Bristol Narrows - Wayposset Preserve

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

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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