Blackstone River Flood Alert Information
Access to the Blackstone River

Portage Trail The BRWA is working with both the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the John H. Chaffee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission to provide the public with perpetual access to the Blackstone River.

Public access areas for canoes and other small recreational boats are being developed at several spots along the Blackstone River in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In the Massachusetts section, these sites include locations at Plumber’s Landing and Riverdale Mills in Northbridge, Stanley Woolen Mills and the Blackstone River crossing of Route 122 in Uxbridge, and at the Millville Lock in Millville. In addition to a canoe access ramp, the Blackstone Gorge in Blackstone will be receiving improvements to the Blackstone Gorge viewing area, in the form of landscaping, new paths and a new railing at the overlook.

Portage Trail All of these areas have served as unofficial boat launch spots for years. Constant use has resulted in severe erosion at some of the sites and riverbanks need to be stabilized to prevent further damage. This project will not only ensure permanent access by boaters and fishermen, but also will enhance public safety and lessen the environmental impacts to these spots.

We are now in the permitting phase of these projects and we will be requesting permission from the conservation commissions in the various towns to continue with construction of these canoe access sites. BRWA members are encouraged to attend these conservation commission meetings and voice your support to this project. We will notify you by e-mail when the permitting process comes the various local conservation commissions.