Best Kayaking Spots
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The Ocean State offers plenty of great waterways and wildlife for kayakers to enjoy. Whether you've just started or have been paddling for years, there are hundreds of different spots in RI for you. We did some research and spoke with Jim Cole, author of Paddling Connecticut and Rhode Island: Southern New England's Best Paddling Routes, and found some hidden gems:
The coolest spot, literally
During a warm summer day, Cole’s favorite spot is the northern branch of the Pawtuxet River. Kayakers can launch their boats right off of Hope Furnance Rd in Coventry. Paddle less than three miles northwest towards the Gainer Dam (the entrance to the Scituate Reservoir). Before you reach the dam, the river will narrow to only 20-30 feet wide, allowing the foliage to cover the river and block out the hot sun. Better yet, the water in this section will be crystal clear and as cold as 40 degrees because it is coming from the bottom of the reservoir. With a slight breeze, it’ll feel like you’re in a refrigerator - perfect for a hot day.
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Stillwater Reservoir (also known as Stump Pond) in Smithfield is a very nice place to paddle and is only 20 minutes from Providence. The area is rural with clean and well-protected waters.
Olney Pond in Lincoln Woods State Park (2 Manchester Print Works Rd, Lincoln, 723-7892) is also very close to Providence (only 10-15 minutes). The pond is large enough that you can spend a whole day exploring islands within the pond. It is often more crowded than Stillwater Reservoir, but recently, The Eastern Mountain Sports Kayak School (800-310-4504) has been added to the park. EMS offers boat rentals and instruction right on the pond, which is very convenient for beginners.
Hundred Acre Cove in Barrington is also a nice area to kayak. You’ll be able to explore the cove for hours. With very few powerboats in the way, you’ll be able to bird-watch as well.
Saltwater ponds
Ninigret Pond and Quonochontaug Pond (Just off Rt.1A) in Charlestown are two nice saltwater ponds with great wildlife. Ninigret is seven miles long with many nooks and crannies, which can be a full day’s paddle. Quonochotaug Pond is about half the size of Ninigret, but includes some wooded areas to paddle. The bird watching here can be fantastic, where you can see black-capped night herons, green herons, ospreys and swans.
Don’t have a kayak?
Queen’s River in Usquepaugh, outfitted by Queen’s River Kayaks (21 Glen Rock Road, West Kingston, 284-3945) is a beautiful place to paddle, especially if you’re new to kayaking. For $15/2hrs, you can rent a kayak and paddle for miles through pristine waters. On the way, you’ll be able to see extensive wildlife including painted turtles, frogs, foxes, otters, deer and several different kinds of birds. If you’d like a nature tour, expert Ron Wofford offers them; make an appointment by calling 239-216-7560.
Wilson Park in Wickford has a boat ramp for access to Mill Cove from Intrepid Drive. But if you need a boat, The Kayak Centre of Rhode Island (9 Phillips St, Wickford, 295-4400) offers waterfront rentals $25-$45/2hrs, which launch just south in Wickford Cove. Here you can explore Wickford Harbor (beware of power boat traffic!) and even stop and have lunch on Rabbit Island. The Kayak Centre also offers lessons for beginners to more experienced kayakers who want to learn to surf and roll.
Looking for a challenge?
The Kayak Centre of Rhode Island (562 Charlestown Beach Rd, Charlestown, 364-8000) also offers several coastal tours, including a paddle to North Lighthouse on Block Island from Charlestown. The trip is approximately 12 miles through open ocean. Once you make get there, you’ll have a beach picnic and have time to check out the shops and restaurants before taking the ferry back. The cost is $135 and the next trip will be on Sunday, August 22nd.
For more information, check out Jim Cole's Web site; and don't, he says, forget to wear your lifejacket when kayaking.