Wickford Harbor - July 24, 2024

Wilson Park Kayak Launch

It was a windy, rainy morning, so I decided to head over to Wickford to paddle Wickford Harbor. 

Wickford was established in the early 17th century when Roger Williams purchased land from the Narragansett Indians and established a trading post. In 1637, Williams sold the land to Richard Smith who constructed a large fortified house on the site, giving the house its nickname the “Castle”. That house was burned during King Philip's War, and the structure that can be seen from the put-in today was built in 1678.

Marinas at Mill Cove

Wickford grew to become a major port and shipbuilding center, and today contains a large collection of 17th and 18th century homes. It is a picturesque village whose streets are lined with shops and restaurants, and whose harbor is filled with sailboats and yachts.

I paddled out from Wilson Park into Mill Cove, and then over Wickford Cove and into Wickford Village. From there I paddled out to the breakwater in the outer harbor before returning to Wilson Park. I saw a couple of other kayakers, but otherwise I had the harbor to myself.

Wickford Cove

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