Taunton River | Taunton

Taunton River – In Detail
Length: Approximately 37 miles
Watershed Size: 562 square miles
Source: Confluence of the Town River and Matfield River in Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Mouth: Mount Hope Bay (Bristol, Fall River area)
Counties Traversed: Plymouth and Bristol Counties
Designation: Federally recognized as a National Wild and Scenic River (since 2009)

Overview

The Taunton River is one of the most ecologically significant and historically rich waterways in Massachusetts. Flowing entirely within the state, it passes through the southeastern region, from rural headwaters to urban estuary. The river is especially notable for being the longest undammed coastal river in New England, making it one of the rare major rivers in the region to flow freely from its source to its mouth without interruption.

This uninterrupted flow has helped maintain a diverse and flourishing river ecosystem, support historic fish migration patterns, and preserve archaeological and cultural sites along its banks.

Ecological Significance

The Taunton River's free-flowing nature and broad watershed allow it to support a high level of biodiversity across both freshwater and tidal zones.

Wildlife includes:

Over 150 species of birds, including bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, and snowy egrets

Dozens of amphibians and reptiles, including painted turtles, wood frogs, and eastern box turtles

Numerous fish species, such as herring, shad, striped bass, blueback herring, white perch, American eel, and Atlantic sturgeon

Occasional sightings of marine mammals, including seals and even beluga whales near the river’s mouth

Extensive wetland ecosystems, including freshwater and saltwater marshes, oxbows, and forested wetlands

The river also flows adjacent to the Hockomock Swamp, the largest freshwater swamp in Massachusetts, which serves as a critical habitat and natural flood control system.

Historical and Cultural Importance

Native American History:
The Taunton River Valley has been home to indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Tribes such as the Wampanoag used the river as a vital transportation route and food source. Archaeological sites along its banks date back more than 9,000 years and include ancient campsites, fishing weirs, and burial grounds.

Colonial and Industrial History:
From the 17th century onward, the river played a key role in the development of colonial settlements. Towns like Taunton, Dighton, and Somerset emerged along the riverbanks. The river provided energy for ironworks, gristmills, textile mills, and shipyards, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Taunton itself, known as the “Silver City,” rose to prominence due to its metalworking industries, and river access facilitated commerce and transportation. Various historic bridges and mill ruins remain visible today.

Wild and Scenic River Designation

In 2009, the Taunton River was added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, a designation granted by the U.S. Congress. This status protects the river from any new dam or federally-permitted project that would negatively impact its flow, ecology, or historical features.

The designation was based on the river's:

Uninterrupted, natural flow

Rich biodiversity

Historic significance

Scenic value

Recreational opportunities

Community engagement in preservation

This designation applies to roughly 40 miles of the river, encompassing its entire main stem.

Recreation and Access

The Taunton River provides a variety of outdoor recreational activities that are increasingly popular with both locals and visitors:

Canoeing and Kayaking:
The river is particularly well-suited for paddling. It offers quiet backwaters for beginners and broad stretches for experienced paddlers. Launch sites exist in towns like Bridgewater, Taunton, Dighton, and Somerset.

Fishing:
The river supports both freshwater and brackish species. Upriver, anglers catch largemouth bass, perch, sunfish, and pickerel. Downriver, striped bass, shad, and even bluefish are common during seasonal runs. Ice fishing is possible in upper stretches during winter.

Boating:
Motorized boating is permitted downstream, especially near Mount Hope Bay. Public boat ramps exist in several towns.

Walking and Nature Observation:
Several riverside parks, such as Weir Village Riverfront Park, Sweets Knoll State Park, and Taunton River Wildlife Management Area, offer trails, benches, and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is a popular year-round activity.

Swimming:
While not a primary swimming destination, select river-adjacent sites such as Watson Pond and Lake Sabbatia (connected via tributaries) offer designated swim areas.

Conservation and Stewardship

The Taunton River Stewardship Council, formed following the Wild and Scenic designation, helps coordinate long-term preservation and sustainable use of the river. Efforts include:

Protecting habitats through land acquisitions and conservation easements

Monitoring water quality and stormwater runoff

Educating the public about pollution reduction

Promoting river-friendly development practices

Supporting river access projects and trails

Several non-profit and grassroots organizations, along with state agencies and local municipalities, collaborate to maintain the river’s ecological health and recreational value.

Communities Along the River

The river passes through or near several Massachusetts towns and cities, each with their own historical relationship to the river. These include:

Bridgewater

Middleborough

Raynham

Taunton

Dighton

Berkley

Somerset

Fall River

Each of these communities contributes to the river’s story and offers local parks, cultural sites, or public access points.

Summary

The Taunton River is not just a geographic feature, but a living corridor of nature, history, and human connection. As one of the last major undammed rivers in the northeastern United States, it represents both ecological resilience and cultural continuity. From pre-colonial settlements to industrial development, and now to conservation, it remains a central artery in the landscape of southeastern Massachusetts. Whether explored by kayak, fishing line, hiking trail, or historical curiosity, the Taunton River offers a deeply layered experience rooted in the land and its people.