 1A) and look for Narragansett exit: Salt Pond Road / South County Hospital. Take a left at the bottom of the exit ramp and follow to the parking and ramp. * The ramp is on the left, after "Hanson's landing", formerly  "J G Goffs".
There are several handicap parking spots and the parking lot across the street is for cars without trailers.

*FROM ALL OTHER AREAS: Get on Route 1 (NOT 1A) and follow the above directions.

 Please note:  We have changed our put-in to the  "Hanson's Landing" because the Galilee State Boat Launch is presenting parking problems for cars without trailers. We are told that we can off load our boats at the Galilee State ramp but we CAN NOT park there. The police will ticket any cars left there that do not have trailers. They will not recognize our kayak or canoe racks or any signs that we may have posted....They will ticket !!  We advise you to use the above  "Hanson's Landing" .

Sapowet Marsh- Tiverton RI- directions courtesy of Henry D Site Description: The Sapowet Marsh is a 260 acre state-owned wildlife management area located in the town of Tiverton Rhode Island . Ornithological Summary: The main ornithological significance of this site is its importance to Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow, of which a sizeable population was documented.  Other salt marsh species of conservation concern that occur at the site include Great Egret, Snowy Egret, and Clapper Rail during the breeding season, and Northern Harrier and occasional Short-eared Owl during the winter. Large concentrations of Scaup occur along the coves of the Sakonnet River. American Black Ducks, American Wigeons, Gadwall, Hooded Mergansers, and other waterfowl occur within Sapowet Creek. Bordering shrublands, wood lots, and hammocks support American Woodcock, Ring-necked Pheasant, and a multitude of migratory passerines during spring and fall migration. Directions: From Providence: take I-195 towards New Bedford.   Take exit 8A Route 24 South (Tiverton / Newport).  Go 4.2 miles andtaike Exit 6.  Take left on to Fish Road.  Proceed 1.4 miles and take right on to Bulgarmarsh Rd (Rt 177)  Go 1 mile and take left on Main Rd. (RT 77).  Go 1.6 miles and take right on Seapowet Ave.  Go a little over 1 mile to parking on right, just befor the bridge. GPS coordinates:   N41 34 906    W071 12 528

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Seekonk River in Pawtucket

First, paddle about 1/2 north first to get a spectacular view of the Pawtucket Falls on the Lower Blackstone. Then turn around and head for Bold Point (about 5 miles).    The name Pawtucket means "Great Falls".

Please check a map or use mapquest before leaving for the trip.

GPS coordinates:  N 41 52 159   W071 22 816

The paddle will take place at Festival Pier, aka School Street Pier, on the Seekonk River, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island

Directions from Route 95 North. Take exit 28 (SCHOOL STREET EXIT) at bottom of exit go right . Follow for .02 of a mile to Tim Healey Way - on your right after the light.. Follow Tim Healey Way  to the river.

*Directions from 146 South. Take 146 South crossing into RI. Take the exit towards BRANCH Ave. Turn left onto Branch Ave. Merge onto 95 North (2.9 miles).  Take exit 28 (SCHOOL STREET EXIT) at bottom of exit go right . Follow for .02 of a mile to Tim Healey Way on your right after the light.. Follow Tim Healey Way down to the river.

NOTE:  Singletary Lake has invasive weeds.  To prevent spreading it to other  lakes and rivers be sure to clean even very small bits of vegetation from your boat before you leave the parking lot.  

GPS Coordinates: N42 10.168  W071 46.982

From the South:

Take Rt. 146 North.

Pass Exit 7 (Central Tpk).

About a mile past the Exit 7 take a left at the traffic light onto Boston Rd. (Mobil and Bank of America on your right at this intersection).

Travel about 1.4 miles to a 4-way stop sign.
Turn right onto Singletary Ave. (road sign on the left says Uxbridge Rd), travel 9/10ths of a mile.
Turn left onto Winwood Rd, continue onto Harris Ave.  Travel about 8/10ths on Winwood/Harris to the end.
Turn left onto W Main St, travel less than 1/10th of mile,

Enter paved parking lot on the left. The boat ramp for Singletary Lake is at the far end of the parking lot. 

From the north:

Take Rt. 146 South

Pass the Shoppes at Millbury on your right.

Take exit 8 For W Main St.

On the ramp, cross over Elmwood St and turn right onto W Main St.

Follow W Main St for about 1.5 miles. 

Cross Harris Ave and the parking lot is 1/10 mile on the left.  The boat ramp for Singletary Lake is at the far end of the parking lot.

From the east and west:

Find your best route to 146 in Sutton and follow the above directions.

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Slatersville Reservoir North Smithfield RI

This trip provides a nice paddle through a flatwater section of upper Slatersville Reservoir and then a stretch of the Branch River.

GPS Coordinates: N41 59. 243   W071 36.073

Directions from North: From 146 South, take the Slatersville exit.

Take a right off the ramp onto Great Road/Victory Highway. Travel approximately 1.5 miles. Go straight through the light, continuing on Victory Highway (Route 102), and travel another mile. You'll see a DEM sign for the Slatersville Boat Launch on left-hand side. Park in the dirt lot on the left (adjacent to the Slatersville Fishing Club Parking Lot). If you get to the Burrillville town line you have gone too far.

Directions from South: From 146 North, take the Slatersville Exit. Make a left off the ramp onto School Street. Travel 1.25 miles and merge (left) onto Greene Street. Travel straight on Greene St. (which becomes Main St.) for another 1.25 miles. Take a left onto Victory Highway (Route 102). Less than ¸ mile on left is a DEM Sign for Slatersville Boat Launch. Park in the dirt parking area on the left- hand side. If you get to the Burrillville town line you have gone too far.

Slocum River, So. Dartmouth MA

195E to exit 12 Faunce Corner and go right at end of ramp onto Faunce Corner RD. At route 6 (Liberty Travel, Mobil station) go straight across onto Old Westport Road. At the fork, bear left (it’s more like straight) onto Chase Rd, continue to end ( about 3.5 miles). Turn right onto Russells Mills Road. Watch for Davoll’s Store (yellow building on left, about 1 mile) then continue straight onto Horseneck Rd, down steep hill. Just after the hill watch for landing on the left next to the tennis courts.

(approx 9 Horseneck Rd So Dartmouth MA )

Smith and Sayles Reservoir - Glocester, RI
186 acre reservoir

Take 295 North or South to exit 7B Greenville, Route 44 west. Follow route 44 west for 9.1 miles. Turn left onto Chestnut Hill Road. Follow Chestnut Hill Road for .8 mile until you come to Sand Dam Road on the left. Portions of this road are not paved, follow for one tenth of a mile until you come to the state access on your left.
Chestnut Hill Road is in the Chepachet district of Glocester. It is always best to refer to a map or map quest .GPS Coordinates are: N41 53.804  W071 40.685

Spring Lake 96 acres. Spring Lake -

From Rt. 146 North take Slatersville/Forestdale exit. At end of the ramp, take left onto School Street. School Street merges into Greene Street in Slatersville, next to white church. Greene Street then becomes Main
Street. Follow Main street until end at light at intersection with Route 102/Bronco Highway. Make a left onto Route 102. Follow Rt. 102 about 2 miles to Glendale. At Bella's Restuarant, on left, take left on to access
road. At end of road, turn right onto Victory Highway and first right onto Joslin Road. Take first left onto Spring Lake Road. Proceed about 1/2 mile and take left onto Black Hut Road - there is a sign to the beach here. Go past Spring Lake beach parking lot and follow Black Hut along the shore
line of the lake through a small lake front neighborhood. State boat launch will be on right at the bend in the road.

From Rt. 146 South: Take Slatersville/Forestdale exit. At end of ramp, turn right onto School Street. School Street merges into Greene Street in Slatersville, next to white church. Greene Street then becomes Main Street. Follow Main street until end at light at intersection with Route
102/Bronco Highway. Make a left onto Route 102. Follow Rt. 102 about 2 miles to Glendale. At Bella's Restaurant, on left, take left on to access road. At end of road, turn right onto Victory Highway and first right onto
Joslin Road. Take first left onto Spring Lake Road. Proceed about 1/2 mile and take left onto Black Hut Road - there is a sign to the beach here.  Go past Spring Lake beach parking lot and follow Black Hut along the shore line of the lake through a small lake front neighborhood. State boat launch will be on right at the bend in the road.

From Rt. 295 Take exit 8 B for Route 7 North. Follow Rt. 7 north about 7 miles to light at intersection with Route 102. Turn left onto 102. Follow Rt. 102 about 1 mile to Glendale. At Bella's Restaurant, on left, take
left on to access road. At end of road, turn right onto Victory Highway and first right onto Joslin Road. Take first left onto Spring Lake Road. Proceed about 1/2 mile and take left onto Black Hut Road - there is a sign to the beach here. Go past Spring Lake beach parking lot and follow Black Hut along the shore line of the lake through a small lake front neighborhood. State boat launch will be on right at the bend in the road.

Spring Lake Boat ramp: N 41° 58.695'  W 071° 39.864'
Pavillion: N 41° 59.256'  W 071° 39.439'
Beach: N 41° 59.089'  W 071° 39.358'

Rt. 95 to 146 to 116 South/Lincoln Mall exit (from Providence, North Providence or Pawtucket take the Douglas Pike Rt. 7 North and turn left on 116). At the Junction with 104 stay on 116, taking a left and then a quick right. Go past the police station and over the bridge that divides the pond. Immediately before the Dairy Mart and liquor store plaza take a sharp right onto Log Road. Bear right at the yield sign and then turn right into the Stump Pond Fishing Area Access.  N41 54. 043   W071 32. 479 

Stump Pond Coventry RI

N 41° 42.057
W 071° 38.148

Directions:

from Rt 102
Head East on Rt 117
travel approx 3.5 miles.
The launch is near the intersection of Hill Farm Road
and Phillips Hill Road in Coventry.

Directions courtesy of Erik Eckilson

Video- Erik

 An 8-mile trip on the scenic Sudbury, Assebet and Concord Rivers.  We will put-in on the Sudbury River at Sherman's Bridge Road in Wayland.  Just downstream at Weir Hill is the headquarters of the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge where there is a museum with a nice exhibit on local wildlife.  After paddling another couple miles downstream, we will stop for lunch at a small island in Fairhaven Bay where Ospreys are often seen.   We will continue downstream to Egg Rock where the Sudbury River converges with the Assebet River to form the Concord River.  We will paddle up this short section of the Assebet River which Nathaniel Hawthorn described as:

 "A more lovely stream than this, for a mile above its junction with the

Concord, has never flowed on earth" 

From there, we will continue down the Concord River to the take-out at the "Calf Pasture" at Lowell Road in Concord.  Those who are interested can paddle another half mile down the Concord River to the Old North Bridge in the Minute Man National Historic Park.  

Ten Mile River  Freedom Trail

There is only parking for 6 cars, 2 are handicap parking spaces. There is parking a short way up the street so you have to drop boat off and park up the street in a parking lot with a short walk back to put in.

Directions: Take Rt 95 to Rt 195 east to exit 6 Broadway, turn right at light, at next light turn right onto Broadway, Follow for about 2 miles, Look for Brothers gas station on your left at light and Freedom Green park across the street .turn right just before light and then left into small parking lot. There is a gazebo in the middle of the park. Its a short walk to put in. The park is on the corner of Centre St. and North Broadway in East Providence. .If you go over a bridge you just passed the park. This should be about 3 hours of paddling, You can take out at end of Omega pond for lunch.

East Providence on the Ten Mile River.

The East Providence Paddle Club of the 1920’s used to paddle to the carousal at Hunt’s Mill Park. This trip is appropriate for people of all abilities.

Today’s Ten Mile River is more difficult to paddle because most of the river access points have vanished. Most but not all! You can still meet and paddle the Ten.  You can head south into the Turner Reservoir for a short paddle or for those wanting a longer paddle….paddle up into Central Pond toward Slater Park and the Carousal.

Driving Directions:

GPS Coordinates N41 50 879  W071 20 760

Drive to Providence, RI. Cross the Washington Bridge. For most people that means taking Route 95 through the city and exiting onto Route 195 (a left! exit). Once on the Washington Bridge, get into the right lane and look for the exit to Route 44. At one point Route 44 snakes around a square in East Providence, but keep following the signs for 44. By the light by the Wampanoag Mall, make a left onto Route 1A, Pawtucket Ave. Half a mile up the road, 1A merges with 114. Pleasant Street merges into 1A at a light. Stay on 1A. Another .5 miles up the road,  there will be a white church, keep following Pawtucket Ave until it splits into Pawtucket and  Newport Av, take a right into Newport Av ( A Mobil gas station will be on the left side of Newport Av and on the right side of Pawtucket Av,). At the next traffic light (after Hess gas station) turn right  into Ferris Av.

Go about 1/2 mile until Ferris makes a very sharp right turn, at that point go straight into Kimberly Memorial Baseball Fields. Bear right and follow the paved road to a dead end. Launch site will be at start of Ten Mile bike path.,

Alternate put in:: Quickie directions: Route 195 over the Washington Bridge in Providence. Route 44 exit onto Route 44 Taunton Avenue. Left onto Route 1A Pawtucket Avenue. 1A merges with 114. At the white church and a light, take a right onto Newman Avenue, Route 152. Park by the ponds, park on the left and right sides of the road. More Detail: Drive to Providence, RI. Cross the Washington Bridge. For most people that means taking Route 95 through the city and exiting onto Route 195 (a left! exit). Once on the Washington Bridge, get into the right lane and look for the exit to Route 44. At one point Route 44 snakes around a square in East Providence, but keep following the signs for 44. By the light by the Wampanoag Mall, make a left onto Route 1A, Pawtucket Ave. Half a mile up the road, 1A merges with 114. Pleasant Street merges into 1A at a light. Stay on 1A. Another .5 miles up the road, at another light, by a white church, make a right onto Newman Avenue Route 152. Just up the road a short ways the road crosses between Turner Reservoir and Central Pond. Park by the ponds, park on the left and right sides of the road.

Taunton River  Taunton River Watershed Alliance membership

Rt 95N to Rt 495 (via exit 6A for Taunton). Exit for US-44E
via exit number 6 - toward Middleboro/Plymouth. Turn slight right onto Rt 44E/Harding Street.

Enter the roundabout and take the 4th exit - MA-18N/MA28N. After about 2 miles, turn right at the light onto Plymouth Street then the first left onto Titicut Street. There is sort of an access to the river from the Titicut Street bridge but friendlier access from Summer Street.

For Summer Street access - stay on Titicut Street which bears to the right at the Bridgewater Corrections facility. Summer Street is the first right after the prison. Turn into the parking area on the left, just before the Summer Street bridge.

Directions courtesy of Lee Parham

Taunton river Haywood Street to Summer Street

Members of the Taunton River Watershed Alliance membership may join us.

Address to use for street GPS: 245 Haywood Street in Bridgewater MA

 GPS N  41 59 866 - W 070 57 235

 Taunton River: Church Street to the Weir

This is a tidal dependent trip, please make every effort to be on time.


Meet at the put-in, drop off your boat and gear and park on the road

Trip is approximately 8 miles following the the tide. There is a McDonalds along the river bank about 6 miles down if anyone wants to grab a bite to eat or bathroom break.

Put-in is opposite 11 River Street in Raynham MA.
GPS: N41 53 583 W071 00 099

Directions courtesy of Lee Parham

Three Mile River - Taunton River Watershed Alliance Taunton River Watershed Alliance membership
<http://www.savethetaunton.org/programs/canoe.htm> .

A beautiful paddle on the Three Mile River.

The put in is at Gertrude M. Boyden Wildlife Refuge
and TRWA's River Center at 1298 Cohannet Street,
 The Three Mile River area has
just been designated an ACEC (area of environmental concern).

Directions courtesy of Lee Parham

 

Town River- West Bridgewater MA.   Lee Parham offers this paddle to RICKA paddlers to bring awareness to the Taunton River Watershed Alliance. We may be joined by members of the TRWA.  Taunton River Watershed Alliance membership

Suitable for all levels, approximately a 6 - 8 mile paddle. 

Put-in at the War Memorial Park ,formally a site of an old grist mill complete with ruins.  The Town River starts at Nippenicket Lake and then  flows  south through the Hockomock Swamp and into the confluence of the Matfield River and Taunton River.

Description: A lazy, meandering river that starts out wide and increasingly narrows. Enjoy the views from the river of old farmland, meadows, wildlife and old stone bridges.

Directions:

From  Route 24 take exit 16 (106 East) for 1.9 miles. At the stop light, take a right onto Center Street then a quick right onto River Street. Follow for .2 of a mile the War Memorial Park which is on the left.

GPS N 42 00 968   W 071 00 540

Directions courtesy of Lee Parham

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 Lake Nippennicket to the Memorial Park on the Town River- Bridgewater MA.

Lee Parham is offers this paddle to RICKA paddlers to bring awareness to the Taunton River Watershed Alliance.  We may be joined by members of the TRWA.  Taunton River Watershed Alliance membership

Suitable for kayaks under 15 feet. We will be traveling with the current on this 6  mile paddle.   This trip has narrow, twisty sections and some areas will be scratchy with bush wacking required.   We will have lunch at the end of the trip.

The Town River starts at Nippenicket Lake and then  flows  south through the Hockomock Swamp and into the confluence of the Matfield River and Taunton River. We will cross Nippenicket Lake and follow the Town River to the take out at the War Memorial Park ,formally a site of an old grist mill complete with ruins.

Directions:  Take Route 495 to Route 24 N (exit 7A). Take your very first exit on Route 24 which is exit 15 (Route 104). Go to end of ramp and take a left toward Raynham. Put in is .3 miles on the right, the sign says Lakeside Drive.

Put-in:  GPS     N41 57 850   W071 02 003

Take out: GPS N 42 00 968   W 071 00 540

Directions courtesy of Lee Parham

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Taunton- Wier Village Riverfront Park to Dighton Rock State Park on the Taunton River- .Approximately a 7 mile paddle.

This is a tidal dependant trip. We will be paddling down river with the tide to the Dighton Rock State Park. The museum will be open for us when we arrive free of charge.

Wier Village Front Park to Dighton Rock State Park MAP from (ExporeRI.org)  This trip is suitable for all. We will enjoy our lunch at the end of the trip and the Dighton Rock Museum ( 508-644-5522) will be open for anyone wishing to check it out. There are bathrooms at the take out.

The carry to the put in is approx 200 yards accross grass.
This area is rich in history.

After we pass where the 3 Mile River joins the Taunton, the river widens and you can enjoy views of the tidal marshes that border the river.   By the time the river gets to Berkley Bridge the Taunton River is almost 500 feet wide. We will be traveling with the outgoing tide and will take out at Dighton State park.



The Dighton Rock can be found at the museum.
This is a picture of an antique postcard that had once belonged to Lee's great grandmother.

Directions: From the Taunton Green in Taunton travel around the rotary and take Weir Street. Go one mile and take the left over the river and then first right on East Water Street. The put in is  .3 of a mile on the right at the Wier Village River Front Park.

Put in coordinates for Weir Village put in: N41 52 971  W071 05 435
Coordinates for Dighton Rock State Park entrance are:   N41 48 647   W071 05  929

Street GPS address is approximately at 72 East Water Street, Taunton

Directions courtesy of Lee Parham

.........

Tri-centennial Park Sutton, MA.  shuttle trip.   Tri-Centennial Park This trip is for paddlers experienced in moving water with good boat control. Weather permitting we will portage down the granite front of the 1830 Millbury Electric Dam so wear appropriate footwear.  This will be a good evening for practicing boat control and we will paddle past several very cool Blackstone Canal sections.  Dress appropriately. From the South: North on Rt. 146 to lights at Boston Road.  Make a right on to Boston Road and follow Boston Road to it's intersection with Providence Road (122A North).  (Note: Providence Road after a short distance becomes Providence Street.)  Make a left on to Providence Street (122A North). Continue north on Providence Street into Millbury.  Past the cemetery on the right, make a right on to Riverlin Street and drop off canoe / kayak there.  Put-in Site is across the street from Goretti's Super Market in Millbury.    Turn around out of small parking lot on Riverlin Street, then make a left on to Providence Street  122A south. Travel into Sutton by following 122A south for about 1.2 miles and making a left onto Blackstone Street which is  a left just before the Railroad Bridge.   Tri-centennial Park is on the left. We will then arrange to get you back to the put-in.  If you have any passengers in your car, they should remain at the put-in to reduce the number of people we will be shuttling back. From North:  Head South on Rt. 146 to the Millbury Exit onto Elm Street just past John Deere on the Left & the Gas Station /Dunkin Donuts all-purpose place.  At the end of the ramp make a left onto Elm St and travel about .6 mile past the Asa Waters Mansion, straight thru the light, down the hill. Bear right at the gas station onto Canal St (122A south) for about .1 mile.  Turn Left to continue on Canal St for about .2 mile.  Make a right at the light onto Riverlin and the drop off is on the left across from Gorettis Market. Turn around out of small parking lot on Riverlin Street, then make a left on to Providence Street  122A south. Travel into Sutton by following 122A south for about 1.2 miles and making a left onto Blackstone Street which is  a left just before the Railroad Bridge. Tri-centennial Park is on the left. We will then arrange to get you back to the put-in.  If you have any passengers in your car, they should remain at the put-in to reduce the number of people we will be shuttling back.  Put-in Site is across the street from Goretti's Super Market in Millbury (street address for Goretti's is one Providence Street Milbury MA.)   ................ Tully Lake Recreation Area – Royalston/Athol, MA –         It’s a bit of a drive, but worth the trip.  No shuttle required.  We will put-in at the Tully River Canoe Launch and paddle up the Tully River to Long Pond where we will stop for lunch.  Anyone interested can take the short hike along the Spirit Brook Trail to Spirit Falls.  We will then paddle back down the Tully River and explore the northern shore of Tully Lake - a man-made lake maintained by the Army Corp of Engineers with numerous coves and islands.  Take-out is back at the Tully River Canoe Launch.  Before leaving, we will also take a short hike (or drive) from the canoe launch to Doanes Falls – a beautiful series of four waterfalls on the Lawrence Brook topped by a stone arch bridge.  Additional information:   Tully Lake Area Map http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/tul/Web%20Map.pdf#search='tully%20lake%20athol' Spirit Falls http://www.ecet.vtc.edu/~pchapin/water/spirit.html Doanes Falls http://www.ecet.vtc.edu/~pchapin/water/doanes.html http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/299_doane_s_falls.cfm   Directions: Get yourself to Route 2 West in MA and take exit 17.  Go north on Route 32, through Athol, for about 6 miles - you will see the Tully Lake Recreation Area on the right.  Continue north on Route 32 for about ½ mile and turn right on Doane Hill Road.  Access is about a mile up the road on the left, just over the bridge. Tully River to the Tully Dam- Shuttle required: Royalston/Athol, MA   Trip is 5 miles   This trip takes place in the scenic Tully Lake Recreation Area.  Put in at the bridge on Route 68 in Royalton and paddle down the Tully River to Long Pond.   Anyone interested can take the short hike along the Tully Trail to Spirit Falls.  Then continue down stream to Tully Lake - a man-made lake maintained by the Army Corp of Engineers with numerous coves and islands to explore.  Take-out is at the Tully Dam.  Before leaving,  take a short drive Doanes Falls – a beautiful series of four waterfalls on the Lawrence Brook topped by a stone arch bridge.     This trip is suitable for shorter boats (15 feet and under) and for people with good boat control.  You will run a series of 15 small beaver dams on the Tully River.    Directions: Get yourself to Route 2 West in MA and take exit 17.  Go north on Route 32 through Athol for about 6 miles - you will see the Tully Lake Recreation Area on the right.  Continue north on Route 32 for another 3.6 miles and turn right on Route 68 South (Warwick Road).  Put-in is about 1.2 miles up the road on the right, just over the bridge.      Put-in on Tully Brook N 42 41.431 W072 13.434   Take-out at Tully Dam N 42 38.630 W 072 13.434

Valley Falls Marsh Cumberland RI

A very scenic paddle for paddlers of all abilities. Enjoy the scenic marsh and a paddle up the Blackstone to the Pratt Dam.

GPS Coordinates: N41 53.907  W071 23.392

Directions from Worcester

Take Route 146 South onto Rhode Island. Take 295 North to Route 114 South (Exit 11). Take Route 114 south, this road is also called High street. Take High Street all the way to the end. Turn right on Mill street and drive down to Broad street. Town Hall Cumberland will be on your right. Turn left onto Broad Street and cross bridge into Central Falls. Take first right onto Maderia Ave. Docks immediately on right.

Directions from Providence

Take Route 146 North to Route 116. Take 116 North over the Ashton Viaduct to Mendon Road which is also Route 122. Turn right and head south along 122. When you see stop and shop on your right, turn left at the next traffic light onto Ann and Hope Way. Drive up the hill over the P&W tracks and past Ann and Hope. Turn right onto Broad Street. Take Broad street south and watch for the Cumberland town hall on your left (a Big Brick Building with yellow capped tower) - cross bridge into Central Falls. Take first right onto Maderia Ave. Docks immediately on right.

Alternate Put-in: Directions courtesy of Erik

Directions:  From Route 295, take exit 10 for Route 122 toward Cumberland.  Take a left on to Route 122 – Mendon Road.  After 3.2 miles take a left on to John Street.  After a tenth of a mile, you will see a sign for the Lonsdale Drive-in on the left.  Turn left into the parking lot.  Parking is also available on the street along John Street. 

Video created by Erik E.

 Here is the description from the RI Blueways site.  

Wakefield Pond  Burriville RI an 88 acre pond.

Coming from Providence,  head north on Route 44.  In
Chepachet you will bear right on to Rt. 100 and Rt. 102.  Go straight on Rt 100 after Rt. 102 splits off to the right.   Follow Rt. 100 through downtown Pascoag.(left at bottom of hill, then next right - CVS will be on your left.)  Follow approximately three miles to sign showing Zambarano Hospital straight ahead and Conn Rt 12 to left.  Bear left on Buck Hill Road.
After passing fire tower on left, you will see Wakefield Road on left.  Turn left on to Wakefield Road. Turn left onto Lee Street - the first left at the bottom of the hill.  The state boat ramp is at the end of Lee Street.

41º57'58.32" N    71º47'18.85" W

Wallum Lake

 Douglas State Park, Douglas, Ma., Wallum Lake is located on the border of  RI and Ma., has  crystal clear water, and an easy paddle.  Any size boat is OK
 

Directions: 146 north  exit for Rt 16 to Douglas/Uxbridge
 Follow Rt 16 W thru the town of Douglas. You will
 come to  an intersection for Rt 16 & 96. GO STRAIGHT. (You will see a sign  for Douglas  State Park/Wallum Lake) This is S. Main St. Follow until you see a sign for  Douglas State Park, take this left. Just down the road take a right  at park entrance. Follow road bearing left down the hill to the put-in.
 
 Also: Rt 395 exit 2 for town of Webster. Follow Rt 16 east until
 you see a  sign on the right for Douglas State Park or Cedar St. Follow Cedar  St to the  end. Go straight across at sign for Douglas State Park. Just down  the road  take a right at park entrance. Follow road bearing left down the  hill to  put-in.

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Falmouth, Ma.

Waquoit Bay offers an exceptional Bay with several small ponds and rivers to explore.
Directions:  Cross the Bourne Bridge and travel down RT 28S and look for sign to Brickkiln Rd. Take a left at the end of the  exit.  Follow to end and take a left onto RT 28S (again).  Go approx. 8-10 miles and take a right just BEFORE Edwards
Boat Yard. You will see a road leading to the landing.   If you pass Edwards Boat Yard turn around and come back.  Go to end of short road, off load and then park in upper lot. 

West River in Uxbridge, MA:

You'll have the chance to see lots of wildlife as you paddle upstream through this stretch of clean, clear flatwater. The West River, like the Nipmuc River has excellent water quality and is one of our rivers that is clean enough to swim in the Blackstone Valley. You definitely wouldn't mind falling into this section of the river! Also, no shuttling is necessary.

Directions: From 146 (North or South), take the Route 16 Exit. Take Rt. 16 East for 2 miles. You'll then pass through the Rt. 16/Rt. 122 intersection in downtown Uxbridge. Continue on Rt. 16 for 1 more mile. Look for a red building on the left. Take a left onto West River Road, the street immediately following the red building approximately 200 feet and park in the gravel lot on the right side of road. N42 05.049  W071 36.505

West Thompson Lake and the Quinebaug River, Thompson CT

The lake at West Thompson Dam

 From RI , leaving Chepachet, travel west on RT 44 , go past RT 395 until you reach RT 12.  Take a right  on RT 12 and follow for 1.9 miles-  to Rt 193.  Take a left for a short distance (.2 of a mile)  to Readon Rd.   Follow Readon for .4 of a mile and turn into West Thompson Recreation's entrance. Follow signs  to the boat launch. 

The launch point is 41.57.193N and 071.53.935W

 (To get to Chepachet RI-  Take 295 North or South to exit 7B Greenville, Route 44 west. Follow route 44 west for approximately 11  miles.)

........

If you  paddle down from the Fabyan Dam it is a nice trip that requires some minimal navigating around downed trees and that there were a few riffles along the way. 

Trip  starting at the Fabyan Dam: Coordinates are as follows:    Fabyan Dam Access N 42° 00.610 W 071° 56.494

Westport River, East Branch

 Whitehall Reservoir  Hopkinton MA
.

Whitehall State Park

 Whitehall Reservoir at one time served as a water supply for areas west of Boston, but with Quabbin Reservoir’s creation in 1939, drinking water from Whitehall was no longer needed, and the area eventually was turned into a state park. Its years of restricted access mean great boating today.

The park encompasses the reservoir’s entire shoreline but allows homeowners to erect small docks. From the water, the reservoir feels undeveloped and wild. The highly varied shoreline includes numerous deep coves and dozens of wonderful islands to explore. A few marshy areas occur along the mainly heavily wooded shoreline. The open and inviting woods invite picnicking. Mixed deciduous trees and conifers, typical of southern Massachusetts, along with mountain laurel and highbush blueberry, grow along the shore.

 Expect to see: mixed deciduous-conifer shorelines; some islands with Atlantic white cedar, spruce, tamarack.

This park consists almost entirely of water: the 592 acre Whitehall Reservoir was once used as a source of drinking water. The area offers boating, fishing, a public boat ramp, and hiking trails. Recreational Opportunities
Boating (all types), Boat Ramp, Canoeing, Fishing, Walking Trails.

Wickford Harbor backwaters.

Wilson Park boat ramp.

Paddle in the calm, wind-protected waters among the islands and marshes.

We will stop for lunch a swim at Cornelius Island.

A great opportunity to see osprey, great blue heron, green heron, great egrets, cormorants, bufflehead ducks, and maybe a deer or two.

Turn onto Intrepid St. from RT 1 (it's just North of the junction of RT 1 & 1A, near the fire & Police stations). Continue to the launch and the parking lot at the very end. NOTE: You can also get to the launch by going through the main entrance for Wilson Park from RT 1A, just South of the RT 1 & RT 1A junction, but it might be easier going the other way.

GPS N41 34.638  W071 27.187 Boat ramp

Wood and Pawcatuck Rivers, Southwestern RI

The Alton fishing access on Rt. 91 is a nice place to launch your kayak or canoe.

Directions: Rt. 95 to Exit 1 onto Rt. 3 south for 1.8 miles. At Rt. 216 go left onto Rt. 216. Follow  RT 216 until it joins RT 91. At that point turn left on RT 91. Put-in will be on your left in a few miles. N 41° 26.272 W 071° 43.355

At the launch you could paddle upstream (very little current) north and then turn around and return to the launch if you did not want to spot a car.If you are planning a shuttle and have a car spotted, you want to paddle downstream (south) after putting in. There is a short portage soon after putting in you will come to a dam that must be portaged. The river is very clean and beautiful.

A state landing on Rt. 216 serves as a take out if you are interested in the 5 mile trip. If you would like to do a 12 ¾ trip, the take out is reached by driving to the village of Ashaway on RI 3, turning west on RI 216 and shortly turning south on River Street. Follow River Street to the first bridge, which is just above the Potter Hill Dam. You can park just beyond the bridge beside the burned-out old mill. If you would like to cut a mile off this trip, by taking out at the RI 3 Bridge; park along Hiscox Road.

For the Bradford access go to:  N41°24.370' W71°44.895'

This section of the Pawcatuck River has  plenty of deep water.  You can paddle  4 miles upstream to a broken dam and then return.  Bradford Fishing Access to the Pawcatuck River.

95, R.I. to Exit 1 onto Rt. 3 south for 1.8 miles. At Rt. 216 go left (onto 216). Follow 216. Put in will be on the left shortly after a right turn where 216 merges with Rt. 91 (same road, two route #’s).

Lower Wood River

A beautiful and clean river.

Suitable for all boats and levels of experience.

A beautiful and clean river. shuttle

From Points north, take exit 3B off RTE 95. Continue for 1/2 mile to light where RTE 138 and RTE 3 join. Bear to the left and follow straight for .9 of a  mile to where RTE 138 turns west at a blinking light. At this blinking light, turn left on to Mechanic St. (Mechanic St becomes Hope Valley   Rd.)  The put in is about 1 mile down this road on your left. The put in is near the over pass of RTE 95. 

N 41° 29.609 W 071° 42.957 

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Lower Pawcatuck River, Ashaway to Westerly.  Experienced paddlers only, some class 1, Class 2 rapids and quickwater. Suitable for kayaks under 14 ft. Join us for a 7.5  mile trip on the Pawcatuck River for experienced paddlers only.  Some areas may be scratchy in low water.  This is a very scenic trip that will start approx 1 mile above the Potter Hill dam at a private residence, with 1 portage around the dam and 1 mill race with rapids to run and another small set of rapids further downstream depending on water levels. Bring wheels for the portage if you have them.   Directions to the meeting place:  GPS 41  27.  000' N                                                               071  47.  155' W   We will be meeting in the Rt 95, exit 1 commuter parking lot in Hopkinton RI. Proceeding from there once we have everyone to a private residence in Ashaway RI to drop off our boats, we will shuttle our cars to the Westerly public boat launch take out .   RT 95 south to exit 1 in RI. Go left on Rt 3 and the commuter lot will be immediately on the right.

Rt 95 north to exit 1 in RI  Go right on Rt 3 and the commuter lot will be on the right.

Upper Wood River

The beginning of the river may be narrow, shallow and rocky but soon opens up. shuttle  Trip is approximatley 7 miles long.

From 95 north take exit 5 (102 south). 1 mile to junction of route 3 south. 1 1/2 miles further to junction of 165 west. Go west on 165 to about 4 miles (estimated) to state ramp on the left.

From 95 south take exit 4 (route 3 north) Go approx 4 miles north on route three to junction of 165 west. Go west on 165 about 4 miles (estimated) to state ramp on the left.

Wood River Wyoming
Round trip paddle on the Wood River starting in Richmond RI and paddling upstream about 3 miles.  The water is a bit high with minimal current. This is a very easy beautiful paddle.

No shuttle needed
Location: Fishing Access at 22 Bridge St, Richmond, RI (aka Wyoming RI)

DIRECTIONS:
I95 to Exit 3 in Richmond RI.
Head West on Route 138. If you see Wendy's and MacDonald's, you are going East. Turn around.
Go through traffic light bearing left, about 1 mile from exit.
Take first right onto Bridge Street.
Parking for fishing access is immediately on right.

A 5-mile trip on the scenic Willimantic River.  Put in at Nye-Holman State Park and take out at the bridge on Merrow Road.  At high water levels this is a quickwater trip with tight turns and small rapids.  At lower water levels it may be scratchy.  This trip is suitable for shorter boats (15 feet and under) and for people with good boat handling skills.  http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?01119500

A fun trip on one of CT's prettiest rivers, and a joint trip with RICKA Whitewater.  We will put in on Plains Road and take out on Merrow Road - about 9 miles.  At high water levels this is a quickwater trip with tight turns and a few small rapids.  At low water levels, it can be scratchy. This trip is suitable for shorter boats (under 15 feet) and for paddlers with good boat handling skills.  Not a beginner trip.

At this time of year, a wetsuit or drysuit is recommended. At the very minimum, a change of clothes in a waterproof bag is required.

...........

West Hill Park

Harrington Pool

GPS coordinates to access road N42 06 715
W071 36 508

GPS coordinates to pavillion: N42  06.766   W71  36.290

Be aware that West Hill Park is in a different location than West Hill Dam.  You will pass signs for both on your way to the park.  Ignore West Hill Dam signs. 

Coordiantes: N 42 06.766   W 71 36.290

From the East:

Mass Pike West to 495 South to Rt 85 South to Rt 16 West, then follow directions for Milford below.

Milford area – Take Rt 16 West up the hill in Mendon past the drive in theater and through the traffic light at the top of the hill.  (Rush hour traffic can be very heavy through Milford and back up several light cycles at a couple of points.)

Shortly after passing New England Steak and Seafood restaurant, turn right onto Hartford Ave W (becomes Hartford Ave E in Uxbridge).  Travel about 2.7 miles on the Hartford Aves.

Turn right onto Upton Rd (becomes Wolf Hill Rd), travel about 1 mile. 

Turn right onto Quaker St. for about .2 mile.  Turn right onto West Hill Rd.  The park entrance is just ahead, well marked with signs.   Tell the Park Ranger in the booth you’re with the Blackstone Valley Paddle Club.  

 From the South, North or West

Take your best route to the intersection of Rt 146 and Rt 16 in Uxbridge.

Take Rt 16 east about 2 miles to the intersection with Rt 122 in the town of Uxbridge.

Turn left and go north on Rt 122 for about 1.2 miles, turn right at the light (CVS on your right) onto Hartford Ave East.

Travel 1.5 miles crossing the stone bridge and turn left onto Upton Rd (aka Wolf Hill Rd), travel about 1 mile. 

Turn right onto Quaker St. for about .2 mile.  Turn right onto West Hill Rd. The park entrance is just ahead well marked with signs.   Tell the Park Ranger in the booth you’re with the Blackstone Valley Paddle Club.  

NOTE:  These are the simplest routes to the park, if you are familiar with the local back roads you may be able to shave a couple of miles and minutes off your trip.  (e.g. depending on where you start, Rt 122 North or South may be better for you than Rt 146). 

Two “false trails”: 

1.  On Google maps Pudding St and Rice City Rd appear to be through streets.  They are really dead -ends with no access to West Hill Rd.

2.  Also on Google maps it falsely appears that coming from the east on Rt 16 you can take North Ave in Mendon to Northbridge St to West Hill Rd to the park.  That part of West Hill Rd is a dead-end that does not connect to the western part of the road in Uxbridge.  

As always:  The Blackstone Valley Paddle Club provides directions as a courtesy to paddlers however, you are responsible to refer to a map and familiarize yourself with the trip location. 

RI DEM State Boat Ramps   

Massachusetts boat ramps

End

From Rt. 146 South - Take Slatersville Exit.  Turn right onto Rt. 146 A. At light by Slatersville Plaza, go straight on Rt. 102 South. Follow Rt. 102 South  for seven miles to intersection with Rt. 44 in Chepachet.  Turn left onto Rt. 44 East and continue about one quarter mile  to  the post office

From Rt. 146 North - Take Slatersville Exit.  Turn left off ramp onto School Street.  At intersection by Slatersville Common and Church, veer left onto Green Street.  Continue through Slatersville to first light at Rt. 102.  Turn left onto Rt. 102 South.  Follow Rt. 102 South  for six miles  to intersection with Rt. 44 in Chepachet.  Turn left onto Rt. 44 East and continue about one quarter mile  to  the post office.

Keech Pond 129 acres. Rt. 44 Glocester to Chestnut Hill Rd., to Indian Trail, to end, ramp on left.

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Turkey Paddle  November 15th!  Note that we have moved the paddle and dinner to the rain date of November 15th, due to a rainy forecast for saturday. Meet at 1:00 pm for a 1:30 launch. Paddle on Wallum Lake with dinner after at the waterfront, Lodge Restaurant in Webster MA (148 Gore Road, Webster). Come for the paddle, come for the dinner or both. RSVP required by November 11th  if you are planning on coming to the restaurant. Leader: Cheryl Thompson Cameron stonefoxfarm@juno.com 401-647-5887.

Note:  at this time of year a wet suit or dry suit is recommended or a change of clothes in a waterproof  dry bag is required.

Changes and cancellations to trips will be posted on the flatwater message board. Please check the board before leaving for any trip.

Wallum Lake in the Douglas State Park, Douglas, Ma., Wallum Lake is located on the border of  RI and Ma., has  crystal clear water, and an easy paddle.  Any size boat is OK, suitable for all levels.
 

GPS coordinates:  N42 01 301      W071 46 073
Directions: 146 north  exit for Rt 16 to Douglas/Uxbridge
 Follow Rt 16 W thru the town of Douglas. You will
 come to  an intersection for Rt 16 & 96. GO STRAIGHT. (You will see a sign  for Douglas  State Park/Wallum Lake) This is S. Main St. Follow until you see a sign for  Douglas State Park, take this left. Just down the road take a right  at park entrance. Follow road bearing left down the hill to the put-in.
 
 Also: RT 395 exit 2 for town of Webster. Follow Rt 16 east until
 you see a  sign on the right for Douglas State Park or Cedar St. Follow Cedar  St to the  end. Go straight across at sign for Douglas State Park. Just down  the road  take a right at park entrance. Follow road bearing left down the  hill to  put-in.

 The lodge restaurant is on Webster lake

Our leaders provide directions as a courtesy to paddlers however, you are responsible to refer to a map and familiarize yourself with the trip location.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhJyWS1vBk4

CT River Opera House to Ferry

Directions:

 I-95 North: Go to exit 70, left at end of ramp, then pass under I-95 to traffic light.

I-95 south: Go to exit 70, go straight (slight zigzag to left) and travel .7 miles to second traffic light. Turn right at traffic light onto Route 156. From the traffic light, travel north for 8.5 miles to the stop sign at the end of at the end of Route 156. Turn left at stop sign onto Route 82 and travel 3.3 miles, go right at first stop sign and continue north on 82. Follow signs to East Haddam. Once in East Haddam, the road turns into a one way. As, two-way traffic begins again, the Opera House is directly in front of  you. Take the left just before the Opera House, go past the parking lot and turn right down the small dirt road just before the airport entrance.