Carolina

41º27'30.49" N    71º39'47.88" 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:

If coming down the Wood River from Shannock Falls, the last section of the river above Carolina is a small pond created by the dam under Carolina Road. For more details on the river above Carolina see the description for Shannock Falls.

Once you go under the Carolina Road Bridge you will immediately enter a 200 yard section of class II whitewater that cannot be portaged. This section of the river is known as the Mousehole because you are in a narrow slot down between vertical stone walls. Once through the Mousehole the river is relatively quiet for the 3.5 miles to Richmond, where there is a DEM fishing access site. This section of the river is forested and for the most part feels relatively remote from civilization. On this section of the river you will encounter downed trees across the river. Many will have a gap cut in them wide enough to let a canoe or kayak squeeze through. However there may be some recent blowdowns that require you to get out of your boat and lift it over or carry it around the tree. If you come across downed trees that are blocking canoe and kayak passage on the Wood or Pawcatuck Rivers you are encouraged to report them to denisep@wpwa.org . The Wood-Pawcatuck River Guide is highly recommended for paddling on the Wood-Pawcatuck river system.

This site provides access to the following water bodies in the Pawcatuck River watershed: Pawcatuck River.

Location:

Town: Richmond

Driving Landmarks: From I-95 (north or south) take exit 3A to Route 138 east. Follow 138 east for 2 miles and turn right on Route 112 south. The access site is 2.9 miles down Route 112 (Carolina Road) on the right. It is simply a small grassy path leading down to the water next to the bridge. It is possible to park along the side of the road here but there is not a lot of space so it is a less than ideal as a place to park.

Access & Waters:

Water 'Features' At Site: whitewater, flatwater/slow moving river, pond, Immediately below this access site is a 200 yard section of class II whitewater known as the Mousehole, which cannot be portaged.

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: Grassy slope

Float/Dock: no

Approximate Length of Carry between Car Access and Water: 40 feet

Parking:

Parking: on street

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? no

Sources for More Information:

AMC River Guide: 4th Edition, page 141

Other Guidebooks: Paddle 26 in "Paddling Connecticut and Rhode Island"

Website: How to order the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association's River Guide

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