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Albion

41° 57.188' N    71° 27.164' 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 hand-carried boats and it is also a portage. This typically means that to continue paddling down the river past this site you will have to portage your boat around a dam or other obstruction.

Description & Overview:

This is possibly the most scenic section of the Blackstone in Rhode Island. The river runs in a deep valley here and the banks are largely wooded and natural.

There is good access to the river for launching hand-carried boats about 150 feet up the bike path from the upper parking lot. Look for steps leading down to the river below the dam.

Paddling downriver from here the river is pretty and relatively quiet. Much of this section of the river is within Blackstone State Park. In 1 mile you will come to the I-295 overpass, and in another 1/3 mile you will come to the Ashton Dam, which must be portaged on river right. For more details see the description for the "Blackstone River State Park" boat launch.

If you are paddling down the Blackstone from above Albion, look for a take out on river right about 75 feet before the dam. There is a nice little gravel slope and a short path leading up to the bike path. Take out here and carry about 250 feet down the bike path to the steps leading to the river below the dam.

This site provides access to the following water bodies in the Blackstone River watershed: Blackstone River.

Location:

Town: Lincoln

Driving Landmarks: From I-295 take exit 10 for Route 122 north towards Cumberland. This will put you on Route 122 (Mendon Road). After a short distance on Mendon Road, turn left at the CVS store onto Albion Road and go 0.7 miles. Just after you cross the iron bridge over the river, turn left or right into the parking lots for Blackstone State Park.

Access & Waters:

Water 'Features' At Site: dam, whitewater, flatwater/slow moving river

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 launch for hand carried boats

Shoreline: Sand and gravel

Float/Dock: no

Approximate Length of Carry between Car Access and Water: 150 feet

Portage Length: 300 feet

Parking:

Parking: yes: 12 spaces

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? yes

Sources for More Information:

Other Guidebooks: Paddle 31 in "Paddling Connecticut and Rhode Island"

Website: Blackstone Heritage Corridor National Park - Get On the River Page, with links to various maps and related information

Ecological, Cultural & Recreational Attractions:

The Blackstone Valley Bikeway runs right past this site.

Photographs:

Take out above Albion Dam

Take out above Albion Dam

Photography by: Bruce Hooke

Date of Photograph: October 3, 2007

The take out above the Albion Dam.

 
Below Albion Dam

Below Albion Dam

Photography by: Bruce Hooke

Date of Photograph: October 3, 2007

This is what the river looks like just below Albion Dam when the river is quite low. This section of the river can be avoided by carrying a bit further down the bike path.

 
Paddling under the Albion Bridge

Paddling under the Albion Bridge

Photography by: Bruce Hooke

Date of Photograph: October 3, 2007

Paddling under the historic truss bridge at Albion

 

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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 September 25, 2012

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