PADDLE ALONG

With its mostly shallow water, protected peaceful coves, ample public access, and captivating waterfowl amid the shrublands, the seven-mile long tidal inlet Narrow River (formally the Pettaquamscutt) is idyllic for serene paddling adventures, whether by kayak, canoe, or standup paddle board (SUP). For folks with their own equipment, there are four public access points, and the Narrow River Preservation Association o ers two downloadable paddle maps for kayakers and canoeists to take a self-guided tour with suggested routes for safe exploration.

Over in North Kingstown, The Kayak Centre o ers rentals too, allowing paddlers to soak in the charm of picture-perfect Wickford Harbor and paddle to Rabbit Island, a gift from Queen Sachem, wife of Narragansett Chief Canonicus, to Roger Williams for his goats. Today, the small uninhabited island is ideal for a paddling respite. For the more adventurous, head out a little further to Cornelius Island. Folks at the Kayak Centre’s Charlestown location on Ninigret Pond can suggest pairing paddling routes appropriate to each participant’s experience and comfort level, but one of the best ways to soak it in, and make sure you don’t miss a thing, is on a guide-led sunset paddle.

PRO TIP: Pack a lunch ahead of time or pick up provisions at Shayna’s Place on Brown Street and paddle on over to Rabbit Island.

Deeper inland, the Queen's River Kayak Company o ers waterside delivery and pick up to the Upper Wood River and the Upper Pawcatuck River (kayaks are on site at Queen's River). The Rhode Island Blueways Alliance, which works in partnership with nine watershed organizations, the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program, and the Rhode Island Foundation, describes the Upper Wood River paddle “the most impressive natural experience of any river” in Rhode Island, touting its winding four miles through forests and wetlands in addition to a tricky set of Class I rapids found in Exeter on the northernmost part of the route.

PRO TIP: Pick up a waterproof phone pouch holder in advance. You can adjust the lanyard to make it fit comfortably around your neck while still having access to your phone’s camera.