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Town Parks & Monuments

Old Plympton Cotton Factory

34 Winnetuxet Rd, Plympton, MA 02367, USA

Owned By: Town of Plympton

Old Plympton Cotton Factory is a scenic and historic spot on the Winnetuxet River that features a picnic area, short trails, and water views.

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

According to interpretive signage on site, cotton goods were manufactured at this spot from 1812 to 1926. John Avery Parker established the largest of the area’s several mills. There were also tenement buildings for the workers, and a store. Down the river at various times were 3 grist mills, 2 sawmills, a fulling mill, a slitting mill, a shovel factory, a nail factory, two thread mills and a cheese factory.

After the mill closed, the Town of Plympton purchased the property for recreation. In the 1950’s, citizens, along with the Army Corps of Engineers, established the Winnetuxet Swimming hole here. The area is no longer suitable for swimming, but it’s a nice spot for fishing, or a picnic, or to admire the view.

This land is within the region of the Wampanoag. To learn more about local Native American tribes, we encourage you to interact with their members. The Herring Pond Wampanoag and the Mashpee Wampanoag share information on their websites.

Trail Description

There is a short (0.1 mile) trail that crosses the Winnetuxet River and turns into the woods. Another short trail extends for the same distance along two sides of a small pond.

Habitats and Wildlife

This grassy property features streams, a small pond, and views of the Winnetuxet River. There are red maple, black gum, pine and oak trees as well. Mass Wildlife stocks the river with brown trout.

According to the 2016 Plympton Open Space and Recreation plan, the pond is an impounded diversion of the Winnetuxet River, contained by earthen berms and drained back into the river.

The Winnetuxet River originates in Carver, near the Cole Mill site, and flows west through Plympton and Halifax to the Taunton River.

  • A photograph of a grassy park with scattered trees and an unpaved driveway.
  • A photograph of a grassy park with a picnic table and an interpretive sign.
  • A photograph of a picnic table in a grassy park with scattered trees.
  • A photograph of a grassy park with a bench and green vegetation.
  • A photograph of a river flowing through a wetland with scattered trees.
  • A photograph of a footbridge over a river with a metal railing.
  • A photograph of a river flowing over a dam, with green foliage on both sides.
  • A photograph of a stream flowing through a forest.
  • A photograph of a faint woodland trail.
  • A photograph of a river viewed through a green woodland.
  • A photograph of a grassy park with scattered rocks and a footbridge.
  • A photograph of a small pond surrounded with green vegetation.
  • A photograph of a grassy trail beside a pond with a large boulder in the foreground.
34 Winnetuxet Rd, Plympton, MA 02367, USA

Historic Site: Yes

Park: Yes

Beach: No

Boat Launch: No

Lifeguards: No

Size: 16 acres

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Parking: Limited on-site parking at 34 Winnetuxet Road in Plympton.

Cost: Free

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Facilities:

Bench, picnic table. Geocache location.

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

Boat Ramp: No

ADA Access: No

Scenic Views: Yes

Waterbody/Watershed: Winnetuxet River (Taunton River watershed)

Other Things to Do at This Site

Fishing
Grassy Walks
Historical Sites
Nature Photography