Recreation
“Explore the Woonasquatucket Recreation Series”
This year, join the WRWC as we explore the full length of the 19-mile Woonasquatucket River–from top to bottom, North Smithfield to Downtown Providence. We’ll paddle, bike and hike, highlighting the different types of environments as we explore the length of this Rhode Island treasure.
Schedule is subject to change. Pre registration is required for all recreation events. If weather is bad, we may reschedule events, and will contact all registrants via email if so.
Learn more here about how to support WRWC’s efforts to continue bringing paddles, hiking and biking to the Woonasquatucket River community!
Check out all of our events!Pricing for Recreational Series Activities
Explore the Woonasquatucket Recreation Hiking/Walking Series: $10 per person
Woonasquatucket River Paddle Trips:
$35 – Solo kayak rental
$50 – Two-person canoe rental
$25 – Bring Your Own Boat (per person – covers costs of CPR certified guides & tour info)
Advance sign-up required for all recreational events except our Free Community Paddles at Riverside Park on Thursday afternoons during the summer.
Paddling Trip Guide
Explore the Woonasquatucket! Kayak or canoe alongside our experienced WRWC Paddle Team. The WRWC hosts a sensational series of paddle tours on the Woonasquatucket River each season from June through September. Join one or more of our many guided paddles as we journey from a bustling urban center to an oasis of wildlife on the Woonasquatucket River.
Cool off while you paddle and swim in the beautiful refreshing waters of Georgiaville Pond. Follow the river and pond at Stillwater Pond. Check out one of several downtown Providence paddles, where you’re sure to discover a beautiful Providence you may not know exists! We have something for everyone, no matter your skill level.
- The WRWC provides canoes, kayaks, paddles and life jackets.
- All skill levels welcome.
- Children are welcome, if accompanied by an adult.
- Trips typically last approximately 2 hours, depending on location.
- All participants must wear a life jacket (PFD), even if you bring your own boat.
APRIL
- Sat., April 6th Latham Brook, 10:00
- Sat. April 27th, Ken Weber Cons. Area, 10:00
MAY
- Sat., May 4th Leo Bouchard Center canoe rides, 1:00-3:00
JULY
- Thursday, July 11th | Free Community Canoe Trips at Riverside Park | 4:00 PM
- Thursday, July 18th | Free Community Canoe Trips at Riverside Park | 4:00 PM
- Friday, July 19th | Downtown Providence | 6:30 PM – 8: 30 PM
- Thursday, July 25th | Free Community Canoe Trips at Riverside Park | 4:00 PM
AUGUST
- Thursday, August 1st | Free Community Canoe Trips at Riverside Park | 4:00 PM
- Friday, August 2nd | Downtown Providence | 6:30 PM
- Thursday, August 8th | Free Community Canoe Trips at Riverside Park | 4:00 PM
- Wednesday, August 14th | Stump Pond | 5:30 PM
- Thursday, August 15th | Free Community Canoe Trips at Riverside Park | 4:00 PM
- Thursday, August 22nd | Free Community Canoe Trips at Riverside Park | 4:00 PM
- Thursday, August 29th | Free Community Canoe Trips at Riverside Park | 4:00 PM
SEPTEMBER
- Thursday, September 5th | Free Community Canoe Trips at Riverside Park | 4:00 PM
- Thursday, September 12th | Free Community Canoe Trips at Riverside Park | 4:00 PM
- Saturday, September 14th | Downtown Providence | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- Saturday, September 21st | Stillwater | 3:00 PM
Common Trips
Lower River: We usually start at the landing on South Water Street and paddle up through Waterplace Park to near Atwells Avenue and then return to the starting point. We go right through downtown Providence on this paddle, but we have seen red-tailed hawks, great blue herons, and many other birds in this stretch of the river. The complete trip is about 4 miles.
Greystone Mill Pond: Greystone Mill Pond, on the border of Johnston, North Providence and Smithfield, is a narrow, winding pond with many twists and turns, and wetlands along the way. We put in at Cricket Park in Johnston and paddle up the pond for about 5/8 mile and then turn around and paddle back to the starting point. We often see ducks, herons and other birds on this paddle.
Georgiaville Pond: This paddle is on scenic and peaceful Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield. We put in at the historic Smith-Appleby House, often get a tour of the house, and make a 2 mile circuit around the pond. This takes us past pretty, pine tree covered islands and a town park. And even get a chance to go for a swim!
Stillwater Pond and Stillwater Trail: This paddle takes us through the “narrows of the Woonasquatucket,” from Stillwater Pond to beneath the historic Smithfield Viaduct. We put in at the historic mill at the outlet of Stillwater Pond and paddle to the dam leading to the Stillwater Reservoir, observing several historically significant sites on the way before returning.
Woonasquatucket Reservoir (Stump Pond): Paddle the largest and one of the least developed reservoirs in the watershed! We put in on the west side of Woonasquatucket Reservoir in Smithfield and paddle from there up to the north end, where the Woonasquatucket flows into the reservoir at Mowry Conservation Area. You might even have the treat of stopping here for a picnic, as we sometimes do on this trip. We then sometimes loop around to the southern end of the reservoir, depending on timing and weather. The paddle is approximately 2 ½ miles long, not including the southern arm. With the southern arm it is about 5 miles in total.
Free Community Paddle Series
Launched in 2020, the WRWC’s Summer Community Paddle series shares the joy of a paddle on the Woonasquatucket River with 300+ central Providence riverfront residents. Our experienced paddle guides offer 10-15 minute paddle tours of the stretch of river that runs through Riverside Park. These paddle experiences are not for experienced paddlers–check out our longer paddle trips if you want more!
Our guided paddles transform participants’ perspectives, offering a first-time experience on the Woonasquatucket that strengthens connections to the river and the Greenway and engages the next generation of environmental stewards and leaders. Spanish- and English-speaking staff and volunteers make the paddle series accessible to all participants.
Woonasquatucket Recreational Guides
Get to know the Woonasquatucket! Below are field guides that explore the layout, history, and wildlife of various areas we explore in our recreational series. Click each guide to view the full document and learn more about the Woonasquatucket River Watershed!
