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Bristol Narrows - Wayposset Preserve

41° 41.877' N    71° 14.732' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Map Server   Acme Maps

Google Maps is the mapping system used on the new ExploreRI mapper and shows the access site located on a terrain view, a street map or an aerial photograph. Clicking on this link will take you to the full Google Maps website, which is not part of ExploreRI.
Map Server shows a topographic map of the area. The Map Server website is not part of ExploreRI.org.
Acme Maps shows the access site located on a topographic map. The Acme Maps website is not part of ExploreRI.org.

This is a site for launching boats from trailers. Boat ramps can normally be used to launch canoes and kayaks but please do your best to keep the boat ramp clear for boat trailers.

Description & Overview:

This boat ramp on Bristol Narrows at the mouth of the Kickemuit River includes a small parking lot and a gravel beach that can be used as a boat ramp as well as a place to launch hand carried boats. Make sure to park above the high tide line! The lower Kickemuit River, a wide tidal estuary, is just to the north through the narrows. It is broad and scenic, and has various side channels to explore, especially at the north end.

Heading south from this boat ramp you are on the wide open waters of Mount Hope Bay. On most days the southwest wind fills in throughout this area in the morning and blows through the afternoon, producing significant waves, so be prepared for this when planning your trip. Mornings are often calmer and less windy, and so are usually a better time to paddle.

Especially around the points and in narrow areas such as under the Mount Hope Bridge the tide can interact with the wind to create particularly rough conditions.

If you are heading south under the Mount Hope Bridge, to Bristol Harbor, check out this Bristol Harbor Trail Map and Guide (PDF format).

This site provides access to the following water bodies: Mount Hope Bay, Kickemuit River.

Location:

Alternate Site Name: Kickemuit Avenue

Town: Bristol

Driving Landmarks: From Route 136 in Bristol take Narrows Road east 1 mile to where it dead ends at the water. There is a traffic light on Route 136 at Narrows Road.

Access & Waters:

Water 'Features' At Site: estuary, ocean/bay

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.

Type of Access: Boat ramp

ADA Accessible Boat Launch? no

Shoreline: gravel

Float/Dock: no

Parking:

Parking: yes: 12 spaces

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? no

Nearby Amenities:

Public Restrooms: No

Sources for More Information:

Website: Mike Krabach's kayak access website

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Private feedback goes to the Blueways Alliance/RI Land Trust Council. We'll use your information to make this website better or pass it along to the people who can deal with physical issues at this site. Public comments are posted here (once they've been reviewed and approved) for all to see.

The data on this website come 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 (see link above).

This site report was last updated on January 9, 2023

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