Paddle Trips

Paddle Basics Cost & Signup Common Trips

Paddle Basics

Explore the Woonasquatucket! Kayak or canoe alongside our experienced WRWC Paddle Team. The WRWC hosts a sensational series of paddle tours on the Woonasquatucket River each season from June through September. Join one or more of our many guided paddles as we journey from a bustling urban center to an oasis of wildlife on the Woonasquatucket River.

Cool off while you paddle and swim in the beautiful refreshing waters of Georgiaville Pond. Follow the river and pond at Stillwater Pond. Check out one of several downtown Providence paddles, where you’re sure to discover a beautiful Providence you may not know exists! We have something for everyone, no matter your skill level.

  • The WRWC provides canoes, kayaks, paddles and life jackets.
  • All skill levels welcome.
  • Children are welcome, if accompanied by an adult.
  • Trips typically last approximately 2 hours, depending on location.
  • All participants must wear a life jacket (PFD), even if you bring your own boat.

Paddle Tour

Pricing for 2019 Season

  • $40 – Rent of solo kayaks
  • $30 – Per person to rent two-person canoe (e.g. 1 person = $30, 2 people = $60)
  • $20 – Per extra passenger in canoe (beyond the first 2 passengers)
  • $20 – Bring Your Own Boat (per person – covers costs of CPR certified guides & tour info)

Advance sign-up required.

For More Information:
Erik Talley
401-481-1376
etalley@wrwc.org

Upcoming Trips

Watershed Map

Common Trips

Lower River: We usually start at the landing on South Water Street and paddle up through Waterplace Park to near Atwells Avenue and then return to the starting point. We go right through downtown Providence on this paddle, but we have seen red-tailed hawks, great blue herons, and many other birds in this stretch of the river. The complete trip is about 4 miles.

Greystone Mill Pond: Greystone Mill Pond, on the border of Johnston, North Providence and Smithfield, is a narrow, winding pond with many twists and turns, and wetlands along the way. We put in at Cricket Park in Johnston and paddle up the pond for about 5/8 mile and then turn around and paddle back to the starting point. We often see ducks, herons and other birds on this paddle.

Georgiaville Pond: This paddle is on scenic and peaceful Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield. We put in at the historic Smith-Appleby House, often get a tour of the house, and make a 2 mile circuit around the pond. This takes us past pretty, pine tree covered islands and a town park. And even get a chance to go for a swim!

Stillwater Pond and Stillwater Trail: This paddle takes us through the “narrows of the Woonasquatucket,” from Stillwater Pond to beneath the historic Smithfield Viaduct. We put in at the historic mill at the outlet of Stillwater Pond and paddle to the dam leading to the Stillwater Reservoir, observing several historically significant sites on the way before returning.

Woonasquatucket Reservoir (Stump Pond): Paddle the largest and one of the least developed reservoirs in the watershed! We put in on the west side of Woonasquatucket Reservoir in Smithfield and paddle from there up to the north end, where the Woonasquatucket flows into the reservoir at Mowry Conservation Area. You might even have the treat of stopping here for a picnic, as we sometimes do on this trip. We then sometimes loop around to the southern end of the reservoir, depending on timing and weather. The paddle is approximately 2 ½ miles long, not including the southern arm. With the southern arm it is about 5 miles in total.

Images from Paddling Tours