Narragansett
Ronald
Robinson settled and purchased the land along the western shore of Narragansett
Bay from the Narragansett Indians in the late 17th century. Incorporated
as a town in 1901, Narragansett's earliest industry was a shipbuilding
operation located at Middle Bridge on the Narrow River. As ship size outgrew
the capacity of the Narrow River, the town turned to tourism as its primary
source of income.
By the turn of the 20th century, Narragansett was an elegant
summer resort. Many small summer cottages, as well as upscale hotels,
were erected to accommodate the increasing number of tourists to the area.
Soon, larger estates also dappled the shoreline. Many wealthy city families
spent their weekends in Narragansett by taking the day ferry from Providence.
Perhaps the most well-known landmark of its time was the
Narragansett Casino. Located at the corner of Ocean Road and Narragansett
Beach, the casino was Narragansett's central attraction until 1900, when
a devastating fire destroyed all but the main entrance towers. Today,
the towers serve as the Narragansett Visitors' Center.
26. Long Cove Marina
Located west of Route 108, approximately one mile south of Route 1, this
privately owned campground consists of 200 to 300 campsites for tents,
campers, and recreational vehicles. There is public access to the boat
ramp that leads to Point Judith Pond. Parking is available. Fee.
Picnic tables/benches, toilets, trash receptacles
27.
Knowlesway Extension
At the end of Knowlesway Extension, west of Route 108, a paved right-of-way
provides access to Point Judith Pond. This site consists of a small grassy
park and a stairway to the pond.
CRMC ROW#: C-1
Picnicking, swimming, wildlife observation, hiking/walking, trash
receptacles
28.
Fisherman's Memorial State Park
West of Route 108, Fisherman's Memorial State Park is a campground that
has 182 campsites, three game fields, and two tennis courts. During the
summer there is an entrance fee to the campgrounds, and advance reservations
are recommended. There is a spectacular view of Point Judith Pond, Narragansett
Bay, and Block Island Sound from the overlook platform located at the
site of the old bunker, part of U.S. Army Fort Greene. During the summer,
RIDEM holds evening nature education programs for the public. On the grounds'
northwest corner, a pathway leads to a state shellfish management area.
Parking is available.
Handicap access, picnic tables/benches, historic interest, fishing,
toilets, trash receptacles
29.
Galilee Bird Sanctuary
Located south of the Galilee Escape Road and across the street from Roger
Wheeler State Beach is a 172-acre tidal wetland. This environmentally
sensitive wetland habitat is ideal for bird watching. However, the area
has no access except along its outer edge. No parking is available.
Fishing
30.
Bluff Hill Cove Access
North of the Galilee Escape Road is an area of wetlands and tidal flats
that is a state shellfish management area. It is one of the state's most
popular recreational shellfishing sites. Parking is available along the
Galilee Escape Road.
Wildlife observation
31.
Galilee at Great Island Bridge
Located off the Galilee Escape Road at the southeast end of the Great
Island Bridge, this state-owned fishing access site has a boat ramp with
parking for cars and trailers.
Dock, toilets
32.
State Pier #3
In the heart of Galilee, next to the Block Island Ferry terminal, this
state pier bustles with activity supporting the commercial fishing fleet
and charter deep-sea fishing boats. Southland Ferry Cruises offers boat
tours around Point Judith Pond during the summer. This site is extremely
busy; limited parking is available on nearby streets. Ample pay parking
is available throughout Galilee.
Concessions, toilets, trash receptacles
33. Block Island Ferry Terminal
The main ferry terminal for public transport to Block Island is located
in Galilee. When the ferry is not at the dock, this site provides an interesting
view of harbor activities. There is ample parking for a fee in nearby
lots.
Handicap access, picnic tables/benches, concessions, toilets, trash
receptacles
34. State Pier #4
Across the breachway from the ferry terminal in Jerusalem, at the end
of Succotash Road, a state-owned property and pier provide access to the
main channel of Point Judith Pond. This is a popular spot for recreational
finfishing that can be reached by following Succotash Road to its end
in Jerusalem. Jerusalem is part of Narragansett and was once connected
to Galilee in the 1800s before the U.S. Army Corps constructed the permanent
breach-way in its present location. Parking is available.
35.
Salty Brine State Beach
This small state beach is within the confines of the protected Point Judith
Harbor of Refuge. The adjacent breachway, which is stabilized by rock
jetties, connects Point Judith Pond to the sea. The rock jetties provide
access for fishing or for the sure-footed who want to watch the activities
in the harbor. Divers also frequent the area to dive for lobsters and
observe the underwater world along the rocky shore. From here, one can
walk to Sand Hill Cove Beach, a mile to the east. Although on-site parking
is available, the small parking lot fills quickly on nice days.
Concessions, toilets, trash receptacles
36.
Roger Wheeler State Beach
Popularly known as Sand Hill Cove Beach, this state-owned beach is located
at the east end of Sand Hill Cove Road. A great place for the family,
the beach offers ample parking (at least 1,500 spaces), lifeguards, changing
facilities, toilets, picnic areas, concessions, and playground equipment.
This site is a safe place for swimming because of the long, wide, sandy
beach and breakwater-protected, calm waters. Fee.
Handicap access, picnic tables/benches, hiking/walking, trash receptacles
37. Point Judith State Park
Formerly Camp Cronin, a military camp, this site has a long rocky shoreline
fronting the Atlantic Ocean near the Point Judith Lighthouse and is a
good spot for surf fishing. Block Island is visible in the distance. This
site also provides access to the east arm of the Harbor of Refuge breakwater,
a popular fishing area. On-site parking is available.
Swimming, hiking/walking, wildlife observation, toilets
38. Point Judith Lighthouse
At the southern end of Ocean Road stands the Point Judith Lighthouse,
an octagonal brick building erected in 1816. The lighthouse, which is
still in use, is not open to the public. The grassy slope around the lighthouse
has a fine view of the ocean where, two miles off the coast, the last
German U-boat was sunk during World War II. Beware of the loud foghorn
sounding out to the passing ships on foggy days. On a good day you will
find many of Rhode Island's best surfers in the water. Parking is available
nearby.
Hiking/walking
39.
Rose Nulman Memorial Park
Adjacent to the Point Judith Lighthouse, this park provides scenic ocean
views and has ample parking.
Picnic tables/benches
40.
Pilgrim Avenue Extension
Just north of Point Judith, at Pilgrim and Calef avenues (Pole 17), is
a scenic right-of-way that consists of a paved roadway about 50 feet wide
and 166 feet long that extends eastward to a cobble beach. This is one
of several road ends in the area that offers surfing access.
CRMC ROW#: C-2
41.
Calef Avenue
A right-of-way just north of Point Judith at Pole 8, this site consists
of a grassy strip 50 feet wide and 140 feet long, extending east from
the intersection of Louise Avenue and Calef Avenue to a cobble beach.
No parking is available.
CRMC ROW#: C-3
42.
Conant Avenue Road End
This scenic right-of-way overlooks the ocean and consists of a rocky shoreline
with a path used by surfers and kayakers. No parking is available.
CRMC ROW#: C-7
Fishing
43.
Scarborough State Beach
One of the state's most popular beaches, this facility has gazebos, picnic
areas, benches, a wooden boardwalk with concessions, changing facilities,
toilets, and showers. The wide sandy beach is ideal for swimming, walking,
and a variety of oceanside activities. Includes Scarborough South Side,
which offers access to grassy playing fields and tailgating. Ample on-site
parking is available and accessible from Ocean Road. Fee.
Handicap access, trash receptacles
44. Black Point
Located off Ocean Road, just north of Scarborough State Beach, this state
fishing area consists of a wooded dirt path that extends toward the Bay
from a parking lot just north of the old stone carriage house ruins. The
path leads to a dramatic rocky shore of boulders and tide pools. This
is a great place to relax and throw out a fishing line, but use caution
when walking out on the rocks, particularly during periods of high waves.
On-site parking is available.
CRMC ROW#: C-5 (on appeal)
Wildlife observation
45. Bass Rock Road
A right-of-way extending east of Ocean Road, this site is difficult to
find because it is unmarked and can be easily confused with the many private
driveways in the area. The site offers a terrific view of Narragansett
Bay and the Atlantic Ocean and is often used by recreational fishermen.
Beware of treacherous wave conditions and dangerous rocky shoreline.
CRMC ROW#: C-6
Trash receptacles
46.
Newton Avenue
At the end of Newton Avenue, off Ocean Road, a well-worn footpath leads
to a dramatic rocky shore. This is a site where ancient bedrock, known
as Narragansett Pier granite, surfaces. Fishing and wildlife observation
are popular but dangerous due to treacherous waves and slippery rocks.
CRMC ROW#: C-13
Trash receptacles
47.
Hazard Avenue
This site, a right-of-way at the end of Hazard Avenue, off Ocean Road,
consists of a well-worn footpath to spectacular granite rock formations.
Fishing is popular but dangerous due to the treacherous waves and slippery
rocks.
CRMC ROW#: C-9
Trash receptacles
48.
State Pier #5 (Tucker's Dock)
Located off Ocean Road, near the well and the intersection of South Pier
Road, this site offers boat launching, fishing, surfing, and a scenic
view of Narragansett Bay. Parking is available for about 15 cars. There
is also a bulkhead with pilings to tie up to in a small, usually well-protected
cove. This site is commonly known as Monahan's Dock. The ramp is steep
and slippery at low tide.
Concessions, historic interest, trash receptacles
49.
Ocean Road
A walkway extends 0.8 mile from Narragansett Beach south along Ocean Road,
under the Towers, to State Pier #5 (Tucker's Dock). This is a popular
place to walk, to watch the sunrise, or to sit on the wall and watch the
passersby. When the wind is blowing and the surf is up, this area is populated
with surfers. Free parking is available along Ocean Road but fills up
quickly on hot summer days.
Concessions, fishing, trash receptacles
50. Casino Park
Located off Route 1A, across the street from Narragansett Town Beach,
this grassy area with a distinctive gazebo offers an ocean view and is
the site of concerts and art shows during the summer. There is limited
parking along Ocean Road. A variety of shops and restaurants is nearby.
The area may be reserved for special events for a fee.
Picnic tables/benches, trash receptacles
51.
Narragansett Town Beach
Located off Route 1A, this is a very popular summer beach spot. The wide,
sandy beach is perfect for walking, sunning, picnicking, swimming, kayaking,
and surfing. The town offers seasonal fitness classes, concerts, beach
camps, junior lifesaving programs, and special events. There is a parking
lot for which a fee is charged during the summer daytime hours. A beach
pavilion and changing rooms are available, but there is a rental fee.
A shopping area containing several restaurants, public rest- rooms, and
a grocery store is located nearby. Fee.
Handicap access, picnic tables/benches, fishing, trash receptacles
52. Canonchet Farm
Located off Route 1A, opposite Narragansett Town Beach, Canonchet Farm
offers hiking trails and fishing in salt ponds bordering Pettaquamscutt
Cove. South County Museum is located here and contains articles of early
Rhode Island life and industry. There are also an animal petting farm
and plenty of parking on the grounds. The museum is open in the summer,
beginning May 1, Wed-nesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wildlife observation, toilets, trash receptacles
53.
Narrow River Inlet
Just east of Sprague Bridge, on the south side of the Narrow River inlet,
is a small parking area and a path to the tidal waters of the Narrow River.
This site offers access to a popular fishing site underneath the bridge
and an excellent place to launch a kayak.
Trash receptacles
54.
Old Sprague Bridge Overlook
East of Scenic Route 1A is the site of Old Sprague Bridge. The bridge
abutments provide a view of the Pettaquamscutt Refuge and the Narrow River.
Depending on tidal conditions, this area can be quite populated with shore
birds. This is a nice site for a picnic or a fishing excursion. There
is parking available for cars on both sides of the river.
Handicap access
55. Middle Bridge
Seasonal fishing is popular from the causeway and bridge over the Narrow
River. At the southwest end of the bridge there is a path to the Narrow
River identified by a historic marker. There is restricted parking along
Middlebridge Road and at the east end of the bridge on a private lot for
a fee. Kayak rentals are on the east side of the bridge.
Trash receptacles
56.
Pettaquamscutt Cove National Wildlife Refuge
Along the southeastern shore of the Narrow River, this federally designated
national wildlife refuge contains over 150 acres of tidal marshes, mudflats,
and estuary and is home to the black duck. An access road leads off the
west side of Scenic Route 1A just north of the bridge over the Narrow
River. This is a great place to have a picnic and watch the sun set over
the river. Parking is available.
Fishing
58. Route 1A Overlook
A parcel of land owned by the R.I. Department of Transportation and known
as The Overlook extends from Boston Neck Road (Route 1A) eastward to the
shore of Narragansett Bay. The lot is just south of Browning Drive. It
slopes steeply down to the shore so that when it is mowed it provides
a spectacular view of the lower West Passage. No on-site parking is available.
Wildlife observation, hiking/walking
60.
Pettaquamscutt Avenue
This right-of-way at the end of Pettaquamscutt Avenue may be used as a
ramp to launch small boats or kayaks. Due to the shallow depth of the
Narrow River, this site is best used at high tide.
CRMC ROW#: C-10
61.
South Ferry Road
The old Jamestown ferry landing at the end of South Ferry Road off Route
1A also consists of a small cobble beach on the West Passage. Dutch Island,
Jamestown, and the James-town Bridge may be seen in the distance. This
is a multi-use site for swimming, fishing, boating, and windsurfing. The
site is adjacent to the URI Graduate School of Oceanography. Parking is
available.
CRMC ROW#: C-8
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