Best Kayaking Spots and Outfitters

Best Kayaking Spots and Outfitters

With colors changing but clear and warm skies, it's a great time to get on water and explore via kayak. Whether you've got your own or need an outfitter, here are some key spots and hook-ups, thanks to the expert guidance of Jim Cole, author of Paddling Connecticut and Rhode Island: Southern New England's Best Paddling Routes, and found some hidden gems.

Colorful shade

The northern branch of the Pawtuxet River will put you in a leafy glade--ideal on a warm fall weekend, says Cole. 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. 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.

Close but surprisingly rural

Stillwater Reservoir (also known as Stump Pond) in Smithfield is a very nice place to paddle, says Cole,  and is only 20 minutes from Providence. The area is rural with clean and well-protected waters.

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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) 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 and catch the foliage turning along the shores.

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.

For more information, check out Jim Cole's Web site; and don't, he says, forget to wear your lifejacket when kayaking.