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Annawamscutt Dr.

41° 41.284' N    71° 14.551' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Map Server   Acme Maps

Google Maps is the mapping system used on the new ExploreRI mapper and shows the access site located on a terrain view, a street map or an aerial photograph. Clicking on this link will take you to the full Google Maps website, which is not part of ExploreRI.
Map Server shows a topographic map of the area. The Map Server website is not part of ExploreRI.org.
Acme Maps shows the access site located on a topographic map. The Acme Maps website is not part of ExploreRI.org.

This is a site for launching boats from trailers. Boat ramps can normally be used to launch canoes and kayaks but please do your best to keep the boat ramp clear for boat trailers.

Description & Overview:

This site was extensively rebuilt by RI DEM in 2010 and 2011 and has been greatly improved. The site is accessed via a new road off the south side of Annawamscutt Drive. The road ends in a large paved parking lot with space for 49 vehicles with trailers and five trailerless vehicles. There is a new cement plank ramp that should be useable at all tides. There are floating docks on both sides of the ramp. The docks will be in from April to December each year. One of the docks provides a fully ADA-compliant route from the parking area to the water. A new four foot deep channel was dredged from the end of the ramp to deep water.

The site provides access to the west side of Mount Hope Bay. Following the shoreline north takes you to Bristol Narrows and the mouth of the Kickemuit River. Following the shoreline south takes you to Mount Hope Point and ultimately the Mount Hope Bridge. Mount Hope Bay is a large, open arm of Narragansett Bay and the shoreline in this area is straight and without any shelter, so caution should be exercised in small boats.

On most days the southwest wind fills in throughout this area in the morning and blows through the afternoon, producing significant waves, so be prepared for this when planning your trip. Mornings are often calmer and less windy, and so are usually a better time to paddle.

Especially around the points and in narrow areas such as under the Mount Hope Bridge the tide can interact with the wind to create particularly rough conditions.

If you are heading south under the Mount Hope Bridge, to Bristol Harbor, check out this Bristol Harbor Trail Map and Guide (PDF format).

This site provides access to the following water bodies: Mount Hope Bay.

Location:

Alternate Site Name: Mount Hope Fishing Access

Town: Bristol

Driving Landmarks: From route 136 (Metacom Avenue) turn east onto Annawamscutt Drive. In about 0.9 miles look for a road on the right leading to the access site. If you come to the end of Annawamscutt Drive you have gone to far. There is access to the shore at the end of Annawamscutt Drive but it is not as convenient as at the boat ramp.

Access & Waters:

Water 'Features' At Site: ocean/bay

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 ramp

ADA Accessible Boat Launch? yes

Shoreline: The shoreline near the concrete plank boat ramp is cobble beach.

Float/Dock: low float or dock

Parking:

Parking: yes: 49 spaces

Ecological, Cultural & Recreational Attractions:

The shoreline boat north and south of this site is open to walking.

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Private feedback goes to the Blueways Alliance/RI Land Trust Council. We'll use your information to make this website better or pass it along to the people who can deal with physical issues at this site. Public comments are posted here (once they've been reviewed and approved) for all to see.

The data on this website come from many sources, including volunteers and organizations across the state of Rhode Island and nearby parts of Massachusetts. We have done our best to make sure the data are accurate and up to date, but any information critical to the success of your trip should be confirmed before you start. The maps and information on this website should not be substituted for nautical charts, topographic maps, or other more detailed maps and guides. We welcome corrections and additions. To send a correction or provide other feedback, please use our feedback form (see link above).

This site report was last updated on February 22, 2012

© 2008-2020 Rhode Island Blueways Alliance, Rhode Island Land Trust Council