Trips: Great Swamp

Queen's River          Wood River          Pawcatuck River          Great Swamp          Narrow River

A RI Wildlife Management Area.  Wind your way through an area that is stunningly beautiful and serene.  The birds, the busy beavers, the duck and painted and snapping turtles, the occasional swan, Canada goose and the abundant diversity of foliage and flowers is really something to experience.  

Half Trip: Approx. 5.5 miles, 2 1/2 hrs.  Smooth water, one mile open pond crossing.  Some tight curves to manuveur.  Some kayaking experience highly recommended!  

Description: The Great Swamp is an immense state-protected and preserved wildlife management area filled with a wide variety of wildlife and vegetation.  The Chipuxet River, average depth 4-5 feet, runs right through this management area allowing you to see natural habitats that otherwise are unaccessible. 

"The Great Swamp is Amazing.  Everyone should experience it" - Kathy, Providence, RI.

Before May 31 and after September 15.  All users of the Great Swamp Wildlife Management Area (hunting area) are required to wear 200 square inches of approved florescent orange clothing.   We provide the approved orange vests for your kayaking trip.

Every season in the Great Swamp is different.  Currently there are four beaver dams, two very active.  You will be extremely up-close to nature as the passageways are narrow in many areas.  It is a real treat and usually a great adventure to paddle through it.
 

GORP, an expert of adventure travel & outdoor recreation says:

"The Great Swamp, located in the southern part of RI provides perhaps the most intriguing canoe trip in the state.  Here, you will float into a vast state-owned management area on one river, paddle across a shallow but wide pond and then finish your trip on another river that snakes its way through dense vine-draped vegetation.  There will be no doubt in your mind why this area is called the Great Swamp."

The Great Swamp Trip will ultimately lead you into Worden's Pond, a shallow, 1,045 acre freshwater pond and natural glacial lake.  With an average depth of 4 feet with an approximate maximum depth of 7 feet, this huge pond gets warm quickly in the summer months -great for a quick swim.   It is well known in the state as being an excellent spot for bass and pickerel fishing.  If you chose to do the half trip you will end the trip with a paddle across Worden's Pond. 

Plan to make this trip in the early morning.  It will take you two hours to reach Worden's Pond and by early afternoon the winds tend to pick up on Worden's Pond.  Winds greater than 12 mph can make this one mile crossing very difficult.  If you go in the early morning this section of the trip is very pleasant and calm.   

Directions:    

(Route 138 near URI / the Ryan Center)  Map - maps.google.com/maps

From the South:
Follow I-95 North to Exit 3, Route 138 East.
Follow Route 138 East approximately 10 miles. Just past Rte 2, after the Amtrack station and the Mobil gas station you will see Great Swamp, Liberty Lane parking area on your right.

From the North:
Follow I-95 S to Exit 9, Rte 4 S. Follow Route 4 South to Route 1 South. Stay on Rte 1 S for approximately 3 miles. At Tower Hill Road intersection take a right onto 138 West for approximately 5 miles (pass URI on right). Just past the traffic light at Route 110, (Ministerial Road) on the left side you will see the parking lot, Taylor's Landing, Liberty Lane. It is across the street from Sosnowski Farm and next to Taylor's Landing Country Store.