Pawcatuck River Overnight/Bastille Day Campout - July 12-13, 2025

The Mohawk is loaded up

Saturday started with a RICKA Flatwater training at Stump Pond, and ended with our annual Bastille Day Campout at the Burlingame Canoe Campsites on the on the Pawcatuck River. It was a good weekend.

Back in the old days, RICKA held an annual summer camping trip – the Bastille Day Campout. Bastille Day is a national holiday in France that celebrates the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. Why Bastille Day was chosen as a theme for a RICKA camping trip has been lost to history. The connection to summer is obvious, and maybe it was a simple as that.

Setting up camp

The event was originally held on Dutch Island. When the DEM prohibited camping on Dutch Island in 1991, it moved to the Burlingame Canoe Campsites on the Pawcatuck. It was celebrated with an assortment of French and French-Canadian delicacies – mostly wine and beer. A Molson toast around the fire was always the highlight of an evening filled with good food and good friends.

Reviving this RICKA tradition seemed like a worthy challenge, so for the past few years we have been organizing a summer overnight trip at the Burlingame Canoe Campsites. This year, we met at the Bradford Landing at 2:30 to load up our boats. The group included JD, Chuck, Danny, Dan, Bill, Tim, Reuben and me.

Steak Frites on the fire

The weather was beautiful as we headed out – party cloud and in the 80’s with a light wind. It would drop into the 60’s in the evening, but no rain. We arrived and found the field campsite empty, so we hauled our gear up and set up camp. We started the dinner fire, then cooled off taking turns on the rope swing as the fire burned down to coals for cooking.

Once again, the food was plentiful - salsa and chips, charcuterie and cheese, cedar-planked brie with crusty baguettes, Italian sausage with spicy zucchini, Steak Frites (steak and fries), watermelon, carrot cake. After dinner, we settled in around the campfire for a night of tall-tales and war-stories. I finally turned in at around 10:00.

Breakfast in the Big Daddy skillet

Before I knew it, morning light was streaming through my tent. I got up around 6:00, started the fire and got the coffee perking. Dan was up shortly after, so we started on breakfast. I fired up my Dutch oven to make a batch of cinnamon rolls, and Dan fired up his 20” Big Daddy skillet to cook everything else - bacon, sausage, home fries and eggs. No one ever goes hungry on these trips.

After breakfast we packed for the trip back to Bradford. I was on the road by 10:00, and I was home by 11:00. We will definitely put the Bastille Day Campout on the RICKA calendar again next year.

The annual Molson toast

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Video from the Rope Swing

River Church - Alton to Bradford - February 23, 2025

Below the Alton Dam

After a long cold snap, the forecast was for warming weather on Sunday. We put-out the word, and got a group together for a trip down the Wood-Pawcatuck from Alton to Bradford – three boats, four paddlers, all canoes. It would be like "River Church".

The Wood-Pawcatuck watershed is one of the prettiest in RI. In 2019 it became part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System – the only river in RI to receive this prestigious designation. Included in the Wood-Pawcatuck designation are sections of seven rivers including the Beaver, Chipuxet, Green Fall-Ashaway, Pawcatuck, Queen - Usquepaugh, Shunock, and Wood.

Heading down the Wood River

We would be putting-in on the Wood River in Alton and paddling down the Pawcatuck River to Bradford. The Wood River arises near Sterling, CT and flows south for 25-miles to merge with the Pawcatuck River below Alton. There are two other sections of the Wood River that are popular with paddlers – the upper Wood River from Route 165 in Exeter to the Wyoming Dam with a portage at the Barberville Dam, and the lower Wood River from Switch Road to Alton with a portage at the Woodville Dam.

We met at the Alton Dam at 10:00 to unload our boats and run the shuttle down to Bradford. The river was at a nice level – 200 cfs, 2.75-feet on the Wood River Junction gage. We were concerned about ice on the river, but last weekend’s rain and snowmelt raised the river about a foot and cleared out any ice. The short section of the Wood River downstream of the Alton Dam twists and turns through a pretty forest. There were a couple of blow-downs to paddle around, but we made it through fine.

On to the Pawcatuck River

There are some differences of opinion on the name of river above the convergence with the Wood. Many guidebooks refer to Worden Pond as the source of the Pawcatuck River. In other guidebooks, the outflow from Worden Pond is a continuation of the Chipuxet River, which becomes the Charles River when it merges with the Queen - Usquepaugh just above Biscuit City, and becomes the Pawcatuck when it merges with the Wood River.

Whatever it is called, from its source at Worden Pond the river twists and turns for 34-miles to Westerly where it flows into Little Narragansett Bay. Some of the best paddling in RI is along the Pawcatuck including Great Swamp from Taylor's Landing to Biscuit City Landing, Shannock to Richmond, Richmond to Bradford, Bradford to Potter Hill, and Potter Hill to Westerly.

Running the broken dam
at Burdickville

Perhaps nowhere in Rhode Island has dam removal and river restoration been more active than along the Pawcatuck River. In 2010, the Lower Shannock Falls Dam was removed and replaced with a short rapid. In 2013, the Kenon Dam was replaced with fish weirs. In 2016, the White Rock Dam was removed and the riverbed restored. In 2017, the Bradford Dam was also replaced with fish weirs. Combined with fish ladders at Potter Hill and Upper Shannock Falls, the removal and modification of these dams has opened up the 34-miles of the Pawcatuck River to migratory fish, reduced portages, and created some fun rapids.

We took a quick break to check out the "boot-leg" site located at the convergence of the Wood and Pawcatuck Rivers. We are fortunate to have a several very nice campsites on the Pawcatuck including Stoney Point on Worden Pond, the Carolina Canoe Campsite just upstream from the Richmond Landing, this "bootleg" site at the confluence of the Wood River downstream from Alton Landing, and of course, the Burlingame Canoe Campsites upstream from Bradford Landing in the Burlingame Management Area.

Enjoying the fire at the
Burlingame Canoe Campsites

The Burlingame Wildlife Management Area extends north from Watchaug Pond in the Burlingame State Park to include a large woodland along the Pawcatuck River. The land is managed for both wildlife protection and recreation with hunting, trails for hikers and mountain bikers, and the Burlingame Canoe Campsites. These campsites are accessible from the river or by hiking in from the parking lot on Buckeye Brook Road or from the North South Trailhead on Burdickville Road.

The river opened up and was flowing well as we continued downstream. About a mile downstream is the broken dam at Brudickville. The dam can be portaged on the left, or run on the right. There was plenty of water flowing over the dam, so we decided to run it on the right. Everyone made it through fine. From there it is a short paddle down to the Burlingame Canoe Campsites where we stopped for lunch.

Heading down to Bradford

At the Burlingame Canoe Campsites there is an open field and five wooded sites. We hauled our gear up to the field and got a fire going in the large fire pit. We didn’t have time to cook on the fire, but we brought chairs to sit around the fire and backpacking stoves to heat up a hot meal. As one of our group said, “every trip is better if you can sit around the fire”.

From there, it is a short paddle down to Bradford Landing. We packed up our gear and sad our good-byes after another great trip.

The crew - Jeff, Chuck, Bill and Erik

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Wood River Junction Gage

Pawcatuck - Potter Hill to Westerly - September 2, 2024

Heading out from Potter Hill

I’ve been paddling my sea kayak a lot this summer, so I decided to take my canoe out on Labor Day to paddle the Pawcatuck River from Potter Hill to Westerly.

The Pawcatuck River arises at Worden Pond in South Kingstown and flows southwest for 34-miles to Westerly where it flows into Little Narragansett Bay on Long Island Sound. Perhaps nowhere in Rhode Island has dam removal and river restoration been more active than on the Pawcatuck River. In 2010, the Lower Shannock Falls Dam was removed and replaced with a short rapid that allows fish to swim upstream, and paddlers to run downstream.

Paul running the Kenyon
Fish Weirs in 2014

In 2013, an 85 foot long fish ramp was added to the downstream side of the old Kenyon Dam. This ramp is made up of five gradually ascending stone weirs, which serve like terraced steps. Gaps were left in the weirs to create channels for water to flow and fish to swim, including the main current down the middle that forms a nice channel for paddlers.

In 2016, the White Rock Dam on this section of the river was removed. For nearly 250 years, this dam had blocked upstream passage to Rhode Island’s largest watershed. The dam redirected much of the river’s flow down a granite-lined raceway whose rapids made a fun run for paddlers. With the dam gone, the river now flows through a restored riverbed.

Lined up to run the Bradford
Fish Weirs in 2024

In 2017, work began on the removal of the 200-year old Bradford Dam. Like the reconstructed Kenyon Dam, the Bradford Dam includes a fish ramp that allows fish to swim upstream to their traditional breeding grounds. The ramp also includes a 10-foot wide channel allowing canoes and kayaks to pass downstream.

Combined with fish ladders at Potter Hill and Upper Shannock Falls, the removal and modification of these dams has opened up the 34-miles of the Pawcatuck River to migratory fish. In 2019, the Pawcatuck River and its tributaries received National Wild and Scenic designation.

Restored riverbed at the site of the
old White Rock Dam

I met I met Sharon, Paul, Aaron and Burr at the put-in at Post Office Landing. We dropped off our boats and headed down to the take-out at boat ramp on Main Street in Westerly. Parking is limited, but we were lucky and found enough spots. There is an intermediate take out at Route 78.

The river was at a nice level – 3.7-feet, 225 cfs on the Westerly gage – low but fluid. Below Potter Hill the river is mostly flatwater running though woods and fields for 3½-miles until it reaches the remnants of the White Rock Dam.

Quickwater below the
old White Rock Dam

The original White Rock Dam was built in 1770 and was replaced in 1888 by a stone crib dam. When the old stone dam washed away in the 1938 hurricane, it was replaced with a 6-foot tall concrete dam that stretched 108 feet across the river.

Before the removal of the dam, the typical route around the dam was down the millrace. Depending on the flow, it could range from quickwater to class II rapids. I ran it once in 2012, and we found Duke Wavewalker enjoying the playhole with a couple of friends.

Quickwater in Westerly

With the removal in 2016 all that remains of the White Rock Dam are the stone abutments on river left. The restored riverbed is nice, but not as exciting as a run through the old raceway. The old raceway is high and dry, but has not been removed. We took a break for lunch just downstream from the old dam, and I was able to hike over to find it.

Below White Rock, the river is mostly flatwater with a couple of short quickwater sections before we reached downtown Westerly. We took out at the boat ramp on Main Street.

The crew at the take-out

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Westerly Gage

The Bastille Day Campout - June 28-29, 2024

Home for the night

I was busy with work this spring, so I missed the spring camping trip with my usual camping buddies. Bill and I did try to get some interest going for a late spring trip on the Connecticut River, but everyone was busy. Rather than skipping camping completely, we decided on an old favorite – an overnight at the Burlingame Canoe Campsites on the Pawcatuck River.

Back in the old days, RICKA held an annual summer camping trip – the Bastille Day Campout. Bastille Day is a national holiday in France that celebrates the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. Why Bastille Day was chosen as a theme for a RICKA camping trip has been lost to history. The connection to summer is obvious, and maybe it was a simple as that. 

Campfire Paella for dinner

The event was originally held on Dutch Island. When the DEM prohibited camping on Dutch Island in 1991, it moved to the Burlingame Canoe Campsites on the Pawcatuck. It was celebrated with an assortment of French and French-Canadian delicacies – mostly wine and beer. A Molson toast around the fire was always the highlight of an evening filled with good food and good friends.

Reviving this RICKA tradition seemed like a worthy challenge, so Bill and I posted a trip on the flatwater message board, and we ended up with a group of six. We met at the Bradford Landing at 2:00 to load up our boats and paddle up to the campsites. There was one small complication - a large group celebrating a bachelor party had already set up camp at the Burlingame sites. Rather than intrude or put up with the noise, we decided to check out the bootleg sites along the river.  

The Molson toast around the fire

Danny and Bill headed out first, and checked out a site not far from the put-in. It was nice, but a little closed in, so we decided to check out some of the sites further upstream. Aaron suggested a site on river right just past the Burlingame sites. It had plenty of room for boats, a nice fire pit for cooking, and a great view of the river - the decision was made.

We hauled our gear up from the river and set up camp. Once camp was up, Aaron went out for a paddle, and the rest of us took a break to enjoy a few cocktails. Before long it was time to light the fire and cook dinner - campfire paella. After dinner, Dan, Aaron and I took a moonlight paddle up to the Burdickville Dam. Then we settled in around the campfire for the night. After many tall-tales and war-stories we finally turned in at around 10:00. 

Dan cooks breakfast

Before I knew it, morning light was streaming through my tent. I got up around 6:00, started the fire and got the coffee perking. Dan was up shortly after, so we started on breakfast. I fired up my Dutch oven to make a batch of cinnamon rolls, and Dan fired up his 20” Big Daddy skillet to cook everything else - bacon, home fries and eggs. No one ever goes hungry on these trips.

After breakfast we packed up camp for the trip back to Bradford. The sky was cloudy, and we even got a few drops of rain. Once there, we packed up the cars and said our goodbyes after another great tip. We will definitely have to put the Bastille Day Campout on the RICKA calendar next year.

Packed up and ready to go

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Aaron's Video on YouTube

Burlingame Canoe Campsites from Rhode Island Blueways
Bradford Landing from Rhode Island Blueways

Third Swim of the Year – Pawcatuck River – Bradford to Potter Hill - June 23, 2024

Bradford Fish Weirs

It rained as I drove down, but we ended up with a nice day for our trip on the Pawcatuck River. The last time that we did this trip was in 2020 during COVID, and back then we did a bike shuttle. No need for that this year.

The Pawcatuck River arises at Worden Pond in South Kingstown and flows southwest for 34-miles to Westerly where it flows into Little Narragansett Bay on Long Island Sound. Along with the Beaver, Queen - Usquepaug, Wood, Chipuxet, Shunock and Green Fall - Ashaway, the Pawcatuck received Wild and Scenic River status in 2019. We would be paddling the section from Bradford to Potter Hill – about 8-miles.

Polly Coon Footbridge

I met Bill, Paul, Bob, Aaron and Mike at the put-in at the Bradford Landing. We dropped off our boats and headed down to the take-out at Potter Hill. Parking is available at Post Office Landing – a DEM boat launch across the street from the take-out that is down a dirt road that looks like someone’s driveway. At least they have put a sign up now.

With all the rain over the past few days the river was at a nice level – 3-feet, 200 cfs on the Wood River Junction gage. We put in and headed down to run the Bradford Fish Weirs – a series of six gradually ascending stone steps that replaced the old Bradford Dam. Paul went first and ran the fish weirs clean. Bill and I went next. We hit a rock in the 4th weir, and over we went – 3rd swim of the year for me. Bob ran it last and made it through fine.

Marshland above the Potter Hill Dam

After the Fish Weirs, the river twists and turns through conservation land owned by the Westerly Land Trust and Hopkinton Land Trust. We passed under the Polly Coon Footbridge and continued downstream to the beach off Narragansett Way where we stopped for lunch. Below Route 3 there is more development as the river meanders through marshland formed by the deadwater of the Potter Hill Dam.

The take out is on the Westerly side of the river just above the Potter Hill Road Bridge at the Whiteley Preserve - a Westerly Land Trust property. We loaded up our boats and I drove Bill and Paul back to Bradford to pick up their cars. I forgot to bring my camera, but Mike got some great pictures and video.


Bradford Fish Weirs from Erik Eckilson on Vimeo.

We did earn another poem from Tom.

Bill seemed to hem and haw.

His stirring starboard would get them yawl.

Erik bowed to Bill’s stern grace.

Damp Bradford weirs on them in place.

TW

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Mikes Pictures and Video on Facebook
Wood River Junction Gage

End-of-Year Camping at the Burlingame Canoe Campsites - December 30-31, 2023

Heading out from Bradford Landing

We’ve been having a relatively warm winter, so I was hoping to get one more camping trip in before the end of the year. Without too much arm-twisting we got a group of 5 together for an overnight trip at the Burlingame Canoe Campsites – me, Bob, Dan, John and Chuck.

The weather forecast was mixed with slight chance showers Saturday afternoon, day-time temperatures in the 40’s, and night-time temperatures dropping into the 20’s. I met the group at the Bradford Landing at 11:30 for the 3-mile trip up to Burlingame. With several inches of rain over the past two-weeks, the river was high and it was a bit of a slog paddling up to the campsites.

Camp set up in the field

We are fortunate to have a several very nice campsites on the Pawcatuck River. There is Stoney Point on Worden Pond, the Carolina Canoe Campsite just upstream from the Richmond Landing, the "bootleg" site at the confluence of the Wood River downstream from Alton Landing, and of course, the Burlingame Canoe Campsites upstream from Bradford Landing in the Burlingame Management Area.

The Burlingame Wildlife Management Area extends north from Watchaug Pond in the Burlingame State Park to include a large woodland along the Pawcatuck River. The land is managed for both wildlife protection and recreation with hunting, trails for hikers and mountain bikers, and the Burlingame Canoe Campsites. These campsites are only accessible from the river or by hiking in from the parking lot on Buckeye Brook Road or from the North South Trailhead on Burdickville Road. 

Baking biscuits in Bob's Camper Kitchen

At the Burlingame Canoe Campsites there is an open field and five wooded sites. We decided to camp in the field. We hauled our gear up from the river and set up camp. The tents went up first, then the rain fly, then the kitchen. We got a short rain shower after everything was set up, but we stayed dry under the tarp while we enjoyed John’s chili for lunch

After lunch we took a walk to check out the other campsites before lighting the campfire. Dan cooked nachos in his reflector oven for an afternoon snack, quesedillas in his Big Daddy Skillet as an appetizer, and Tuscan White Bean Stew with grilled garlic bread for dinner. Desert was Strawberry Shortcake with Bob’s homemade Bakewell Cream biscuits baked in his Camper’s Cook All Camper Kitchen baking pan.

Dan cooking breakfast

The sky eventually cleared, and we got a great view of the night stars as we sat around the fire. After many tall-tales and war-stories we finally turned in for the night at around 10:00. I was snug and warm with my father’s winter camping gear -  a Eureka Expedition tent and Sumberjack Quallofil sleeping bag. Compared to today’s gear, both are big and bulky, but they still work great – no complaints from me.

Before I knew it I heard someone moving around outside. It was Dan getting the morning fire started. It was 6:30 and still dark, but I reluctantly climbed out of my sleeping bag to join him. After warming up by the fire, I got the coffee perking and fired up my Dutch oven to make a batch of my grandmother’s cinnamon rolls. Dan cooked bacon and home fries in his 20” Big Daddy Skillet on the fire, and I cooked omelets on the stove. John said this trip was all about the food, and he was right - we didn't go hungry.

Exploring the marsh along Poquiant Brook

After breakfast we packed up camp for the trip back to Bradford Landing. Dan had his drysuit on, so he did a New Year's Polar Plunge off the rope swing before we left. With the high water, we were able to take a detour to explore the marshland along Poquiant Brook, which flows from Watchaug Pond in the Burlingame State Park to the Pawcatuck River. Great trip and a nice way to end the year. 

Year-end Canoe Camp, Pawcatuck River, RI

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John's Video

Pawcatuck River Overnight - June 3-4, 2023

Burlingame Canoe Campsites

What's not to like about canoe camping? You paddle in, set up camp, have dinner, and then settle in for a relaxing evening around the campfire. I did my first canoe camping trip with the RICKA Wilderness Group in 2012, and I’ve been hooked ever since. This time we would be doing an overnight trip at the Burlingame Canoe Campsites on the Pawcatuck River.

We are fortunate to have a several very nice campsites on the Pawcatuck. There is Stoney Point on Worden Pond, the Carolina Canoe Campsite just upstream from the Richmond Landing, the "bootleg" site at the confluence of the Wood River, and of course, the Burlingame Canoe Campsites in the Burlingame Management Area. At Burlingame there is a large open field suitable for groups, and five smaller wooded sites. All these sites are available on a first come first serve basis, and can get crowded in the warm summer months.

The camp is set up

The weather forecast was mixed with rain Saturday morning, and again on Sunday afternoon. It was raining as I drove down I-95, but stopped by the time I met the group at the Bradford Landing. We loaded the boats and set out for the 3-mile trip up to Burlingame.

When we arrived at Burlingame, we were surprised to find a group already set up in the field. We scouted out the wooded sites and decided to take the third site down – one site down from where we camped last spring, and one site up from the grassy site where we camped in 2014. We hauled our gear up the steep hill from the river and began to set up camp.

Enjoying the evening fire

The first thing up was the rain fly – fortunately we never needed it – followed by the kitchen and then the tents. I pitched my tent in the grassy site, which is now over-grown appears rarely used. I decided to try out my new Alps Mountaineering Lynx one-man tent.

After setting up camp we took a break to enjoy cocktails before cooking dinner. Dinner was hamburgers and hot dogs with garden and macaroni salad. The wind picked up after dinner, but we never got any rain. We settled in around the fire for watermelon, and a relaxing evening.

Dan cooks breakfast in the 20" skillet

After many tall-tales and war-stories we finally turned in for the night at around 10:30. My one-man tent was tight, but it was still comfortable. It will work well for sea kayak camping in the Capella. 

Before I knew it, morning light was streaming through my tent. I got up around 6:00, and found that Danny was already up enjoying coffee. I got my coffee pot perking.

Heading back to Bradford

Dan was up shortly after and got the fire started. He would be cooking breakfast in his 20" Camp Chef Lumberjack Maine-guide skillet. After pulling out some coals he cooked our entire breakfast in this pan – bacon, home fries, grilled English muffins, omelets and fried eggs. He was able to set up different heat zones for cooking and keeping things warm - pretty cool.

He had blue sky and puffy clouds in the morning, so we took our time enjoying breakfast around the fire. After breakfast we packed up camp for the trip back to Bradford Landing. Storm clouds were rolling in as we loaded up the cars and said our goodbyes, and the rain started up again as I drove home on I-95. The rain gods had smiled on us - we timed it perfect!

The crew at Bradford Landing

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Burlingame Overnight - May 28-29, 2022

Heading out

Our second attempt at an Allagash trip got canceled due to family obligations and COVID-19. In its place, Bill and I decided to do an overnight at the Burlingame Canoe Campsites. We posted it on the RICKA message board, and Danny joined us as well.

The Burlingame Canoe Campsites are part of the Burlingame Management Area upstream from the Bradford Landing. There are six sites including an open field suitable for groups, and five smaller wooded sites. All the sites are available on a first come first serve basis, and can get crowded in the warm summer months.

Time to unload

One of the challenges of canoe/kayak camping is that everything that you bring needs to fit in your boat. While you can carry more in a canoe or kayak than you can in a backpack, space is still limited, and drybags are needed to keep your gear dry. Once I packed up all my gear, I realized that I had more than I could fit in my solo boat. Fortunately, Danny has a collection of tripping canoes and likes to paddle tandem. He agreed to bring an 18-foot Old Town Voyager with more than enough room for our gear.

The forecast was for rain on Saturday, but sunny and warm on Sunday. It was drizzling as I drove down I-95, but it stopped by the time I reached Bradford Landing. We loaded the boats and headed out. As we headed upstream the clouds started to clear and we even saw some patches of blue sky.

Veggies for dinner

All of the sites were empty when we arrived at Burlingame. We scouted out the field, but decided to take the first wooded site downstream. We hauled our gear up the steep hill from the river and began to set up camp. The first thing up was the rain fly – fortunately we never needed it – followed by the tents/hammock. With Danny’s big boat we were able to bring enough firewood so that we didn’t need to forage.

As we set up camp, a couple of hikers passed by and took the site next door. Trails lead into these sites from the parking lot on Buckeye Brook Road and from the North South Trailhead on Burdickville Road. They were quiet neighbors.

Enjoying the fire

After setting up camp we took a break to enjoy cocktails and appetizers before cooking dinner. Dinner was Jonathan’s fried fish with rice and veggies. A few clouds rolled in around dinner time, and we heard rumbles of thunder to the north, but we never got any rain. After dinner we settled in around the fire for cherry pie, watermelon and a relaxing evening. By the time we went to bed the sky was clear and full of stars.

I awoke around 4:00 to the sound of Bill yelling at a whip-poor-will singing in a nearby tree. I have to admit, it was loud, but Bill was louder. I fell back asleep and woke up again around 6:00 when I heard Danny up making coffee. I decided it was time to get up and get the coffee pot going myself.

Loaded for the trip back

Bill was up shortly after and we got the fire going and started cooking breakfast – omelets, home fries, sausage and English muffins. Most was cooked on the stove, but the sausage was cooked and the muffins were toasted on the fire by Danny. It was a beautiful morning, so we took our time enjoying breakfast and coffee around the fire.

After breakfast we packed up camp for the trip back to Bradford. The weather was beautiful – bright blue sky, a few puffy clouds and no wind. It was a leisurely paddle back to Bradford Landing. Once there, we packed up the cars and said our goodbyes after another great tip.

A pretty section of the Pawcatuck River

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Burlingame Canoe Campsites from Rhode Island Blueways
Bradford Landing from Rhode Island Blueways

Wood/Pawcatuck - Alton to Bradford - August 15, 2021

Running the broken dam at Burdickville

No trips on the calendar this weekend, so I posted a trip on the RICKA flatwater message board for the Wood/Pawcatuck from Alton to Bradford. Three canoes, two kayaks, and beautiful morning to be out on the water. The river was at 2.2 feet, 75 cfs on the Wood River Junction gauge, which made for a nice run through the broken dam at Burdickville. Also had fun swinging on the rope swing at the Burlingame campsites.

Below the broken dam at Brudickville

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Pawcatuck – Bradford to Potter Hill – August 15, 2020

Bike shuttle from Post Office Landing

By now, we have all developed pretty good COVID-19 paddling habits - wear your mask, keep your distance, and no car shuttles. As a river paddler, though,  there are times when I just want to go downstream. Without a car how do you make that happen. Easy – just hop on your bike.

Bike shuttles work just like car shuttles except for the part when you all crowd into one vehicle to get back to the put-in. Instead, you hop on your bike. It’s a fun addition to the trip, and you get some great exercise. 

Running the Bradford Fish Weirs

Lately I have been looking for trips with a relatively long paddle and a relatively short, flat bike ride. The way our local rivers twist-and-turn there are many, but some of the best are on the Pawcatuck – RI’s only Wild and Scenic River.

The Wood-Pawcatuck watershed encompasses 300 square miles in southwestern RI and southeastern CT. Its seven major rivers include the Beaver,  Queen - Usquepaug, Wood, Chipuxet, Shunock, Green Falls - Ashaway, and Pawcatuck. It is one of the largest remaining natural areas along the northeast corridor between New York and Boston, and received Wild and Scenic River status in 2019. 

Paddling through the Grills Preserve

The Pawcatuck River itself arises at Worden Pond in South Kingstown and flows 34-miles south and west to Westerly where it flows into Little Narragansett Bay on Long Island Sound. We would be paddling the section from Bradford to Potter Hill – about 7-miles.  Unlike some of the sections upstream, there is plenty of water here all summer long. 

Jonathan, Bill and I dropped off our boats at Bradford at around 9:30, and drove to take-out at Potter Hill. Parking is available at Post Office Landing – a DEM boat launch across the street from the take-out. It looks like someone’s driveway, but it is a public access point. At least they have now put up a sign.

Polly Coon Footbridge

We left our cars at the take-out and had an easy 4-mile bike ride back to Bradford. It doesn’t take that much longer than arranging a car shuttle. When we arrived back at Bradford, Sharon and Paul were waiting for us. Sharon had arranged her own shuttle, and Paul would do the bike ride after the trip. 

The river was low, but there was still plenty of water – 21 cfs, 1.75 feet on the Wood River Junction gage.  Surprisingly, there was even enough water to run the Bradford fish weirs, which replaced the old Bradford Dam in 2018.

Lunch at the beach

The old Bradford Dam was a 19th century stone and timber structure that provided power to the Bradford textile mills. Built on top of a natural falls, the 6-foot dam spanned the entire width of the river. Since removing the dam would drop the water level upstream by about 5 feet and negatively impact wetlands, the decision was made to replace the existing dam with a new rock ramp structure.

The new dam is made up of 6 gradually ascending stone weirs, which serve like terraced steps. Pools between the steps give fish a place to rest on their way upstream. Gaps in the weirs create channels for water to flow and fish to swim, including the main current down the middle that forms a nice channel for paddlers.

Bill the triathlete - bike, boat and swim

After running, lining or portaging the Bradford Dam we continued downstream. From Bradford to Route 3 the river twists and turns through the woodlands of the Grills Preserve owned by the Westerly Land Trust and Hopkinton Land Trust. We passed under the Polly Coon Footbridge and continued downstream stopping at the beach off Narragansett Way for a break and a socially-distanced lunch. 

Below Route 3 there is more development as the river meanders though open marshland to the Potter Hill Dam. The take out is on the Westerly side of the river just above the Potter Hill Road Bridge at the Whiteley Preserve - a Westerly Land Trust property. We loaded our boats and drove back to Bradford to pick up our bikes after another great trip.

Approaching Potter Hill

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Wood River Junction Gage