PHOTOGRAPHY ( THIS PAGE , FROM TOP ): GETTY IMAGES ( NARROW AND WOONASQUATUCKET ); ERNIE GERMANI ( NINIGRET ). ( OPPOSITE PAGE ): GO PROVIDENCE ; DAVE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY .

NINIGRET POND Described as the largest salt pond in southern Rhode Island , Ninigret features calm water for beginners as well as kayak or canoe fishing . It ’ s located in the 800-plus-acre Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge — a wetland and forest habitat that ’ s home to waterfowl and migrating birds including great blue herons and osprey . The refuge also features hiking paths and an eighteen-hole disc golf course . Departure : Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge , Charlestown . Rental : The Kayak Centre , 562 Charlestown Beach Rd ., Charlestown ( seasonal location ), 295-4400 , kayak centre . com . Difficulty : Novice

NARROW RIVER The Pettaquamscutt Watershed , commonly known as the Narrow River , is a popular kayaking destination . The six-mile river is a leisurely paddle for all experience levels with wide sections that offer ample space to avoid boat traffic . The river begins at a freshwater pond and two fjord-like lakes leading to a coastal lagoon and estuary before emptying through the “ Narrows ” into the Atlantic Ocean . Paddlers can go through the estuary to Narragansett Town Beach at the mouth of the river or explore the John H . Chafee National Wildlife

Refuge at Pettaquamscutt Cove . Departures : 49 Pollock Rd ., South Kingstown ( parking for up to twenty cars in a dirt lot ); Sprague Bridge off Boston Neck Road , Narragansett ( parking for up to eight cars in a dirt lot ). Rental : Narrow River Kayaks , 94 Middlebridge Rd ., Narragansett , 789-0334 , narrowriverkayaks . com . Difficulty : Novice

WOONASQUATUCKET RIVER For paddlers looking for a less traditional route , the Woonasquatucket River travels through Providence ’ s historic canals . The river , lined with WaterFire baskets as it approaches Waterplace Park , showcases a unique perspective on the city ’ s design . Despite its urban endpoint , the waterway features salt marshes and freshwater wetlands that protect many species of wildlife .

Departure : Donigian Park , off Valley Street , is one of the best places to put in for river access . Rental : Providence Kayak , 15 Bridge St ., Providence ,

FROM TOP : Narrow River ; Woonasquatucket River ;

Ninigret Pond .

829-1769 , providencekayak . com . Difficulty : Moderate

HUNDRED ACRE COVE AND BARRINGTON RIVER Hidden just a few miles from the capital city , tucked between East Providence and the Massachusetts state line , is the Hundred Acre Cove . Putting in at the Walker Farm Boat Ramp , kayakers can paddle south along the Barrington River , which flows into the Warren River and then into Narragansett Bay . Choosing to go north and east , paddlers will enter Hundred Acre Cove — a tidal estuary that ’ s home to a variety of fish and bird species . If you ’ re a beginner , you ’ ll want to stay close to the shoreline since there can be strong currents in this area . Departure : Walker Farm , Barrington . Rental : Walker Farm Kayak Rentals , 509 County Rd ., Barrington , 369-4832 , walkerfarmkayaks . com . Difficulty : Moderate

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