Welcome to the ExploreRI Mapper
This mapper will help you locate boat launches and other points of interest to for small boat recreation throughout the state of Rhode Island. To get started, click anywhere on the map to zoom in on that area. To zoom out use the zoom control to the left of the map. Once you have zoomed in, boat launches and other points of interest will show up on the map as clickable red icons (see the key below the map). Click on an icon to get more information about that location. If you prefer to search by criteria or simply look up a site by name, try the boat launch search page. If you have a high-speed Internet connection (e.g., DSL or Cable), you may want to try our Google-based mapping system which also includes sites in the Narragansett Bay Watershed in Massachusetts.
KEY
Hand Carry Boat Launch
Boat Ramp
Portage
Other Type of Site
The location you clicked on is a site for launching hand-carried boats such as canoes or kayaks.
Site Name: Carolina
Town: Richmond
Driving Landmarks: From I-95 (north or south) take exit 3A to Route 138 east. Follow 138 east for 2 miles and turn right on Route 112 south. The access site is 2.9 miles down Route 112 (Carolina Road) on the right. It is simply a small grassy path leading down to the water next to the bridge. It is possible to park along the side of the road here but there is not a lot of space so it is a less than ideal as a place to park.
ADA Accessible Boat Launch? no
Shoreline: Grassy slope
Float/Dock: no
Approximate Length of Carry between Car Access and Water: 40 feet
Parking: on street
ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? no
Water 'Features' At Site: whitewater, flatwater/slow moving river, pond, Immediately below this access site is a 200 yard section of class II whitewater known as the Mousehole, which cannot be portaged.
Note: Because one boat launch can access, say, both a lake and a river or both the upstream and downstream portions of a river, not all paddling trips at a given site will necessarily encounter all of the features listed.
Comments & Overview:If coming down the Wood River from Shannock Falls, the last section of the river above Carolina is a small pond created by the dam under Carolina Road. For more details on the river above Carolina see the description for Shannock Falls.
Once you go under the Carolina Road Bridge you will immediately enter a 200 yard section of class II whitewater that cannot be portaged. This section of the river is known as the Mousehole because you are in a narrow slot down between vertical stone walls. Once through the Mousehole the river is relatively quiet for the 3.5 miles to Richmond, where there is a DEM fishing access site. This section of the river is forested and for the most part feels relatively remote from civilization. On this section of the river you will encounter downed trees across the river. Many will have a gap cut in them wide enough to let a canoe or kayak squeeze through. However there may be some recent blowdowns that require you to get out of your boat and lift it over or carry it around the tree. If you come across downed trees that are blocking canoe and kayak passage on the Wood or Pawcatuck Rivers you are encouraged to report them to denisep@wpwa.org . The Wood-Pawcatuck River Guide is highly recommended for paddling on the Wood-Pawcatuck river system.
For more details see the full site report
The data on this website comes from many sources, including volunteers and organizations across the state of Rhode Island and nearby parts of Massachusetts. We have done our best to make sure the data are accurate and up to date, but any information critical to the success of your trip should be confirmed before you start. The maps and information on this website should not be substituted for nautical charts, topographic maps, or other more detailed maps and guides. We welcome corrections and additions. To send a correction or provide other feedback, please use our feedback form.
Credits: The data for the base maps was provided by the Rhode Island Geographic Information System (RIGIS) and the Office of Geographic and Environmental Information (MassGIS), Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. The site data came from numerous sources and organizations. Much of it was collected through the hard work of volunteers for various conservation, watershed and outdoor recreation groups around the state of Rhode Island.