Wood River at Route 165

41° 34.375' N    71° 43.259' 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.

Description & Overview:

See what others have said.

This is the standard put-in for paddling on the upper Wood River. There is a large gravel parking lot around a picnic shelter and good access to the west (river right) bank of the river for launching hand-carried boats. Paddling downstream from this site you are heading into the heart of the Arcadia Management Area on a river that is one of the natural treasures of Rhode Island as well as one of Rhode Island's finest trout streams. The river is narrow and winding and in low water can be a bit scratchy. There is a definite current, but nothing approaching whitewater or even quickwater. The shoreline of the river is wooded and houses and roads are nowhere to be seen. The first take out is 4 miles downstream at the Barberville Dam, where there is a handicapped accessible landing on the right side of the river and a portage around the dam, which gives you access to another 3 miles of paddling to Wyoming Pond. In recent years the creel and possession limit has been two trout, salmon, charr in the Wood River between Route 165 and Arcadia Rd. from the second Saturday in May until the last day of February but anglers are advised to check the latest RI DEM regulations before fishing in this area. This area is stocked with trout several times throughout the year. This area is very popular for fishing, so it is best avoided by non-fishing paddlers for the first couple of weeks of the fishing season in April. (This description was adapted in part from the Wood-Pawcatuck River Guide, which is highly recommended for paddling anywhere on the Wood-Pawcatuck river system.)

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

Location:

Town: Exeter

Driving Landmarks: From I-95 north or south take Exit 5A for Route 102 south. Go 0.7 miles south on Route 102 and then turn right onto Nooseneck Hill Road/Route 3 south. Go 1.3 miles south on Route 3 and turn right onto Route 165/Ten Rod Road. Go 3 1/2 miles west on Route 165 and look for a turnoff on the left, just after you cross the Wood River. The site is marked as a DEM fishing access site.

Access & Waters:

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

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: There is a nice grassy bank alongside the river as well as broad wooden steps down to the river, all of which provides good access for launching hand-carried boats. The site is heavily used so please treat the bank gently to reduce erosion.

Float/Dock: no

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

Parking:

Parking: yes: 40 spaces

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? no

Sources for More Information:

AMC River Guide: 4th Edition, pages 138-141

Other Guidebooks: Paddle 23 in "Paddling Connecticut and Rhode Island"

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

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