Guided Overnight Trips

Two Rivers Trip

A lightweight over night trip to explore the Taunton and Nemasket rivers.

    Our journey begins on the Nemasket river, at the historic Oliver Mills Park put-in. Remnants of Peter Oliver’s iron foundry and eight different mills dating back to 1774 can be seen here. A spring trip is a good time to see the fascinating Alewife run at the parks fish ladder. Abundant wetlands and marshes along this river make it one of the most ecologically diverse rivers in New England. Eagles, great blue heron, wood ducks, hawks, blue birds, deer, otter, mink, and other wildlife can be seen along the way. 

    Soon we reach the confluence with the Taunton river. We notice the changes in water color and bank structure between the two rivers. The Nemasket has crystal clear water and low banks, often undefined, while the Taunton River’s water is naturally tea-colored and silty, and its banks are steeper with trees growing right up to the river’s edge. In the fall, these trees with their branches overhanging the river, deposit huge amounts of leaves in the river which in turn cause the tea-colored water. On a hot sunny day, however, they allow us to paddle in the cool shade they provide.

    Soon we reach the first of two short runs of quick water at the Titicut St. bridge, nothing too difficult, but a lot of fun. We run this right down the middle. Just before the second run of quick water at Pratt’s bridge we reach the historic Fort Hill Bluff Site. A prominent table-top boulder, called Sentinel Rock, at the river’s edge marks this site. Colonial records mention it in use as a platform by the Indians of those days, when fishing the waters at its base. The rivers banks rise precipitously behind it to a height of some 35 feet. Here is a commanding view of the surrounding low lands to the north. It was here that a comparatively small palisaded fort was built by the Native American Indians, as a defense against attack from their enemies. In 1952, exploratory testing by the Cohannet Chapter of the Massachusetts Archaeological Society, uncovered four lines of post molds in the palisaded structure, found to have a rectangular shape of approximately 35 feet x 41 feet, with a protected opening in its walls of posts both in front and in back. One important natural feature was a never-failing spring only a stone’s throw from the fort which would have contributed toward a successful defense of long duration. A few post molds in an interior front corner of the fort suggest the possible existence of a lookout platform as a means of peering over the palisaded walls. 

    After running the Pratt’s bridge quick water to the left of center, we reach our camp site, Camp Titicut. This site in a stand of tall pine trees, high above the river was once the camp site of the Wampanoag Indians. Later it was the site of ship building in Colonial times. Once we go ashore, it is easy to see why the Wampanoags would select this site. It is not only beautiful, but its topography is perfect for camping. Here we enjoy good food, a campfire, perhaps a sing along, and good fellowship. Our second day on the river is much like the first with a fascinating succession of historic and natural attractions to enjoy. Soon we reach our Taunton river base where our cars are parked and we bid farewell to our fellow paddlers.

DETAILS OF THE GUIDED TRIPS:

Meeting times: We meet at our Base at 8:00 AM Saturday and return to our Base by 3:30PM Sunday. 

Dates:

5/20,21:  6/24,25:  7/15,16:  7/22,23:  8/12,13:  8/19,20:  9/9,10

Canoes or kayaks - Old Town, Mad River, Current Designs, and WeNoNah, boats - solo or tandem.

Guide - personable, knowledgeable , and well versed in natural history.

Food - all food in included. Vegetarian alternatives area available for the asking.

Camping gear - includes top of the line gear including comfortable Thermarest sleeping pads, Old Town extra large river packs, roomy Eureka tents, and all group gear.

Transportation - From base to put-in.

You are responsible for: All personal clothing, day pack, personal items like toilet articles, water bottle, sun screen, foot gear, and sleeping bag. We will provide a complete list of recommended personal items. ( Please see our camping check list page.)

Reservations: Reservations can be made with a deposit of one half the total trip cost. Balance is due two weeks prior to the trip. ( Please see our reservation page with its reservation form.)

Novice and experienced paddlers alike enjoy this trip.