Boston Kayaker

Kayaking on Pawcatuck River - from Wood River Junction to Bradford RI


Rating: Two-and-a-Half Stars - This is what New England small rivers should be! I paddled this route May 2013. The river was flowing nicely, the shores are 99% undeveloped and tree-lined like a tunnel is some stretches. Lots of downed trees but always there is a way thru each one. The volunters of the Pawcatuck watershed association have been doing a good job maintaining passability.

  Put in at Carolina-Alton Road / Route 91
  in Wood River Junction RI.
Wood River enters
  from river right.
Take out at Burdickville Road
  in Bradford RI.
Estimated distance
  = 4.5 miles
Burdickville
  Dam (breached)

Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to determine the legality, suitability and safety of this route for yourself.

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Kayaking on Pawcatuck River - from Wood River Junction to Bradford RI

Other resources:
Wood-Pawtucket Watershed Association
Public Access to the Rhode Island Coast: The Wood & Pawcatuck Rivers Page 15
Public Access to the Rhode Island Coast: The Wood & Pawcatuck Rivers Page 15 (cached copy)
Wikipedia: Pawcatuck River
Explore RI's Blueways and Greenways: John (Jay) Cronan Pawcatuck River Access
Explore RI's Blueways and Greenways: Burdickville Dam on Pawcatuck River


Number of original photos on this page : 100
All photos in this website are original and copyrighted.



At the John Cronan launch to Pawcatuck River on Route 91 in Charlestown RI.
Trip date is May 2013.


John M. Jay Cronan River Access





The launch spot is right below the small dam.





The Boston Kayaker just launched on Pawcatuck River.








Looking back at the launch and dam.


Paddling with the flow on Pawcatuck River.

































































The Church Street bridge where I had my son wait to take pictures.








The Boston Kayaker paddlilng on Pawcatuck River.








At the downstream side of the bridge.


"No Trespassing" sings at the bridge.























I have to slide my body forward into my kayak and lie down my back to fit under this tree.













































































I see Wood River coming on the right.


Wood River joining the Pawcatuck River.


Finally I am the confluence of Wood and Pawcatuck Rivers!
The Wood River is entering from my right.


Water is fast here at the confluence of Wood and Pawcatuck rivers.























Turtle on a log.














A cormorant.


I am on the last bend to the left and I should see the bridge and hear the dam.




















I am hugging the right side very close to the dam.


Happy to be pulled in by the Boston Kayaker's son.


The take out is an informal.


The breached Burrickville Dam just below the take out. I can see it is runnable right now.