Gilbert Stuart

41º31'11.39" N    71º26'38.98" W   See this location in: Google Maps   Map Server   Acme Maps

This is a site for launching hand-carried boats such as canoes or kayaks.

Comments & Overview:

This is the northernmost access site on the Pettaquamscutt River, locally known almost universally as the Narrow River despite the fact that it is wide and lake-like in many areas. At the northern end of the river there is no real current on the river, so you can easily do a round trip up and down the river or just go one way to one of the other access points on the river. However, as you get closer to the mouth the tidal currents become strong so the tides need to be part of your planning.

There is no boat ramp at this site but the shoreline is good for launching hand-carried boats. The river looks very narrow at the put-in but it quickly gets wider. If the water is low the first few hundred feet may have to be walked. Once in the upper pond stay to the left to find the narrow passage to the second pond. From the put-in it is 3.75 miles to the Indian Lake Shores boat ramp and 5 miles to the Sprague Bridge where Route 1A crosses the outlet to the ocean.

Note: As of September 3, 2009 there are reportedly a number of trees down across the river just below the put-in. Canoes and kayaks can apparently be easily lifted over or slid under these trees but doing so may require standing in the river. It is reportedly possible to avoid these trees by putting in from the road 125 yards southwest of the parking lot. However, use caution because the shoulders on the road are narrow and the visibility poor due to bends in the road. If you paddle this area and find these trees gone or the situation changed, please let us know so we can update this note. Thanks and thank you to the people who reported this issue to us!

Anadromous fish regulations apply.

This site provides access to the following water bodies: Pettaquamscutt (Narrow) River.

Location:

Alternate Site Name: Narrow River, Pettaquamscutt River

Town: North Kingstown

Driving Landmarks: This site is on Gilbert Stuart Road, at the Gilbert Stuart Museum, a mile east of where Gilbert Stuart Road takes off from Route 1.

If you are heading north on Route 1, simply look for the right turn onto Gilbert Stuart Road 1.9 miles north of the tower at Bridgetown Road (Route 138).

If you are driving south on Route 1 you will have to pass Gilbert Stuart Road and go another 1 1/4 miles south on Route 1 to where there is place to reverse direction. Then follow the directions above.

Access & Waters:

Water 'Features' At Site: flatwater/slow moving river, estuary

Note: Because one boat launch can access, say, both a lake and a river or both the upstream and downstream portions of a river, not all paddling trips at a given site will necessarily encounter all of the features listed.

Type of Access: Boat launch for hand carried boats

ADA Accessible Boat Launch? no

Shoreline: The best access to the river is at the back of the lower parking lot, where there is a short path to a spot on the river with a nice low bank good for launching canoes and kayaks.

Float/Dock: no

Approximate Length of Carry between Car Access and Water: 25 feet

Hours of Operation: The parking lot may be closed with a cable in the off season

Parking:

Parking: parking lot, 12 spaces

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? no

Sources for More Information:

AMC River Guide: 4th Edition, page 143-144

Ecological, Cultural & Recreational Attractions:

The Gilbert Stuart Museum is the birthplace of the famous 18th century portrait painter Gilbert Stuart and is a good place both to learn about Gilbert Stuart and see some interesting artifacts from those days, including the first snuff mill in America. There is also a fish ladder at the site that is used heavily by herring during the spring run.

Do you have comments, corrections or additions to the information about this site?

Please help make this website better by sharing your knowledge! Feedback Form