Nemasket River in Massachusetts

Trip Overview

Following the instructions of the other Nemasket River report we put in at the herring run off route 44. The river was very calm and excellent wildlife views.

One thing to note is there is a very low clearance bridge that could prove dangerous to a beginner at VERY high water. We however did not stop mid river and paddle back as the other report said. We went to the Taunton River junction. This part of the river is VERY slow and lots of paddling. Taking 2-3 hours just to get to this point was very tiring. Once there we paddled on until we reached route 44 again. It takes another solid 2 hours to get there. We passed even more wildlife. We came within 6 inches of the endangered Plymouth Red Bellied Turtle.

Two of several bridges that you go under once on the Taunton river had moderate rapids under them. Not to worry though - very easy shoot with no rocks in the way. We pulled out the boats back out on route 44 in Raynham. There is a nice path to climb up just before the bridge you go under the route 44 bridge.

All and all the trip was fun. I do think the next trip will be down a more advanced river like the Weweantic, as this trip was very slow and not for the adventurous, advanced kayaker.

Accommodations:

None

Fees:

no

Directions:

Put In: Route 44 Herring Run in Middleboro, MA
Take Out: Route 44 and the Taunton river in Raynham, MA
Vehicle can be parked at a gas station 50 yards from the take out for easy transport.
A vehicle can also be left after dropping off at the Herring Run in Middleboro, MA