Many know Lincoln Woods State Park for its huge boulders and great trails, but this Rhode Island gem is also a fantastic kayaking park. Olney Pond provides 128 acres of freshwater to explore within the heart of the park and paddling is the perfect way to view it. The best part — you don’t need any experience or even your own kayak.

The town of Lincoln, northwest of Pawtucket, houses the 627-acre Lincoln Woods State Park. Enjoy scenic trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking.

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You’ll find plenty of places to picnic or just relax here, but Olney Pond is one of the highlights of this state park.

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Calm waters are easy to navigate even for beginner paddlers.

Google Images/Andrew Norquist

There is a public boat launch lakeside, but you don’t need to bring your own boat. The REI boathouse rents watercraft right at this kayaking park.

Google Images/Steve o tuxedo

You can rent single person kayaks, tandem kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards by the hour, half-day, or full-day. The rental includes a life jacket, too.

Google Images/Carlos Torres

The boathouse is open May through September, seven days a week from 9 a.m. from 6 p.m.

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Whether you decide to enjoy this state gem from out on the water or just from the shore, Lincoln Woods State Park is a must-visit destination this summer.

TripAdvisor/Juripanda Kayak and watercraft rental pricing varies by length and type, you can check out the rates here. Visit Lincoln Woods State Park at 2 Manchester Print Works Rd., Lincoln, RI 02865. To learn more about the park or to download a map, visit the Rhode Island State Parks website.

Have you ever paddled around at this kayaking park? Share your experiences and pictures in the comments section below. If you’d rather take a boat ride that doesn’t require any paddling, check out this ferry tour or this lobster boat trip.

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Google Images/E Ram

Google Images/Andrew Norquist

Google Images/Steve o tuxedo

Google Images/Carlos Torres

Google Images/moses guill

TripAdvisor/Juripanda

Kayak and watercraft rental pricing varies by length and type, you can check out the rates here. Visit Lincoln Woods State Park at 2 Manchester Print Works Rd., Lincoln, RI 02865. To learn more about the park or to download a map, visit the Rhode Island State Parks website.

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