Narrow River at 1A (Sprague Bridge)

41° 26.905' N    71° 26.95' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Map Server   Acme Maps

This is a site for launching hand-carried boats such as canoes or kayaks.

Description & Overview:

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At the Route 1A Bridge over Narrow River Inlet there are two possibilities for getting on the water. On the north side of the bridge, on the west side of the road, there is a gravel parking area for the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge. From this parking area, a gently sloping gravel path runs about 300 feet down to the shore.

On the south side of the bridge, on the east side of the road, there is another larger parking lot. The shoreline right below this lot is not great for launching boats because it is protected with riprap, but if you look in the trees at the back of the parking area you will find a somewhat steep path leading 75 feet or so down to a nice gravel beach very suitable for launching hand carried boats.

The Narrow River has several bridges along its length which could pose an obstacle to boats with high superstructures, towers, or masts, but it is very popular with paddlers as well as smaller motorboats and jetskis. In fact paddlers may be happier in the upper reaches (and shallow areas) where motorboats are less common. In the lower section, where these access sites are located, kayaks and other small boats should hug the shore or stick to the very shallow areas. The wetlands along the shoreline of the cove to the west of the bridge offer lots of possibilities for small boat explorations, as well as bird watching.

This is a tidal inlet so you need to pay attention to the tide and tidal currents. It can be very hard work (or even impossible) to paddle against the tide.

Heading downriver from the Route 1A bridge towards the beach does lead to some interesting areas before you get to the ocean but heavy surf is common at the mouth of the river, where the river flows into the ocean. Very experienced kayakers sometimes play in this surf, but all less experienced paddlers should avoid this area. There is a small side channel on the northeast side of the river before it gets to the ocean that is interesting in a kayak and avoided by power boats.

In the many areas where low tide uncovers broad mud flats be careful not to ground out on a falling tide. Even in a canoe or kayak you can find yourself stuck in mud too sticky to paddle off of and too soft to stand on.

The wide parts of the Narrow River and open enough for wind and waves to be a potentially serious issue for paddlers. Watch the forecast and watch the weather once you are on the water.

It should be noted that while most locals know this river as the Narrow River, the official name for it is the Pettaquamscutt River, and that is how it is shown on most maps and in many guide books.

Parts of this description were adapted from Ed Mullen's book "Kayaking Narragansett Bay."

This site provides access to the following water bodies: Pettaquamscutt (Narrow) River.

Location:

Alternate Site Name: Pettaquamscutt River

Town: South Kingstown

Nearest Town Center: Narragansett

Driving Landmarks: This site is right on Route 1A, 1 mile north of Narragansett Beach. If driving north on Route 1A look for a large dirt parking lot on the right just before the bridge or cross the bridge and look for a dirt road on the left just after the bridge. There is a sign for the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge at this road. See the description above for more details on getting to the water from each parking lot.

Access & Waters:

Water 'Features' At Site: flatwater/slow moving river, 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 launch for hand carried boats

ADA Accessible Boat Launch? no

Shoreline: Sand and gravel

Float/Dock: no

Approximate Length of Carry between Car Access and Water: 75 feet

Parking:

Parking: yes: 20 spaces

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? no

Nearby Amenities:

Public Restrooms: No

Sources for More Information:

AMC River Guide: 4th Edition, pages 143-144

Other Guidebooks: Site 44 in Ed Mullen's book "Kayaking Narragansett Bay"

Website: Mike Krabach's kayak access website

Website: Day Trippers Guide to Rhode Island (sites 53 and 54)

Comments:

kayaking the river

Submitted by: cindy; June 25, 2018; 11:15 pm

there is a great place to launch or rent kayaks, canoes and paddle boards on Narrow River. friendly and informative employees at Narrow River Kayak will get you on your way to a great day exploring, relaxing and having fun on the water.They also offer group tours and lessons for one or more by certified instructors for the less experienced and nervous beginners. Looking for a good workout? try a paddle board to work on that six pack!!! Have Fun!!!

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