Fearing Hill Swamp
Looking for an adventurous new paddling route? Check out Fearing Hill Swamp, a Wareham Land Trust-owned launch on the Weweantic River. When the river is high, you can canoe or kayak upstream from this small freshwater launch to explore up to a mile of protected wooded shores.
Features
Beginners can practice their paddling and wildlife-watching skills in the open waters of Fearing Hill Swamp.
The Weweantic is Buzzards Bay’s largest freshwater river – but it doesn’t feel like it along this intimate stretch. The river twists north past the town-protected Fearing Hill Conservation Area and Douglas S. Westgate Conservation Area, offering a lush wooded setting that feels miles away from busy life.
The route north from Fearing Hill Swamp stretches for about a mile. The entire length is best for experienced paddlers due to obstacles like low-hanging branches and downed trees in the water. But beginners can practice their paddling skills around the open swamp near the launch. Just make sure to check that water levels are high enough before you set out!
Habitats & Wildlife
True to its name, Fearing Hill Swamp is a wooded freshwater swamp: red maples and wetland grasses sit submerged along the river banks, even peeking up from under the water’s surface in many spots. This rich habitat is home to a variety of wildlife, from mink and muskrats to ducks, turtles, and migratory fish.
Founded in 2001, the mission of the Wareham Land Trust is to conserve Wareham’s open space and natural resources, and to educate the public about the benefits of protecting land.