• Shad Factory Pond/Daniel L. Savoie Conservation Area
• Water Street, Rehoboth, MA
• Trailhead: 41°48’31.54″N, 71°16’29.51″W
• Last Time Hiked: February 5, 2017
• Approximate distance hiked: 0.7 miles
• Easy.

This walk, just about three quarters of a mile, features a trail that follows the Palmer River and a short stroll to the Shad Factory Pond and its dam. Starting from the parking area along Water street, follow the narrow unmarked trail easterly along the river. The river here is covered in a canopy of trees that birds were flying through. Cardinals, blue jays, robins, woodpeckers, and ducks were all seen along the trail here. Along the way there is an old wooden structure that looks as if it might have been a dock or bridge. The trail ends at Reed Street opposite the entrance to a service road. This road is closed to the public as it is property of the Bristol County Water Authority. From here follow Reed Street south a few hundred feet crossing the Palmer River. To the right you will catch glimpses of some ruins that were once part of the Orleans Mill. You will see a couple of the remaining walls and a double archway over the river. This mill produce cotton cloth but met its untimely fate twice by fire. Some people have claimed that the old mill site is haunted and have seen unexplained figures in the woods. Just over the bridge and on the right as well is Shad Factory Pond with its 1911 dam and newly constructed fish ladder. There are a handful of benches here to sit and relax. From here retrace your steps along Reed Street and along the trail back to the parking area. If you are into bird photography, bring your camera.

Palmer River just downstream from Shad Factory Pond