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Weir River Estuary Park

Weir River Estuary Park, 333 George Washington Blvd, Hull, MA 02045, USA

Hull Land Conservation Trust: 781-925-5665

https://www.hingham-ma.gov/467/Weir-River-Estuary-Park-Committee

Owned By: Towns of Hingham, Cohasset and Hull

Extending into the towns of Hingham, Hull and Cohasset, the Weir River Estuary Park is a broad area with opportunities for fishing, paddling, boating, hiking, and birding, as well as historical points of interest. Consult the Weir River Watershed Association for information about programs and volunteer opportunities.

FISHING ADVISORY: It’s important to know that some of our freshwater fisheries are contaminated with mercury, PFAS and/or other concerning substances. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health maintains an online database with up-to-date advisories regarding fish consumption, sorted by location. We recommend you consult this valuable resource when planning a fishing excursion.

Features

Steamboat Wharf: a historic site where steamships once brought summer tourists from Boston to Hull. The carousel across the street is the last remaining attraction from the bygone Paragon Park.

Porters Cove: a popular fishing spot for striped bass.

Weir River Estuary Center: an educational center with river access.

West Corner: the intersection of Rockland Street, Jerusalem Road and Nantasket Ave., where all 3 towns come together. Named for the grocery store that once stood on site, this spot is home to a tide gate that separates Straits Pond from the rest of the estuary. In earlier times, the strait powered a grist mill.

According to “Weir River Estuary Park: A Paddling Guide,” Native Americans hunted and fished the Weir River for thousands of years. European settlers in Plymouth Colony began trading with indigenous tribes as early as 1621.

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

Hiking: Look for hiking trails in Hull’s Weir River Woods, and in Hingham’s World’s End. In addition, on George Washington Boulevard, across from the courthouse, there is a roadside pull-off with parking for up to 6 cars. A short (less than 0.1 mile) trail through an oak/cedar woodland leads to the edge of the marsh, and offers views of the water as well as some rocky outcroppings.

Boat access at: Nantasket Pier, Weir River Estuary Center, and Straits Pond (Winsor Shores). Boat pumpout and kayak rentals at Steamboat Wharf.

Paddling Notes: Use caution in The Narrows as currents can be strong here. Stay close to shore and be aware of submerged rocks. At the Weir River Channel, portage is required (over an abandoned fish weir) for 2 hours on either side of low tide. At West Corner, a portage over the highway (Rt. 228) is required.

Habitats and Wildlife

Formed at the confluence of Crooked Meadow River and Fulling Mill Brook, 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.

The 92-acre Straits Pond is stewarded by the Straits Pond Watershed Association and is home to many pairs of mute swans.

Within the estuary, look for 100+ species of migratory and breeding birds. Fish and shellfish thrive here, including soft shell clams, blue mussels, and American oysters. Recreational shellfishing is prohibited. Mass Wildlife stocks the Weir River with brown and Eastern Brook trout.

  • A photograph of a property sign in a woodland beside a marsh.
  • A photograph of a river and a salt marsh.
  • A photograph of a river and a salt marsh.
  • A photograph of a river and a salt marsh with scattered trees.
  • A photograph of a river and a salt marsh.
  • A photograph of a pond with a grassy area to one side and a bench overlooking the water.
  • A photograph of a tide gate on a pond with a building to one side.
  • A photograph of a river and a salt marsh with a windmill in the distance.
  • A photograph of a small building with a paved parking area.
  • A photograph of a river with rocks and trees to one side.
  • A photograph of a trail leading through the woods to a river and marsh.
  • A photograph of a rocky area in a forest, overlooking a river and marsh.
  • A photograph of a bench in a forest overlooking a waterway.
  • A photograph of a grassy park, overlooking the water, with scattered trees.
Weir River Estuary Park, 333 George Washington Blvd, Hull, MA 02045, USA

Historic Site: No

Park: No

Beach: No

Boat Launch: Yes

Lifeguards: Yes

Size: 950 acres

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Parking: Parking available at Nantasket Pier, World's End, Weir River Estuary Center. Fees vary.

Cost: Free.

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash. Please clean up after your pet!

Boat Ramp: Yes

ADA Access: Available at Nantasket Pier.

Scenic Views: Yes

Waterbody/Watershed: Weir River

Other Things to Do at This Site

Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Historical Sites
Nature Photography