Wood River in Rhode Island

Trip Overview

We spent about 3 hours on the lower Wood River. Alton pond, where we put in, was somewhat choked with weeds but it really cleared up as we left the pond and traveled up river.

This is a quiet meandering river with almost no current to speak of following a mostly dry week. The river winds through private property and a golf course though you seldom see civilization. In some spots the river is less than 20 feet wide and there were some downed trees that we had to paddle under. Passed several turtles and saw some smaller fish.

At Woodville Road there is a dam, we pulled out there for a break and a snack before turning back. We found while returning that the east side of Alton pond (left side going downstream) has fewer weeds and was much easier to paddle.

Nice easy launch with parking for 10-12 cars...

Accommodations:

None that I noticed

Fees:

No

Directions:

I-95 to exit 2, south on Woodville Alton Road for about 3 miles. Parking lot is just before junction with rt.91. Watch for signage for Alton pond