“Explore the Woonasquatucket” Recreation Series: Paddles and Hikes from Smithfield to Providence in July!

Smithfield/Providence – Kick off Summer in the Woonasquatucket River watershed with hikes and paddles from Smithfield to Providence with the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC)! These trips and activities are part of the WRWC’s “Explore the Woonasquatucket'' Recreation Series, which offers year-round guided tours of beautiful and historic sites throughout the Woonasquatucket River watershed – with paddle trips, hikes, and bike rides. This Summer/Fall, explore the watershed by land and by water!

On Weds., July 12th at 6:00pm, visit Olivia’s Forest in Smithfield. The 31-acre site is a mature forest of hardwood trees with a wetland in the center. Olivia’s Forest Loop is a .7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. This Smithfield Land Trust property was blazed and mapped by members of the Rhode Island Land Trust Council and the trail crosses a babbling brook twice on some new wooden bridges. The property, small and wedged between two neighborhoods, is a rather pristine spot and a great addition to the Smithfield Land Trust trails. This is a short hike: get a little nature in and then plan to eat el fresco at one of Smithfield’s many delicious restaurants!

On Weds., July 19th at 6:30pm, join the WRWC for an early evening paddle on Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield. You’ll launch from the historic Smith-Appleby House and make your way to the town beach, where participants are invited to take a refreshing swim or just unwind. With the setting sun, the return paddle is a lovely summer experience as well. This trip is always the highlight of the WRWC paddle season. Pre-registration is required. For participants who are using a WRWC kayak, the cost is $35/person, $50 total for a canoe, and for participants bringing their own boat, the price is $25/person. Life jackets and paddles will be provided with WRWC boats but must be brought by the paddler if they use their own boat.

Thursdays from 4:00-6:00 - Free Community Paddle trips on the Woonasquatucket River at Riverside Park in Providence!

The WRWC will offer FREE canoe rides on the river on Thursday evenings throughout the summer at Providence’s popular Riverside Park in Olneyville. Launched in 2020, the WRWC’s Summer Community Paddle series shares the joy of a paddle on the Woonasquatucket River with 300+ central Providence riverfront residents every summer. The Community Paddle series is generously funded by AARP Rhode Island, BayCoast Bank, and Navigant Credit Union.

Visit WWW.WRWC.ORG/EVENTS  to register for this trip and to see the full “Explore the Woonasquatucket” Recreation Series schedule. Advance sign-up is required for ALL trips.