Bold Point Park

41° 48.928' N 71° 23.431' 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:

There is a two-lane concrete boat ramp here in OK condition, with a handicapped accessible dock in-between the two lanes of the ramp.

Bold Point Park used to be rather scruffy but it's been updated in recent years and should now be in better condition.

WARNING: Years ago many ships were abandoned around Bold Point. What look like old pilings in the water are the remains of these old ships. Most do not present much risk to kayaks but they could easily damage larger boats.

Bold Point Park provides access to the Providence and Seekonk Rivers. Heading north and east from the site takes you through the narrows into the Seekonk, but be prepared for strong tidal currents through the narrows!

Heading west and south from the site takes you down the Providence River. Keep a sharp eye out for commercial vessels and stay well clear of them and the docks they use. Port security will not look kindly on small boats poking in amongst the commercial docks and small boats should give LOTS of space to commercial vessels that are underway.

You can also cross over to India Point and follow the shoreline of India Point Park west around India Point and up the Providence River (through the hurricane barrier). As long as you stay close to shore, this route keeps you clear of most, but not all of the areas used by commercial vessels.

This put-in is on the Roger Williams Trail that traces the route Roger Williams and his followers took in 1636 when they paddled by canoe from what is now East Providence to Providence, to settle and found what would become the state of Rhode Island.

This site provides access to the following water bodies: Providence River, Seekonk River.

Location:

Town: East Providence

Driving Landmarks: Heading EAST on I-195 take exit 4. Merge onto Veterans Memorial Pkwy and then take an almost immediate right onto Mauran Avenue followed by a left onto Pier Road, which leads to the park.

Heading WEST on I-195 take take exit 6 in East Providence. Turn left under the highway and then turn right onto Warren Avenue. Go 0.7 miles and turn left on 1st Street. Go one block and turn right Mauran Avenue. Go two blocks and turn left onto Pier Road, which leads to the park.

Access & Waters:

Water 'Features' At Site: estuary

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? yes

Shoreline: There is a two-lane concrete boat ramp here and the adjacent shoreline is largely gravel, reasonably suitable for launching hand-carried boats.

Float/Dock: low float or dock

Parking:

Parking: yes: 35 spaces

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? yes

Nearby Amenities:

Public Restrooms: No

Sources for More Information:

Website: Roger Williams Trail Map (PDF)

Ecological, Cultural & Recreational Attractions:

Bold Point Park is a pleasant but not very well-maintained 2-acre park with the waters of the Providence and Seekonk Rivers on three sides.