Self-Guided Paddle Tours
Maps & Guides
The WRWC has a series of paddling maps and guides to locations to explore throughout the watershed. They can be downloaded as individual PDFs or a complete guide.
- Overview Map and Key
- Paddle 1: Woonasquatucket Reservoir
- Paddle 2: Stillwater Pond
- Paddle 3: Georgiaville Pond
- Paddle 4: Georgiaville Pond to Greystone Mill Pond
- Paddle 5: Greystone Mill Pond
- Paddle 6: Manton Avenue to Atwells Avenue
- Paddle 7: Downtown Providence
- Complete Guide
This guide cannot teach you safe paddling. Learn before you go!
See more safety tips below.
More about the “Do’s & Don’ts of the Woonasquatucket River”
Safety
Some of the paddles can be strung together to create a longer trip but at this time it is difficult to make a complete source to sea trip. In the area of Centerdale, in North Providence, there is an active Superfund site that impacts both Allendale Mill Pond and Lymans Mill Pond. The EPA has deemed that these ponds are safe to paddle on as long as reasonable precautions are taken such as washing your hands after coming in contact with the water and cleaning any mud off your shoes and gear. However, since not many people have paddled in this area recently due to the Superfund site, the portages around the four dams between Greystone and the Manton/Greenville Avenue bridge are not well established. There are also no public access points on these ponds. The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council is working to have this area cleaned up and is also looking into ways to make this part of the river more accessible.
Below this area the river is open to paddling but there can still be water quality issues. During and after heavy rains human pathogen levels (e.g., bacteria) in the river will be very elevated due to overflows from the sewer system, and it can take a few days for this to dissipate. The new sewage tunnel under Providence has reduced but not eliminated this problem. Sewer overflows in dry weather are rarer but can happen due to problems in the sewer system. The river bottom and riverbank sediments in the lower river also have many chemical contaminants in them. Fishing (other than catch and release) anywhere on the river south of Centerdale is not recommended due to the contamination in the river and the sediments.
If you are unsure of your paddling skills consider an easier trip, consider taking paddling classes, or come on one of the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council’s organized Paddle Tours, which are open to all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced paddlers.
More Safe Paddling Tips
- Conditions can change quickly as the result of both natural and human activities.
- Rivers change every day – conditions may differ from what is described in the guide.
- Always wear a life jacket and clothing suitable to the weather conditions.
- Pay attention to the weather and the risks it may present to paddlers.
- Be especially careful when the water is cold. Cold water kills, even when air is warm, such as in spring and early summer.
- Fishing (other than catch and release) in the river below the Smithfield–Johnston line, which crosses Greystone Pond, is not recommended due to contamination in the river and the river-bottom sediments.
