Eel River Woods - North and South Rivers Watershed Association

113 Cushing St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA

Owned By: Town of Hingham

Eel River Woods in Hingham is a 12-acre property with short, narrow trails (about a half mile total) and views of wetlands and streams. It is managed by the Hingham Land Conservation Trust. Also of interest nearby, the Plymouth River Complex, and Mildred Cushing Woods.

Features

This property was given to the Hingham Land Conservation Trust by Mary Niles.

This land is within the region of the Massachusett (or Massachuseuk). To learn more about local Native American tribes, we encourage you to interact with their members. The Massachusett tribe at Ponkapoag and the Mattakeeset band of the Massachusett share information on their websites.

Trail Description

The trailhead provides access to two distinct loop trails. To the right, cross either the stepping stones or the plank boardwalk, and follow the steps up the hill, where there is a bench and a view of the forest and wetlands below. The trail continues through the woods, with a short loop at the end. Altogether, the out-and-back loop totals 0.26 miles round-trip from the trailhead.

To the left, the trail passes by some rocky outcroppings, and then offers a relatively close view of the Eel River. It continues along the edge of the river to a loop that overlooks the Plymouth River valley. There are some benches along the way, a vernal pool, and a small bridge. Altogether, the out-and-back loop totals 0.22 miles round-trip from the trailhead.

Habitats and Wildlife

The woods here are primarily pine, beech and oak, with lots of ferns and blueberry bushes. A small brook that continues to the Eel River flows through this property, merging with the Plymouth River. The Plymouth River is a major tributary to Crooked Meadow River, which joins with Fulling Mill Brook to create the Weir River. The Weir River flows north through Hingham, with Tower Brook and Accord Brook joining it in its first mile. It gradually turns northeast and flows for another 1.4 miles, through Weir River Farm and eventually into Foundry Pond. The Weir River Estuary, designated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as an Area of Critical Concern, begins just below the manmade dam at the pond. The mile-wide estuary — with numerous acres of undisturbed salt marsh — forms the border between Hingham and Hull, and empties into Hingham Bay. For more information about the Weir River, follow the Weir River Watershed Association.