Experience a unique paddling trip by following the Woonasquatucket River into the heart of Providence, Rhode Island! This urban river has seen a lot of changes since Rhode Island was settled in the 1600’s, and especially since the industrial era began in the early 1800’s.
Dams were erected to power mills along the river, which served as a dumping ground for all sorts of garbage. The ultimate insult came when the lower Woonasquatucket was completely covered by freight yards and parking lots. It wasn’t until the 1990’s that the river was “daylighted” and cleanup efforts began. Now the river is a centerpiece of Providence, and home to the spectacular WaterFire events.
In this short film, we paddle the river with Alicia Lehrer, Executive Director of the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, which has been working to restore and enhance the river and its watershed since the early ‘90s.
As you’ll see, paddling the “Woony” is a surreal adventure. The route takes you through Olneyville, under busy interstate 95, past the Providence Place Mall and into bustling downtown Providence before joining with the Moshassock River to form the Providence River. From here the river flows south past the Hurricane Barrier and into Narragansett Bay.
Note that the Woonasquatucket is tidal all the way to Olneyville, so it’s important to time your trip around the upper portions of the tide; otherwise, you may find yourself dragging your kayak or canoe over the shallow spots. Be sure to wear proper sandals in case you need to wade, as the river remains littered with broken bottles and other sharp and jagged objects. Lastly, do not attempt to paddle the river after heavy rains, as the current can be dangerous.
For more information on the Woonasquatucket including how you can help protect and enhance the river, visit wrwc.org/wp/
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