2025
 


To participate in the Blackstone Paddler's Events, a RI Canoe and Kayak Association membership fee of $15.00  is required, as is a $10.00 membership fee for the Blackstone Valley Paddle Club.   These fees provide a family membership and are good for the entire season.  If you are a current RICKA member, you may join for the additional $10.00 membership fee.  If you are not yet a RICKA member, you may  join and pay your dues for both RICKA and Blackstone Valley Paddle Club by going to our Membership Page for payment options.  Note: Inflatable PFDs (life vests) and inflatable kayaks are not acceptable for paddling on RICKA Flatwater trips or Blackstone Valley Paddle Club trips. 


BVPC paddles May through August!

RICKA Main Page

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Directions

Calendar

Contact Leaders
 
 June 16th Lacky Dam Pond and the Mumford River
Meet at 6:00- launching promptly at 6:15. Trip coordinators:Mike Longenbaker mdlongenbaker@gmail.com and Bob Larrivee rml405@charter.net

Trip is suitable for all size boats and levels of experience.

N42 06.184  W071 41.394    

Address near 42 Lacky Dam Road, Sutton MA

Lackey Dam Paddle and The Mumford River

Enjoy a very pleasurable evening on Lackey Pond and Mumford River. Launch and paddled south into Lackey Pond. Continuing south we will find the the prisine Mumford River .

Starting at the Lackey Dam, the paddle trip goes upstream into Lackey Pond and under Route 146 into the Mumford River.   

Directions:

From Rhode Island, take Route 146 north to Exit 8 for Lackey Dam Road, Douglas, Northbridge.  At the end of the ramp, turn right onto Lackey Dam Road, going east. 

 From the Worcester area, take Route 146 south to Exit 8 for Lackey Dam Road, Douglas, Northbridge.  At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Lackey Dam Road, going east. 

 Once on Lackey Dam Road, proceed east for about 1/2 mile and turn right onto the dirt service road just after the sign on the left for Oakhurst Rd.   (The service road has no street number.  The closest address to the service road entrance is 42 Lackey Dam Road.) 

The Lackey Pond put-in is at the end of the dirt road, next to the dam. 

Space in the service road area is limited.  Please park as close to the edge of the road and as close to other cars as possible.

 N42 06.184  W071 41.394     Address Near 42 Lacky Dam Road, Sutton MA

 

For questions about the BVPC, Contact Cheryl StoneFoxfarm75@gmail.com   401-497-5887. Membership is required. Click on the link to learn  how to join:   Join by clicking here   If you are not a yet a member and are undecided about joining, come join us for a trip to help make up your mind.   Introduce yourself to one of the trip leaders in the orange  shirts who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Note: Please inspect your boat and gear for any invasive Aquatic plants. If you have been on the water in the past 5 days, please clean and dry your equipment. Also, check, clean, drain and dry after.

If the trip is cancelled due to weather we will try to offer it on the next day  (Wednesday). Check the message board for changes and cancellations to trips - flatwater message board. 

Please check the board before leaving for any trip.  We provide directions as a courtesy to paddlers however, you are responsible to refer to a map and familiarize yourself with the trip location.
June 23rd Rice City Pond and the Blackstone Canal
Meet at 6:00- launching promptly at 6:15. Trip coordinator: Erik Eckilson eckilson@cox.net.

Rice City Pond in Uxbridge
Paddle on the canal to historic Goat Hill lock and into Rice City Pond and back.

Rice City Pond is suitable for everyone.  

We will be meeting and launching from the Tri-River Medical Center Parking lot in Uxbridge MA located at:  281 E Hartford Ave, Uxbridge, MA

For questions about the BVPC, Contact Cheryl StoneFoxfarm75@gmail.com   401-497-5887. Membership is required. Click on the link to learn  how to join:   Join by clicking here   If you are not a yet a member and are undecided about joining, come join us for a trip to help make up your mind.   Introduce yourself to one of the trip leaders in the orange  shirts who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Note: Please inspect your boat and gear for any invasive Aquatic plants. If you have been on the water in the past 5 days, please clean and dry your equipment. Also, check, clean, drain and dry after.

If the trip is cancelled due to weather we will try to offer it on the next day  (Wednesday). Check the message board for changes and cancellations to trips - flatwater message board. 

Please check the board before leaving for any trip.  We provide directions as a courtesy to paddlers however, you are responsible to refer to a map and familiarize yourself with the trip location.

 June 30th The Blackstone River at Manville Dam
Meet at 6:00- launching promptly at 6:15.  Trip Coordinators are Skye and Steve Pechie  Skye scitamb.2@juno.com

Trip is suitable for all boats and all levels.

An up-and-back trip on a pretty section of the Blackstone River. Bring wheels if you have them, it will help getting your boat to the launch from the parking lot.

Manville Dam Paddle and the Blackstone River


Put-in and paddle upstream (right) and then return.

 N41 58.328  W071 28.231

 The Manville Landing entrance is across the street  from 5 Manville Hill Road, Cumberland. 

For questions about the BVPC, Contact Cheryl StoneFoxfarm75@gmail.com   401-497-5887. Membership is required. Click on the link to learn  how to join:   Join by clicking here   If you are not a yet a member and are undecided about joining, come join us for a trip to help make up your mind.   Introduce yourself to one of the trip leaders in the orange  shirts who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Note: Please inspect your boat and gear for any invasive Aquatic plants. If you have been on the water in the past 5 days, please clean and dry your equipment. Also, check, clean, drain and dry after.

If the trip is cancelled due to weather we will try to offer it on the next day  (Wednesday). Check the message board for changes and cancellations to trips - flatwater message board. 

July 7th Wilson Reservoir in Pascoag RI  Meet at 6:00 for a 6:15 launch. Trip Coordinators are Julie at Julierie87@gmail.com and Steve Reindeau steverie154@gmail.com

Trip is suitable for all.

Google Link to location

Street address is 250 East Wallum Lake Road, Pascoag

It is 1/10 of a mile past Serio's Pizza at 250 East Wallum Lake Road off Route 100.

Google Maps states it is at 250 East Wallum Lake Road, but the google photo link states 435 East Wallum Lake Road. 250 number is correct.

Wilson Reservoir is a large, 109 acre reservoir with a RI DEM Fishing Access Site on the northeast side. A cement plank boat ramp provides access to the pond. There is a 10hp limit on motors. The shoreline of the reservoir is a mix of developed and undeveloped land, but almost all of the shoreline is privately owned.

For questions about the BVPC, Contact Cheryl StoneFoxfarm75@gmail.com   401-497-5887. Membership is required. Click on the link to learn  how to join:   Join by clicking here   If you are not a yet a member and are undecided about joining, come join us for a trip to help make up your mind.   Introduce yourself to one of the trip leaders in the orange  shirts who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Note: Please inspect your boat and gear for any invasive Aquatic plants. If you have been on the water in the past 5 days, please clean and dry your equipment. Also, check, clean, drain and dry after.

If the trip is cancelled due to weather we will try to offer it on the next day  (Wednesday). Check the message board for changes and cancellations to trips - flatwater message board. 

Please check the board before leaving for any trip.  We provide directions as a courtesy to paddlers however, you are responsible to refer to a map and familiarize yourself with the trip location. 
 

July 14th Valley Falls at the Central Falls Landing Meet at 6:00- launching promptly at 6:15.  Trip coordinators are Skye Pechie scitamb.2@juno.com and Steve Pechie Resq1192@gmail.com and Mike Longenbaker mdlongenbaker@gmail.com 

 Trip is suitable for all size boats and levels of experience.

Valley Falls Marsh Cumberland RI

A very scenic paddle for paddlers of all abilities. Enjoy the scenic marsh and a paddle up the Blackstone to the Pratt Dam.

GPS Coordinates: N41 53.907  W071 23.392

Please drop your boat and gear off and find parking in the lot or the lot above the put in lot. Do not park in the Maderia club parking lot.

Directions from Worcester

Take Route 146 South onto Rhode Island. Take 295 North to Route 114 South (Exit 11). Take Route 114 south, this road is also called High street. Take High Street all the way to the end. Turn right on Mill street and drive down to Broad street. Town Hall Cumberland will be on your right. Turn left onto Broad Street and cross bridge into Central Falls. Take first right onto Maderia Street. Docks immediately on right.

Directions from Providence

Take Route 146 North to Route 116. Take 116 North over the Ashton Viaduct to Mendon Road which is also Route 122. Turn right and head south along 122. When you see stop and shop on your right, turn left at the next traffic light onto Ann and Hope Way. Drive up the hill over the P&W tracks and past Ann and Hope. Turn right onto Broad Street. Take Broad street south and watch for the Cumberland town hall on your left (a Big Brick Building with yellow capped tower) - cross bridge into Central Falls. Take first right onto Maderia Ave. Docks immediately on right.

For questions about the BVPC, Contact Cheryl StoneFoxfarm75@gmail.com   401-497-5887. Membership is required. Click on the link to learn  how to join:   Join by clicking here   If you are not a yet a member and are undecided about joining, come join us for a trip to help make up your mind.   Introduce yourself to one of the trip leaders in the orange  shirts who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Note: Please inspect your boat and gear for any invasive Aquatic plants. If you have been on the water in the past 5 days, please clean and dry your equipment. Also, check, clean, drain and dry after.

If the trip is cancelled due to weather we will try to offer it on the next day  (Wednesday). Check the message board for changes and cancellations to trips - flatwater message board. 

Please check the board before leaving for any trip.  We provide directions as a courtesy to paddlers however, you are responsible to refer to a map and familiarize yourself with the trip location.
 

July 21st The Blackstone Gorge.  Meet at 6:00 promptly launching at 6:15. Trip coordinators are: Jim Crowley crowbird888@msn.com  and  Larrivee rml405@charter.net

Blackstone Gorge to Millville lock, Blackstone MA  Suitable for all levels of experience.

The Blackstone Gorge : 

GPS Coordinates: N42 00.923     W071 33.165

66 County Street, Blackstone MA

See this location in: Google Maps

From the North (Massachusetts, Worcester Area)  Go to Route 146 South. In Rhode Island, take Exit 14 for Forestdale/North Smithfield. Turn left off the exit ramp and cross over the highway bridge. Go straight through the traffic light for Great Road, Route 146A south. Follow Great Road, Route 146A straight to the next traffic light.  Turn left onto St. Paul Street. Follow St. Paul Street to the traffic light at the end.  Turn left onto Route 122 north, Main Street, Blackstone Mass. Follow Rt. 122 north for about 1 mile. A sign will direct you to turn left onto County Street towards the Blackstone Gorge.  The gorge is at the end of County Street with parking on the left.

 From the South (Rhode Island and the Providence Area) Go to Route 146 North. While still in Rhode Island, take Exit 14 for Forestdale/North Smithfield.    Turn right at the end of the exit ramp.   Take an immediate right at the traffic light onto Route 146A South, Great Road. Follow Great Road straight to the next traffic light.   Turn left onto St. Paul Street. Follow St. Paul Street to the traffic light at the end.  Turn left onto Route 122, Main Street North in Blackstone Mass.   Follow Rt. 122 North for about 1 mile.  A sign will direct you to turn left onto County Street towards the Blackstone Gorge.      The gorge is at the end of County Street with parking on the left.

For questions about the BVPC, Contact Cheryl stonefoxfarm75@gmail.com  401-497-5887. Membership is required. Click on the link to learn  how to join:  Membership link .


Note: Please inspect your boat and gear for any invasive Aquatic plants. If you have been on the water in the past 5 days, please clean and dry your equipment. Also, check, clean, drain and dry after.

If the trip is cancelled due to weather we will try to offer it on the next day  (Wednesday). Check the message board for changes and cancellations to trips - flatwater message board. 

Please check the board before leaving for any trip.  We provide directions as a courtesy to paddlers however, you are responsible to refer to a map and familiarize yourself with the trip location.

July 28th Lincoln Woods Meet at 6:00 promptly launching at 6:15. Trip coordinators are: TBD

Suitable for all.


A pleasant paddle around Olney Pond in the Lincoln Woods State Park.

From Rhode Island Route 146 southbound from Woonsocket and Massachusetts: Going south on Route 146, take Exit 4 and turn right onto Twin River Road east. 

 From Rhode Island Route 146 northbound from Providence:  Going north on Route 146, take Exit 4 and turn left onto Twin River Road east. 

 Go down the hill to the end of Twin River Road.  At the park entrance, turn right onto the Les Pawson Loop.  Pass two parking lots and the public beach on the left.  Be aware of speed bumps and pedestrians using the left side of the one-way road.  Go a total of 1.4 miles.  You will see a large Lincoln Woods Boat Ramp sign on the left and a small sign on the right.  Turn left onto the unpaved access road to enter the boat launch area.

 The boat ramp has ample room for parking.  There are also two ramps designed for transferring to a kayak from a wheelchair.  When leaving the boat launch area, turn left onto the one way Les Pawson Loop to reach the Twin River Road and the Manchester Print Works Road exits.

For questions about the BVPC, Contact Cheryl StoneFoxfarm75@gmail.com   401-497-5887. Membership is required. Click on the link to learn  how to join:   Join by clicking here  

Note: Please inspect your boat and gear for any invasive Aquatic plants. If you have been on the water in the past 5 days, please clean and dry your equipment. Also, check, clean, drain and dry after.

 If the trip is cancelled due to weather we will try to offer it on the next day  (Wednesday). Check the message board for changes and cancellations to trips - flatwater message board. 

Please check the board before leaving for any trip.  We provide directions as a courtesy to paddlers however, you are responsible to refer to a map and familiarize yourself with the trip location.
 

August 4th Stump Pond in Smithfield RI. Meet at 6:00 promptly launching at 6:15. Trip coordinator is: Erik Eckilson@cox.net

Trip is suitable for all.

aka Stillwater Reservoir or Woonasquatucket Reservoir

41° 54.044' N    71° 32.776' W   

See this location in: Google Maps   

(Parking across from 64 Log Road, Smithfield, RI) 

The 300-acre reservoir commonly known as Stump Pond is also known as the Stillwater Reservoir and the Woonasquatucket Reservoir.  The Stump Pond name comes from the time dead tree trunks stood in the water after the land was flooded to create the reservoir.  The put-in parking lot is used by many fishermen and can be crowded at times.  There is a concrete ramp for boat trailers and grassy space on either side for launching kayaks if the ramp is being used to launch larger boats. 

From Route I-295 northbound or southbound, take Exit 8B for Route 7 north.  Travel about 0.4 mile on Route 7 north to the next traffic light. At the light, turn left onto Route 116 South. Go one mile on Route 116 South to the T intersection traffic signal and turn left. 

Immediately, turn right at the next light to continue on Route 116/Route 5.  Pass the Smithfield Police Department station on the left and cross over the bridge.  Where Route 116/5 curves sharply to the left, take the first right for Log Road.  Shortly after, bear right at the fork to remain on Log Road.  Go one quarter mile more and turn right into the Stump Pond Fishing Area parking lot. (The entrance is across the street from 64 Log Road, Smithfield.)   

For questions about the BVPC, Contact Cheryl StoneFoxfarm75@gmail.com    401-497-5887. Membership is required. Click on the link to learn  how to join:    Join by clicking heree   If you are not a yet a member and are undecided about joining, come join us for a trip to help make up your mind.   Introduce yourself to one of the trip leaders in the orange  shirts who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Note: Please inspect your boat and gear for any invasive Aquatic plants. If you have been on the water in the past 5 days, please clean and dry your equipment. Also, check, clean, drain and dry after..

If the trip is cancelled due to weather we will try to offer it on the next day  (Wednesday). Check the message board for changes and cancellations to trips - flatwater If the trip is cancelled due to weather we will try to offer it on the next day  (Wednesday). Check the message board for changes and cancellations to trips - flatwater message board.  

Please check the board before leaving for any trip.  We provide directions as a courtesy to paddlers however, you are responsible to refer to a map and familiarize yourself with the trip location..
 August 11th Echo Lake AKA Pascoag Reservoir. Meet at 6:00 promptly launching at 6:15. Trip coordinators are: Skye tmbgambassador@gmail.com and Steve Pechie.

Trip is suitable for all.

325-acre Pascoag Reservoir. This is a popular lake in the summer. The shoreline is heavily developed. The reservoir is large enough that it can easily get windy, even in the summer.

Echo Lake (Pascoag Reservoir)- Glocester RI  

41° 55.643' N    71° 43.068' W   Google Maps 

From Rt. 295 - Take Take 295 North or South to exit 7B Greenville, Route 44 west.  Follow Rt. 44 West for approx. 12 miles Turn right onto Jackson School House Rd- Follow for a half mile and turn  right after the bridge at N 41 55.593 W071.43.164. State access site is .10 of a mile on the right.

From Rt. 146 South - Take Slatersville Exit.  Turn right onto Rt. 146 A. At light by Slatersville Plaza, go straight on Rt. 102 South. Follow Rt. 102 South  for seven miles to intersection with Rt. 44 in Chepachet.  Turn right onto Rt. 44 West and continue about 2.5 miles to Jackson School House Rd.  Turn right onto Jackson Schoolhouse Road. Follow for a half mile and turn right after the bridge at N 41 55.593 W071.43.164..  State access site is .10 of a mile on the right.

From Rt. 146 North - Take Slatersville Exit.  Turn left off ramp onto School Street.  At intersection by Slatersville Common and Church, veer left onto Green Street.  Continue through Slatersville to first light at Rt. 102.  Turn left onto Rt. 102 South.  Follow Rt. 102 South  for six miles to intersection with Rt. 44 in Chepachet.  Turn right onto Rt. 44 West and ccontinue about 2.5 miles to Jackson School House Rd.  Turn right onto Jackson Schoolhouse Road.Follow for a half mile and turn right after the bridge at N 41 55.593 W071.43.164..  State access site is .10 of a mile on the right.

From Worcester - Take Rt. 290 South until it becomes Rt. 395 South. Continue to Exit 97 in Putnam Connecticut for Rt. 44 East.  Follow Rt. 44 East for appox 6 miles to Jackson School House Rd.  Turn right onto Jackson Schoolhouse Road. Follow for a half mile and turn right after the bridge at N 41 55.593 W071.43.164..  State access site is .10 of a mile on the right.

For questions about the BVPC, Contact Cheryl StoneFoxfarm75@gmail.com   401-497-5887. Membership is required. Click on the link to learn  how to join:   Join by clicking here  

If the trip is cancelled due to weather we will try to offer it on the next day  (Wednesday). Check the message board for changes and cancellations to trips - flatwater message board. 

Please check the board before leaving for any trip.  We provide directions as a courtesy to paddlers however, you are responsible to refer to a map and familiarize yourself with the trip location.

 
  Trip is suitable for all

No  RSVP is needed for the paddle.

82 Sand Dam Road, Chepachet (Glocester), RI

GPS Coordinates: N41 53.804 W071 40.685

 Paddling access to Smith & Sayles Reservoir is at the Smith & Sayles fishing Area on Sand Dam Road in Chepachet (Glocester), RI.

It is located in the Chepachet River sub-basin which drains into the Branch River. The reservoir is a 186-acre body of water with a number of coves to explore in a kayak or canoe. The reservoir is limited to 10 HP motors so boat traffic is not a problem. If you circumnavigate the shoreline, it is about four and a half miles around. Most of shore is wooded, but there are a few houses. The maximum depth is about 10 feet deep.

Suitable for all skill levels: YES

Parking on site: 20 spaces,

Access: Boat ramp Supervising Entity: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Managemen

For questions about the BVPC, Contact Cheryl StoneFoxfarm75@gmail.com   401-497-5887. Membership is required. Click on the link to learn  how to join:   Join by clicking here  

Note: Please inspect your boat and gear for any invasive Aquatic plants. If you have been on the water in the past 5 days, please clean and dry your equipment. Also, check, clean, drain and dry after.

If the trip is cancelled due to weather we will try to offer it on the next day  (Wednesday). Check the message board for changes and cancellations to trips - flatwater message board. 

Please check the board before leaving for any trip.  We provide directions as a courtesy to paddlers however, you are responsible to refer to a map and familiarize yourself with the trip location.

August 18th  Smith and Sayles Reservoir Chepachet. Meet at 6:00 promptly launching at 6:15.  Trip Coordinators are Julie  Julierie87@gmail.com and Steve Reindeau steverie154@gmail.com
August 25th  Slatersville Reservoir and Uncle Ronnies Red Tavern.  Slatersville in North Smithfield.  Meet at 5:45 (due to the early sunset 7.33pm) - launching promptly at 6:00.  Trip coordinators are: Cheryl Thompson and Tom Farley stonefoxfarm75@gmail.com 401-497-5887


Join us for a paddle around Slatersville Reservoir and a visit after the paddle to nearby Uncle Ronnie's Red Tavern to celebrate the end of another successful season!


  RSVP by August 20th if you plan to come to Uncle Ronnies so we can have a table ready for us.

Trip is suitable for all.

Slatersville Reservoir and the Branch River- North Smithfield (Slatersville)

41° 59.223' N    71° 36.035' W   

See this location in: Google Maps   

The Slatersville Fishing Area is located at 2890 Broncos Highway, Route 102, Burrillville, RI.

The Slatersville Fishing Area boat ramp sits on the upper part of Slatersville Reservoir, a 144-acre body of water with many interesting coves to explore. The Branch River, which is also navigable by small boats, flows into the southwest end of the reservoir. The east side of the reservoir is largely wooded, while the west side has more houses.

Stay away from the dam at the northeast end of the reservoir.  Water flows over the dam into the lower part of Slatersville Reservoir, dropping around 20 feet in the process.

Directions

 From the South (Rhode Island and the Providence Area)  Travel north on Route 146. Take Exit 14 for Forestdale/North Smithfield/Route 5/Route 102. At the end of the ramp turn right onto School Street.  Go 300 feet to the traffic light and turn left onto Victory Highway/Route 102/Route 146A.  Go straight on Victory Highway for about 3 miles. Turn left into the second dirt driveway for the Slatersville Fishing Area parking lot.


From the North (Northern RI and the Worcester Area)  Travel south on Route 146. Take Exit 14 for Forestdale/North Smithfield/Route 5/Route 102. At the end of the ramp turn right onto Victory Highway/Route 102/Route 146A.  Follow Victory Highway for about 3 miles.

Turn left into the second dirt driveway for the Slatersville Fishing Area parking lot.

 

For questions about the BVPC, Contact Cheryl StoneFoxfarm75@gmail.com   401-497-5887. Membership is required. Click on the link to learn  how to join:   Join by clicking here  

Note: Please inspect your boat and gear for any invasive Aquatic plants. If you have been on the water in the past 5 days, please clean and dry your equipment. Also, check, clean, drain and dry after.

If the trip is cancelled due to weather we will try to offer it on the next day  (Wednesday). Check the message board for changes and cancellations to trips - flatwater message board. 

Please check the board before leaving for any trip.  We provide directions as a courtesy to paddlers however, you are responsible to refer to a map and familiarize yourself with the trip location.