An excellent section of the river to paddle, the river heads west from the bridge. The best access point for this portion of the river is Stocker Playground. Located off of Winter Street, its ample parking and easy river entry makes this an excellent put-in point. From the playground, Shute Brook enters as the river makes a sharp turn to the right (east) and then under railroad tracks. Again the river turns west as a pleasant green corridor of salt marsh - worth exploring - opens before the canoeist.

Past "Pirates Glen Rock" on your right. According to local legend, in the 1600's pirates would travel up river to secretly trade gold and silver for shackles and chains. They would then meet socialize at Pirates Glen which is located north of this rock outcrop.  

A better documented story about the river relates to the Saugus "Jasper" Quarries. These quarries which date from the Paleo-Indian Period (12,000-9000 years before present) contained reddish, buff stone which was favored by area Native Americans for its ability to be worked into projectile points and tools. This quarry site has since been destroyed.  

The river continues west, makes a sharp bend and again heads west. As the tidal influence diminishes, the vegetation begins to change from salt tolerant plants such as sea lavender to freshwater plant species like arrow arum. To the left (west) one can see the spire of the Saugus Town Hall rise over stands of common reed of Phragmites. This plant, tends to crowd out other vegetation, including species which are more beneficial for wildlife. Ahead the Hamilton Street Bridge can usually be passed under. Portages over the bridge are not recommended.

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Canoe Guide