See all 11 routes on Blackstone River
Rhode Island | Providence County / Blackstone Valley
Blackstone RiverSycamore Landing to Albion Dam above-dam access
A short downstream Blackstone segment from Sycamore Landing to the documented take-out above Albion Dam.
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Route location
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Need to know
Why this call
Safety
Route safety
CautionThis route has hazards or access considerations that require extra verification.
Safety details
Wear a PFD and carry communication, offline navigation and spare layers.
- Portage every dam and mill obstruction using the documented land access; never run a low-head dam.
- Confirm parking, carry distance and current water-quality notices before unloading.
- Stay within the named Rhode Island corridor and respect private mill property.
Keep Blackstone River handy
Save this route in PaddleToday and check its conditions before your next paddle.
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.
Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.
Waiting on forecast.
Waiting on forecast.
Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
A short downstream Blackstone segment from Sycamore Landing to the documented take-out above Albion Dam.
Access map
Put-in
Sycamore LandingUse documented public access and portage routes only.
Take-out
Albion Dam above-dam take-outPortage every dam and mill obstruction; never trespass for a carry.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- Use documented public access and portage routes only.
- Portage every dam and mill obstruction; never trespass for a carry.
- Recheck seasonal parking, water levels and water-quality notices.
Watch for
- Albion Dam boundary and carry
- Shallow shoals and strainers
- Private mill property
Plan this paddle
Choose your trip times
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Download GPX Route geometry only; no schedule required.
Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
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USGS measurements
More about this gauge
These measurements come from the gauge station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Blackstone River at Woonsocket, RI. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
Water-level history and forecastDetailed view
Gauge note
Preferred range: 200 cfs to 1,200 cfs · Blackstone River at Woonsocket, RI
Does this gauge apply to my trip?
Check USGS 01112500, RiverScout flow, water-quality notices and every documented dam portage before launch; the Blackstone is not a dam-free float.
New to reading stage or flow? Read the paddler's gauge guide.
Gauge
Recent trend
Checking preferred range.
Checking trend.
Gauge source
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Hourly forecast
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Short-route forecast
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Route gallery
Photos
Check each caption: some photos show the surrounding area rather than this exact trip.

Score & sources
Why this score
See the gauge, weather, and source notes behind today’s call.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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- Checking evidence cautions.
Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Blackstone River at Woonsocket, RI |
| Discharge | Checking |
| Gauge height | Checking |
| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
| Water temp | Checking |
| Wind | Checking |
| Gusts | Checking |
| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | 200 cfs to 1,200 cfs |
| Low threshold | 100 cfs |
| High threshold | 4,400 cfs |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Local route guidance |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | RiverScout Blackstone flow and reach guide |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
NotesWhat to know before you go
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Public access and portagesSycamore Landing to Albion Dam above-dam access
Blackstone River Watershed Council and ExploreRI identify the named access and dam-portage context.
- Scoring band200–1,200 cfs Class I–II planning window
RiverScout ties this window to direct USGS 01112500; verify live telemetry and trend before travel.
- GaugeUSGS 01112500 at Woonsocket
Direct Blackstone telemetry for the Rhode Island corridor.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
Reports
Paddler reports
See recent photos and notes from people on the route.
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Keep exploring
More routes to check next
Compare another stretch on this river, or explore different rivers within 75 straight-line miles.
More in Rhode Island
All 18 routesMore on Blackstone River
All 11Nearby routes within 75 miles
Quick answers
Blackstone River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Sycamore Landing to Albion Dam above-dam access route on the Blackstone River?
Paddle Today watches Blackstone River at Woonsocket, RI and treats 200 cfs to 1,200 cfs as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.
Where does the Sycamore Landing to Albion Dam above-dam access route on the Blackstone River start and end?
This route starts at Sycamore Landing and ends at Albion Dam above-dam take-out, about 1.5 river miles on the water.
Is the Sycamore Landing to Albion Dam above-dam access route on the Blackstone River suitable for beginners?
This is listed as a moderate route. Expect more planning than an easy float, and use the live score, route notes, and source links before committing.
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