Vacationing in the Narragansett, RI, area is an excellent option if you love spending time by the water. After all, the community is home to Narragansett Town Beach, Scarborough State Beach, and Roger Wheeler State Beach, three of South County’s most vibrant oceanfront areas. It also features direct access to Narragansett Bay and Point Judith Pond.
A sometimes forgotten waterfront spot in Narragansett is the Pettaquamscutt Watershed, which connects to Narragansett Bay via the Narrow River. It sits minutes north of Narragansett Town Beach and is part of the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge, so it’s a great spot to check out while on vacation.
You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes, as well, making it easy to explore the Refuge in peace and even wander some uninhabited islands.
Here’s everything you should know about renting a kayak or canoe and visiting the Pettaquamscutt Watershed on your South County vacation.
Getting a Kayak, Canoe, or SUP
While you can hike certain areas around the Pettaquamscutt Watershed, much of it is marshland, limiting your ability to reach most locations. There isn’t much in the way of trails, either. As a result, the best way to experience this beautiful area is on the water.
Narrow River Kayaks has a rental shop on Middlebridge Road, right on the watershed’s shores, so getting on the water couldn’t be easier.
As you approach the shop, you’ll see they have a wide selection of kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards to meet your needs.
Kayak options include solo, tandem, fishing, and tandem plus, which can hold two adults and two children.
They have some pedal drive kayaks, too, which you might find less tiring to use over long distances.
Rentals are available for two hours, four hours, or the entire day, depending on how long you wish to explore, and you should keep in mind that reservations are recommended during the high season.
Heading South
Once you have your boat, you’ll have to decide which section of the watershed you wish to visit first.
Paddling south from Narrow River Kayaks takes you to Pettaquamscutt Cove and the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge. This part of the watershed is home to the most prominent black duck population in Rhode Island, so you’ll likely see some wildlife throughout your travels.
Other birds you might encounter include great egrets, herons, black-bellied plovers, osprey, and piping plovers. You can also do some fishing through this area, with striped bass being the most common of the 20 species that make their home in these waters.
The North End
Heading north from Narrow River Kayaks takes you through a narrow area that’s far more accessible for the general public than the south end. Here, you’ll see a small park where locals fish from the shore, eventually getting to the Mettatuxet Yacht Club.
You can paddle this narrow section for miles before reaching Upper Pond and the Pettaquamscutt River. This river will take you to the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace & Museum and the historic Burlingame Cemetery, two great spots to exit your kayak if you’re looking to experience some history.
The north end of the watershed is incredibly scenic as it enters some dense forests, making it worth a visit on your travels.
Organized Events
It might sound appealing to paddle the Pettaquamscutt Watershed on a guided tour, and Narrow River Kayaks has some options for you.
First, there’s their Full Moon Paddle, which departs in the evening, a bit before sunset, whenever there’s a full moon and lasts for two to two-and-a-half hours. Each kayak is equipped with glow sticks to ensure you remain visible as you experience one of the East Coast’s most scenic sunsets.
July 29, 2022, is the date of the 15th Annual Pettaquamscutt Paddle. This guided sunset paddle starts at 5:00 PM and ends at 9:00, taking you through the watershed. The event is also a fundraiser, with proceeds going to the Narrow River Preservation Association.
Get Some Paddling In
Renting a canoe, paddleboard, or kayak and exploring the Pettaquamscutt Watershed is a great option to have on your South County vacation. In doing so, you’ll get to explore parts of the state that very few others have seen because there aren’t any nearby roads or trails.
Boat rentals are affordable and straightforward, too, as you don’t need a license or training to get out there and enjoy some of Rhode Island’s most beautiful scenery.