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National Rivers Month – Sunday in Central Falls
The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and the City of Central Falls kicks off National Rivers Month with a celebration at Central Falls Landing and all are invited!
Come for an enjoyable afternoon along the Blackstone River on Sunday, June 5th! The fun-filled day includes short trips on The Explorer, opportunities to take a Blackstone River Expeditions kayak & canoe excursions out on the river, ability to learn more about the Samuel Slater canal boat, Dragon Boat demonstrations with chances for the public to paddle these impressive boats, family activities,
and much more!!!
One of the best ways to get up close and personal with your river is by boat and in particular by paddling in a kayak or canoe. Besides the Blackstone River there are three other rivers, as well as ponds and lakes within the confines of the Blackstone Valley with opportunities to get out and try your hand at paddling. Below is a list of a few easy paddling spots.
Easy Paddling Spots
All these spots are perfect for beginning paddlers, and if you don’t have your own kayak, there is information below about kayak rentals.
Olney Pond, Lincoln Woods – The centerpiece of Lincoln Woods, Olney pond offers many coves and islands to explore. MORE INFO
Slatersville Reservoir, North Smithfield: This site also has coves to explore. The eastern portion of the reservoir is largely wooded. MORE INFO
Valley Falls Pond, Central Falls/Cumberland: Put in at Central Falls Landing and travel north to Pratt Dam approximately 2 miles. Explore coves of Lonsdale Marsh and look for signs of wildlife including beaver, great blue heron, green heron, painted turtles and muskrats. MORE INFO
Looking for something a little bit more challenging? Paddle the Ten Mile River from Freedom Green to Hunts Mills in East Providence. Download the map
Guided Trips, Rentals and Paddling Groups
If you don’t have your own canoe or kayak or would like some guidance – check out the following resources:
Providence Kayaks: Offers rentals at Olney Pond in Lincoln Woods.
Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone: Offering monthly guided trips, Connect with Canoes, through October – Click Here for Dates
Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council: Sponsors paddling trips on the Woonasquatucket River including the communities of Smithfield and Gloucester. PADDLING INFO
If you plan on visiting with us for a long period this summer consider joining the Blackstone Valley Paddlers Club in conjunction with the Rhode Canoe and Kayak Association.
Be sure to return to Central Falls Landing for the second year of Blackstone River Expeditions, which has two components:
- The Central Falls Youth Kayak Program, a free kayak instruction for youth from Central Falls in partnership with the City of Central Falls.
- River Expeditions, kayak and canoe rentals available at Central Falls Landing.
Remember to always wear a life jacket or PFD and respect private property. For more safe paddling tips visit Exploreri.org.
