Get To Know the Monatiquot River!

It’s time to get to know the Monatiquot River! Until recently, public access to this enchanting stream was quite limited. But in the last few years, there has been significant change. Thanks to long-time, dedicated work by the Town of Braintree, there are two new places to visit the river. Keep reading to learn more.

The Monatiquot rises in Braintree, within the town’s municipal golf course, at the confluence of the Farm and Cochato Rivers. It flows northeast for 4.9 miles before merging with Smelt Brook to form the Fore River, a coastal stream that empties into Hingham Bay. 

A flooded Monatiquot River, prior to the dam removals, at the Braintree Municipal Golf Course.

 For the past 20+ years, a large-scale restoration project has been underway at the intersection of Plain and Hancock Streets in Braintree. Both the Armstrong and Ames Dams have now been removed. While the transformation of the former-industrial site is not yet complete, there is much to celebrate, as the river has now been restored to a much more natural state. Last year, for the first time in 200 years, migratory fish were able to swim through Braintree!

 

Industrial use of this spot on the Monatiquot began in the colonial era, starting with a grist mill and sawmill. In 1823, Paul Revere and Co. established a copper foundry on site, followed by Mark Hollingsworth’s paper mill (1832-92). Next came a series of rubber companies, most recently The Armstrong Co., which established a sprawling cork manufacturing plant in the 1930’s. Armstrong closed its doors in 1995, but the industrial dams remained in place.

 

The dams created long-term obstacles for the migratory fish that swim upstream every spring to continue their life cycle. In addition, the 1800’s construction of a railroad bridge altered the bedrock at Rock Falls, making it impossible for herring to reach their spawning area at Great Pond. Thanks to a $5.5 million dollar project funded by the state and federal governments, the National Fish Habitat Partnership, the Town of Braintree, the property owner, and others, The Armstrong Dam was removed in 2023, followed by the Ames Dam in 2024. In addition, a pool and weir fishway was constructed at Rock Falls.

Herring in the South River in Marshfield, where a major restoration project is underway.

 As a result, 180 acres of habitat – not only for river herring but for American eels – are now reopened, along with 36 miles of unimpeded stream access. The river’s floodplain has been enlarged, and the possibility of a storm-induced catastrophic dam failure is no longer an issue. Bonus: there are new ways to enjoy the river recreationally! Check out these four spots. 

Monatiquot River Walkway

This ADA-compliant, 0.33-mile trail and boardwalk extends along the river, past the sites of the former Armstrong and Ames Dams, to the picturesque Rock Falls. A platform offers views of the fish ladder. Stop by in the mid-to-late spring and look for herring! Ample parking at Armstrong Park, at the corner of Plain at Hancock Streets.

Monatiquot Middle Street Loop Trail

This 6-acre property on Middle Street features a fully-accessible 0.3-mile loop trail with beautiful river views. Follow the long ramp down the hillside to the crushed stone trail, which is relatively flat and extends through an open woodland dotted with glacial erratic boulders. Six QR codes posted along the trail provide access to additional information. Roadside parking for 6 vehicles at 41 Middle Street.

Monatiquot River Nature Trail

This short, rocky, and very scenic trail extends through the woods for a tenth of a mile along the Monatiquot, approaching a historic railroad bridge. Such a captivating spot to watch the river flow! You’ll find it off John Mahar Highway, between Shaw’s and Beth Israel Lahey Health. Look for the trailhead on the road bridge that connects the parking areas of the two businesses. Park behind the Shaw's at 125 Pearl Street. 

Watson Park

This 22-acre park on the Fore River in Braintree is situated immediately downstream of the confluence of Smelt Brook and the Monatiquot. You can enjoy water views of all three streams on the 1-mile Monatiquot River Walk, which connects the park to Smith Beach and the Weymouth Landing Access Ramp. Also on site: athletic fields, a playground, and a seasonal splash pad. On-site parking for 30 cars on Gordon Road.

 

If you enjoy the outdoors, be sure to check out NSRWA’s Explore South Shore. Every morning, we highlight one of the region’s best nature places on Facebook and Instagram. Not on social media? We’ve listed all the locations on our website as well!

https://www.nsrwa.org/explore-south-shore-2026-thats-my-watershed/

by Kezia Bacon

March 2026

 

Kezia Bacon's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to protecting our waters. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. You will also find thirty years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. For more information about the “That’s My Watershed!” Contest, visit https://www.nsrwa.org/2026-nsrwa-explore-south-shore-thats-my-watershed-contest-rules/