Blackstone Gorge

42° 0.925' N    71° 33.192' 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:

There is a nice ramp leading down to the shore here, where canoes and kayaks can be launched into the impoundment (pond) above the dam at the head of Blackstone Gorge. Paddling down the gorge below the dam is NOT recommended. However, the river above the gorge is effectively a pond for a little over a mile up river. So, you can put above the dam and paddle upstream until the current becomes too strong to paddle against and then paddle back down to the put-in. 1-1/4 miles up river, on the west side of the river (river right) there is one of the old locks from the Blackstone Canal. The lock no longer holds water but the stone work is in good condition and makes for an interesting stop. The riverbanks in this area are pretty, with steep forested hillsides coming down to the river, and only occasional houses, roads and commercial buildings visible from the river.

For paddlers coming down to this take-out from further up the Blackstone, the opportunities for continuing down river are difficult at best. The next good put-in below the gorge is over 3 miles away by road at River Island Park in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. So, most paddlers will choose to end their trip at the head of Blackstone Gorge and paddle the Rhode Island sections of the Blackstone on another day.

The map and guide created by the Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor is highly recommended for paddling this section of the Blackstone River. It can be downloaded from the park website at the link below.

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

Location:

Alternate Site Name: Rolling Dam/County Street

Town: Blackstone

Nearest Town Center: Blackstone, MA

Driving Landmarks: From Route 122 look for a small sign for "Blackstone Gorge Tour Boat Parking." Turn here onto Carrington Street and go two blocks. Turn right onto County Street and go 0.1 miles to the parking lot for Blackstone Gorge on the left, marked by a white Blackstone Gorge DCR sign and a purple Blackstone Gorge (Heritage Corridor) sign. Park here and carry your boat down to the river.

Access & Waters:

Water 'Features' At Site: dam, 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: sand

Float/Dock: no

Approximate Length of Carry between Car Access and Water: 200 feet

Parking:

Parking: yes: 14 spaces

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? yes

Sources for More Information:

AMC River Guide: 4th Edition, page 151-152

Website: Blackstone Heritage Corridor National Park - Get On the River Page, with links to an excellent set of paddling maps and related information

Ecological, Cultural & Recreational Attractions:

There are walking trails that follow along the top edge of the impressive Blackstone Gorge and provide views into the gorge.

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