Queen's River          Upper Wood River          Upper Pawcatuck River           

About the River...
The Pawcatuck River is fed by nine different rivers and streams, including the Wood River and Charles River.  This southern Rhode Island river is one of the Pawcatuck, Connecticut's main tributary.  Surrounded by conservation and wildlife management areas, it is pristine and quiet river, with only a few residential properties along its banks.  There are two sections of the river to kayak.  They can be a bit more challeging than the other river trips we offer.  For an all-day adventure, you can also combine the two sections.  The Charles River is just below the Queen's River.  This is a fun, quick trip that begins with fast moving water and ends after a small waterfall.  You may choose to go over or portage just before.  When the Wood River and Charles River meet, it becomes the Upper Pawcatuck River.  The steady current is more gentle as the river widens and flows through a remote, heavily wooded area.  Smell the fresh air and pine trees, enjoy going under the many railroad bridges, and following huge, great blue herons.  In some places, as you make ripples in the water, it almost looks as if you are gliding on glass.  At a large, fallen tree on the Upper Pawcatuck River, you will need to get out of your kayak and carefully bring it along a short path to the other side.  Later, you will also encounter a broken dam.  Portaging before this shoot is not impossible, but can be difficult.  We usually stay to the right of the dam and enjoy the thrill of a dip and some fast moving water.  These trip options are for the more adventurous and experienced paddlers.  

New photos are coming soon!  The photos below were taken early spring a few years ago.

 


Length & Location
Charles River - Quick Trip | Richmond to Carolina
Upper Pawcatuck River | Carolina to Bradford
Charles River & Upper Pawcatuck River - Combined Trip | Richmond to Bradford

Charles River Pricing
Single Kayak: $50 - Approx. 1-2 hours
Tandem Kayak: Double kayaks are not recommended for this river trip.  For more information, click here.
Note: This trip includes a small waterfall.  Only experienced paddlers should go over the waterfall.

Upper Pawcatuck River Pricing 
Single Kayak: $60 - Approx. 4-5 hours
Tandem Kayak: Double kayaks are not recommended for this river trip.  For more information, click here.
Note: This trip includes 1 portage around a large, fallen tree.  Later, you will also encounter a broken dam.  Only experienced paddlers should go over the dam.

Charles River & Upper Pawcatuck River Trip Pricing 
Single Kayak: $75 - Approx. 5-7 hours
Tandem Kayak: Double kayaks are not recommended for this river trip.  For more information, click here.
Note: This trip includes a small waterfall and 1 portage around a large, fallen tree.  Later, you will also encounter a broken dam.  Only experienced paddlers should go over the waterfall and dam.

Transportation, Parking & Directions
Transportation is included.  This involves not only kayak transportation, but a ride from the take-out back to the put-in.  Free parking is available at the put-in.  Directions are provided after the reservation is confirmed. 

What to See
If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing, and longer ride, this trip is for you!  Mature trees thickly line the river banks, and wildflowers abound.  You'll see why native brook trout, freshwater mussels, painted turtles, river otters, dragonflies, great blue herons and other creatures call it  home.   

To Make a Reservation
Click here.