Snake River in Massachusetts

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

This trip began on Winneconnet Pond in Norton. We parked just past the boat launch at Ann's Place, right on Bay Road, and paddled south to where the Snake River flows out of the pond. Aside from a few fishermen, the pond was quiet because of the rain that had been coming down sporadically all morning.

Once we were on the Snake, the river closed up pretty tightly, making heavy work of negotiating the turns, and getting over and under fallen trees at the same time. It became evident that this trip wouldn't have been possible during low water conditions.

The river opened up once we got closer to 495 (which is never more than an earshot away). We thought we were finally getting to the 495 overpass because we were so close, but it was actually just an outlet pipe from 495 (which we proceeded to go through anyways).

After we backed out of the pipe we continued to paddle along the Snake. At this point the river is about 10-12 feet wide with almost no current. We passed a Boy Scout troop camping along the bank near the retired bridge where the steel girders are. The river was too high to slide under them so we had to walk around to the right. After about another 10 minutes we made it to the 495 overpass and broke for lunch.

After lunch we continued to Sabbatia Lake in Taunton and paddled to the large island in the lake where dozens of Canadian Geese were laying eggs. There were even a few abandoned nests along the shoreline of the island.

After a quick paddle around the island we headed back to Norton. The overall length of the trip was about 6.5 hours (including a one hour lunch). The only problem encountered during the trip was the heavy rain on the return trip.

Accommodations:

None

Directions:

Route 495 to Bay St/ Bay Rd. Take a right at the off ramp (coming from the south), Winnecunnet Pond will be on left.

Trip Details

  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location