Kayaking & Boating
You can kayak, canoe or boat on Olney Pond, the 130-acre reservoir at the centre of Lincoln Woods State Park, and launching is free. The main boat ramp is on the east shore, about a mile from the main entrance, with 15 to 20 parking spaces, according to the Blackstone Heritage Corridor. State rules keep the pond quiet: motors must be under ten horsepower, and no motorboats at all on summer weekends and holidays except electric trolling motors.
Boating at a Glance
The Boat Ramp
DEM's map shows the boat ramp and its parking on the east shore of Olney Pond. The Blackstone Heritage Corridor, which publishes a paddling guide to the pond, calls it the primary launch and the only one suitable for large towing vehicles. Drive about a mile round the ring road from the main entrance on Route 123, look for the entrance sign on the left, and follow a bumpy dirt road down to the launch lot, which holds 15 to 20 cars. There are no restrooms at the launch; seasonal restrooms are at the beach.
Carry-In Launching
The same guide notes that small boats can be driven to many spots round the pond and carried to the water, because the loop road runs close to the shore, with small islands, coves, tiny beaches and rocks to reach by boat. Keep away from the swimming area at the beach, where state rules ban power boats, and launch only where the bank is open.
A Paddle Round the Pond
The Blackstone Heritage Corridor suggests one to two hours to paddle the shoreline, depending on how much you explore. From the boat launch, turn right and hug the shore to the dam at the east end, where anglers usually gather, then pass a large rocky outcrop into the first of several coves. Watch for submerged rocks near the shoreline: they show more or less as the water level rises and falls through the season.
Motor Rules
State regulation 250-RICR-100-00-8, section 8.4, sets the rules for Olney Pond:
- No motors of any kind on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between the Saturday before Memorial Day and Labor Day, except electric trolling motors.
- No motors over ten horsepower on privately owned boats at any time, unless DEM gives written permission.
- All boating follows Rhode Island's general boating regulations.
Rentals
DEM does not list a boat or kayak rental at Lincoln Woods, so bring your own. The park's concession is horseback riding (see horseback riding).
Fishing From a Kayak
Olney Pond is stocked with trout by DEM in spring and fall, and many paddlers fish from their boats. You need a Rhode Island freshwater licence at 15 and older. See fishing.
Paddling Safety
- Wear a life jacket, and paddle with someone else when you can.
- Off the water by sunset. The park closes at dark.
- Stay out of the swimming area during the bathing season.
- Winter is for the ice, not the water. Never walk on the ice unless DEM has posted it as safe.
Other Paddling Nearby
The Blackstone River runs through Lincoln east of the park. The Blackstone River Watershed Council lists put-ins along the Blackstone River Bikeway, including at the Kelly House in Lincoln, with about 2.5 miles of paddling to Pratt Dam.
Kayaking & Boating FAQ
Can you kayak at Lincoln Woods State Park?
Yes. Kayaks and canoes can launch on Olney Pond from the boat ramp on the east shore or carry in at spots along the loop road. Launching is free.
Where is the boat ramp at Lincoln Woods?
On the east shore of Olney Pond, about a mile from the main entrance off Route 123. A sign on the left of the ring road points down a dirt road to a launch lot with 15 to 20 spaces.
Are motorboats allowed on Olney Pond?
Only with motors under ten horsepower, and not on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, when only electric trolling motors are allowed.
Can you rent a kayak at Lincoln Woods?
DEM does not list a boat or kayak rental at the park, so bring your own.
How long does it take to kayak around Olney Pond?
The Blackstone Heritage Corridor says one to two hours, depending on how much of the shoreline and its coves you explore.