Wickford in Rhode Island

Trip Overview

The naturalist photographers paradise. After launching your boat at the ramp, you have several options. Head left (North) and you'll paddle through flat water with several species of wild life along the way. Have your camera ready for the osprey, ducks, swans, turtles and fish. The fall foliage is especially impressive here. Paddle here in the evening hours and you'll be treated to a beautiful sunset.

The second option is to go straight from the boat ramp. (East) you'll paddle through Wickford shipyard and into the open waters of Narragansett Bay. Fox Island is southeast and just 400 yards south of this island is a group of rocks that the Harbor seals like to sun themselves on. Follow the beach south to Duck Cove and Rome Point, you'll find sandy beach along the way for a nice picnic stop. Continue south and you'll paddle under the Jamestown Bridge.

The third option is to head South West and go into Wickford Harbor along the waterfront. There is a steel arched bridge. Go under the bridge and you end up in a tidal cove.

Accommodations:

Plenty of restaurants along post road. There is plenty of parking in Wilson Park close to the boat ramp.

Directions:

95 South to Rt. 4. Route 401 to Route 1 South (Post Road). 0.2 miles past the state police barracks (on the left) is intrepid drive. Continue straight on intrepid drive until it turns into a gravel road and crosses a bike path. The launching ramp is at the East end of the parking lot near a small gazebo and picnic tables.

Resources:

Kayaking Narragansett Bay by Ed Mullen