Most reviewed Bodies of Water in Massachusetts


  1. 4.5 Charles River (801 reviews)
    - Super
    Bodies of Water • Scenic Drives
    Charles River image
    A nature reservation covering 950 acres along both sides of the Charles River offers bicycle and jogging paths, 12 tennis courts, six swimming pools and the popular Hatch Memorial Shell with live concerts. See more..
  2. 4.5 Walden Pond State Reservation (684 reviews)
    - Historically Significant
    Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • State Parks • Bodies of Water
    Walden Pond State Reservation image
    In order to preserve the natural environment, visitors are limited at this site, where Thoreau wrote his famous essays. See more..
  3. 4.5 Horn Pond (114 reviews)
    - Beautiful
    Bodies of Water • Parks
    Horn Pond image
    Water views during your entire walk around the pond. A beautiful pond with a lot of various birds with easy walking paved routes See more..
  4. 4.5 Puffer's Pond (64 reviews)
    - Serenity and beautiful
    Bodies of Water
    Puffer's Pond image
    The Puffer's pond is so beautiful surrounded by trees. You can picnic and swim in the pond. Good for families . See more..
  5. 4.0 Houghton's Pond (58 reviews)
    - Dog Friendly space to spend the morning
    Bodies of Water
    Houghton's Pond image
    Dog's on the leash are welcome. We thought this was a really nice and well kept park and enjoyed sending time with our pup here. See more..
  6. 4.5 Ipswich River (55 reviews)
    - Stroll along Ipswich's River Walk
    Bodies of Water
    Ipswich River image
    A new bridge has been constructed, which spans the Ipswich River. Enjoy the murals painted on the walls of the old Mill Building Complex. Alan Pearsall's painted History of Ipswich is charming, and enlightening. See more..
  7. 4.0 Lake Webster (47 reviews)
    - Peaceful day at Memorial Beach, Webster, MA
    Bodies of Water
    Lake Webster image
    We visited Memorial Beach on Sat., 7/6, around 10:30 a.m.; life guards are on duty. Non-residents pay th$30.00 per car; gates open 7 a.m. & close at dusk-they have a boat ramp but fees are higher for that use. There is nothing like a gentle breeze on a hot, humid day to rid you of your crankiness! I have been going to this beach since I was a little child, and have many fond memories of this place! My husband & I enjoyed the day under the shade of the trees with a picnic lunch, and splashing around in the refreshingly cool and clean waters of Webster Lake-this is a scenic lake & you will spend your day admiring all of the different types of boats using the Lake! I especially enjoyed using our floats in the water. This park has a wonderful playground area for young children. Guests at the park were quiet and respectful of each other, & there was no loud music playing to distract or annoy you. We enjoyed our day so much, that we stayed until 4, went home, had supper and returned for an evening swim! I was disappointed by some of the newer rules being enforced: NO GRILLS of any type; you can't walk beyond the 'fenced' areas any longer, which means you can't walk to the tip of the small peninsula, and enjoy the beautiful, natural sandbar area or the wooded area on the other end of this small beach. Sand in the swimming areas is soft and easy on the feet once you wade past the first couple feet of shoreline. Rest rooms need to be updated & cleaned better (not a reflection of the toilets-they were kept clean) & picnic tables are a mess. Suggestions: make sure you have sandals; beach sand is gritty and tough on the feet; bring a tablecloth (dollar store plastic ones are perfect for this) & something to cover the benches, because you can get slivers. Concession stand is OK, but you pay for the convenience. See more..
  8. 4.0 Hammond Pond Reservation (40 reviews)
    - Hammond Pond reservation
    Bodies of Water
    Hammond Pond Reservation image
    The more time that you can spend her, the better you will like it . There are scenic trails for the walkers. Not only is it a beautiful, peaceful spot, but it offers the option to climb rocks. The sun sparkle through the leaves, and the people that you meet here are quite pleasant, but hard to understand when they aren't panting from the climb. This spot does attract families, and some friendly animals, on a leash. The MIT outing club references this spot. Another plus for the local is that ait is reachable vial the MBTA's Green Line (a plus for visitors as well). See more..
  9. 4.5 Lake Quannapowitt (37 reviews)
    - Awesome Lake to walk around! Blows away Horn Pond
    Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water
    Lake Quannapowitt image
    I'm surprised this Lake doesn't have more reviews. It's way better than the one in Woburn. For starters, it's way less buggy during the warm months. Two, it's bigger. Three, there are places to stop and eat along the way. Horn Pond? Nada. Indeed, Fred's Franks (best hot dogs in MASS) and the Gingerbread house! Goood stuff! So if you're visiting the area, make sure to check out this wonderful lake. See more..
  10. 4.5 Concord River (36 reviews)
    - Relaxing paddle on Concord River
    Bodies of Water
    Concord River image
    This 10-mile waterway was made famous by Henry David Thoreau. See more..
  11. 4.5 Buffumville Lake (34 reviews)
    - Summer Retreat
    Bodies of Water
    Buffumville Lake image
    Clean, family friendly, dog friendly (no animals allowed on the beach or in the water), inexpensive entrance fee with lots to do for all ages. One side is the dam with hiking, fishing, Frisbee golf and the Rangers give dam tours. The other side has a sandy beach area, roped in swim area, picnic tables and grills, several pavilions that can be rented for exclusivity, volley ball, horseshoe pit, hiking trails and shore fishing. Drinking fountain and restrooms are centrally located. There is a $1.00 fee per person for beach use, under 12 is free and $4.00 maximum per car. Exceptions are commercial vehicles which are $1.00 per person. Open 8am - 8pm seasonally. Be sure to bring a trash bag or ask for one at the pay booth as it is a carry in/carry out policy and no garbage cans are located in the park. Parking, including handicapped, is available. See more..
  12. 4.5 Ashland State Park (27 reviews)
    - A nice place for a walk
    Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Bodies of Water • Hiking Trails
    Ashland State Park image
    I've come here a few times with my friend and her dog. We've parked at the Community Center and also on the other side of the park on Spring Street near the boat launch. To do a loop around the reservoir is about 3 miles. There are a few geocaches hidden in the park, which I enjoyed finding. There is an entrance fee during the summer if you drive in from the Community Center to the swimming area, but you can avoid that by parking and walking. See more..
  13. 3.5 Lake Gardner (26 reviews)
    - Kayaking
    Bodies of Water
    Lake Gardner image
    This was my first trip here. A great spot for a little fresh water beach time, especially for families with small children. But we were here to Kayak, and it is a good spot for leisurely lake kayaking, and up the powwow river. No admission/parking fee and easy put in at end of beach area. Entrance is off High St, and is easy to miss. Do not follow google gps, as it takes you to a dead end street with NO access See more..
  14. 4.0 Highland Pond (16 reviews)
    - Lots of Trails to Challenge Different Levels
    Bodies of Water
    Highland Pond image
    I live right around the corner from Highland Pond. Used to take my kids there when they we little. I have taken a hike here and there since then, but I often forget how nice of a place it is. Today I took a hike up to Sachem’s Head with 5 other members of my family, including my 5 year old grandson. Lots of trails to take depending on your skill ability. We took the path of least resistance and it still has its challenging spots. Especially near the top of Sachem’s Head where you can’t really avoid a small section of steep rocky climb. No worries, there are ropes you can grab onto to make the ascent a bit easier. The view is spectacular at the top. We sat and rested a bit and took the path across the ridge that put us right at the beginning of the road up to Poet Seat. The trails are well groomed and marked. If you’re not into going up to Sachem’s Head, there are plenty other paths to wander down. Not very crowded and the people you encounter are pleasant. See more..
  15. 4.5 Silver Lake (11 reviews)
    - Nice place to visit
    Bodies of Water
    Silver Lake image
    Silver lake is great place to go for a family and even as a couple. Small beach. Safe. Playground. Clean water. See more..
  16. 4.0 Ashfield Lake (11 reviews)
    - Beautiful place to rest from a drive
    Sunday: 11:30 AM - 1:00 AM Bodies of Water
    Ashfield Lake image
    Ashfield Lake has clear, clean water and trees along its bank. It has benches and a trail with wildflowers on both sides. The trail narrows at the sort of entrance into its wooded part. Its bank across has a playground and a beach as well as backyards of residential houses. It’s a beautiful place to take a break from a drive. See more..
  17. 5.0 Haggetts Pond (11 reviews)
    - Wild life in the city!
    Bodies of Water
    Haggetts Pond image
    This easy trail hugs the pond rim in a 4+ mile in/out with a few variations. Frequent sittings of deer, beaver, eagles, turtles, heron, geese, ducks, tortoises, and other animals await the quiet walker. Lovely at any season. See more..
  18. 4.0 Van Horn Park (9 reviews)
    - Perfect for Walking there a lot of birds here
    Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    Van Horn Park image
    A very good park to walk around. It has tennis courts, trails, bike trails and big field to play football or soccer. See more..
  19. 4.5 Ludlow Reservoir (7 reviews)
    - Beautiful
    Bodies of Water
    Ludlow Reservoir image
    This is truly a local gem. I started walking and biking here a few years ago and am so happy I found the place. It is peaceful, clean, and the staff are very polite. Occasionally the people fishing leave trash, but the staff keep a close watch on things and are helpful when the wildlife are active. I only hope other visitors treat the place with the respect it deserves so the public does not lose access to such a great local area. See more..
  20. 4.0 5 Mile Pond (7 reviews)
    - Great Place to relax
    Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water
    5 Mile Pond image
    Very nice lake to take the kids fishing or Swimming. The area is easy to get to and has other things to do around. See more..
  21. 4.5 Pomps Pond (6 reviews)
    - Nature Walk
    Sunday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Bodies of Water
    Pomps Pond image
    Took an evening nature walk around the pond with my mom, it was nice. There’s also a “beach” area for those who would like to go swimmming etc. See more..
  22. 4.0 Bear Swamp (6 reviews)
    - Some pretty woodlands and a remote feeling
    Bodies of Water
    Bear Swamp image
    Hike three miles of trails, some steep in places, to a nearby beaver pond views of the distant Green Mountains and hillside orchards spreading below. See more..
  23. 2.5 Devils Dishfull Pond (6 reviews)
    - It’s just a pond with Beavers and turtles and frogs
    Bodies of Water
    Devils Dishfull Pond image
    I’m kinda surprised to see this as a tourist attraction but it’s a pretty spot. I sometimes see swans here but you have better luck up Lowell St a couple of miles at Crystal Lake. See more..
  24. 4.5 Cedariver (5 reviews)
    - Peaceful
    Bodies of Water
    Explore this former riverside farm along the carriage road loop or enjoy a leisurely paddle on the Charles. See more..
  25. 4.0 Quinebaug River Water Trail (5 reviews)
    - Go Back in Time
    Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    The water trail is fabulous. Dust off your oars as spring is coming :) The current is slow enough that you can travel from your put in and back. There is always different wildlife to see. Obviously, I don't know if the beavers have been busy as now the river is frozen. And if you like to walk and maybe have a dog, go to the Brimfield Rail Trail. It is a lovely walk which parallels the river. See more..
  26. 4.5 Moseley Woods Park (5 reviews)
    - A hidden treasure
    Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Hiking Trails • Forests
    Moseley Woods Park image
    This easily accessible park, a woodland on the shores of the Merrimack River in Newburyport, affords several miles of trails and spectacular views of the river that you cannot get anywhere else. It is also a rare opportunity to behold I-95's John Greenleaf Whittier bridge, a network tied arch design, as a work of art. There is well-marked parking, and the park is clearly no secret to locals, who appear to use it avidly. That said, there are sitting benches and picnic benches well-placed throughout, and plenty of quiet, private spots to gaze at the river, or "bathe" in the splendid woods. You will, of course, hear the interstate traffic as you get close to that edge of the park, but one hears that sort of noise all the time in the modern world, only without the beauty, so enjoy the unique juxtapose. See more..
  27. 5.0 Watershops Pond (5 reviews)
    - My home sweet home
    Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water
    Watershops Pond image
    Beautiful lake in the heart of Springfield, ma 7 miles of shore line. people can go fishing or canoeing. The are is border by Springfield college who uses the lake for their athletic program. There seats and a good amount of side walk around the lake. See more..
  28. 4.0 Millers River (4 reviews)
    - Swiftly flowing river through western Mass
    Bodies of Water
    This little river is great for fishing or sightseeing. The highways built along it allow for great sightseeing See more..
  29. 4.5 Lake Massapoag (4 reviews)
    - Fun and Well Maintained
    Bodies of Water
    Lake Massapoag image
    Though we went during the winter months, it was still a fun experience. My younger brother was actually playing sports. See more..
  30. 4.5 Fulton Pond and Park (4 reviews)
    - Peaceful, simple
    Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water • Parks
    Fulton Pond and Park image
    Beautiful place to come and sit by the water and relax without having to drive to the beach. Not usually too busy, but plenty of room to spread out if it is. No food trucks or anything commercial, but plenty of food in the surrounding area. Hope it stays this way. About 20 or so parking spots. Ben he's, waterfalls. I'm not the best photographer but to give you an idea. See more..
  31. 4.5 Millers River (3 reviews)
    - Look no further for great trout fishing!
    Bodies of Water
    Although I would not EAT the trout from the Millers River, it has some phenomenal trout fishing, nice for kayaking or canoeing. Huge effort (BIG THANK YOU) to get the Millers River back to pristine condition is underway and there are several access points and boat launches between Athol and Orange. Great opportunities to spot wildlife and if you hit the river at the right time, you'll see bald eagles who also like to 'fish' the Millers. See more..
  32. 4.5 Osprey Overlook Park (3 reviews)
    - Beautiful walk in the heart of Weymouth
    Bodies of Water
    Osprey Overlook Park image
    This is a true gem for East Weymouth residents. Beautiful views, evenly paved paths and lots of wildlife. I was surprised to find that there is a connecting path up to Great Esker which is about a 3 mile loop. So glad I ventured out and found this spot! See more..
  33. 5.0 Crystal Lake (3 reviews)
    - Best Place to be
    Bodies of Water
    Hard to believe that Crystal Lake is in the middle of the City of Newton! You will see swimmers, paddle boarders, kayakers, canoeing. All having a wonderful time! See more..
  34. 4.5 Sluice Pond (3 reviews)
    - Clothing Optional Pond
    Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Sluice Pond image
    This is our favorite watering whole . With no prying eyes, we can enjoy true freedom here. This clothing optional pond made for a refreshing summer. See more..
  35. 5.0 The World War II Memorial Beach (2 reviews)
    - Fully modernized local beach!
    Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Beaches
    The World War II Memorial Beach image
    The city has spent a significant amount of money on completely modernizing this beach, with new rest rooms, new parking, etc. It is VERY family friendly, however, due to COVID it is Marlboro Residents ONLY this Summer. See more..
  36. 4.5 Dean Pond (2 reviews)
    - Nice Park
    Bodies of Water
    I walk around almost every day along with dog walkers and joggers. It is very quiet and pieceful esp at 7am. The park is very well kept by the town and has trash barrells. There grounds are clean and lawns maintained. The streets are paved, plowed in winter, and swept in summer. The main loop is 0.7 miles around. There are ball fields, tennis and BB courts, and playgrounds. The pond has ducks and Canada geese that are beautiful but poop everywhere. A week ago I saw 5 deer passing through. See more..
  37. 4.5 Turner Pond (2 reviews)
    - Nice jogging trail
    Bodies of Water
    Turner Pond image
    Shaded. Water is stagnant with a slimy film. Not too much mosquitoes. No smell. Just long enough that you feel you can get a work out in. See more..
  38. 4.0 Pulsifer's Cove (2 reviews)
    - Relaxing place to watch the birds and the water
    Bodies of Water
    Pulsifer's Cove image
    Been going here since I was a kid, great place to take kids to feed the ducks and geese. Worth the trip! See more..
  39. 4.5 Passanageset Park (2 reviews)
    - A birding gem located where you'd never expect it
    Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    Passanageset Park image
    This area used to be a dumping area for tailings and excavation; no more, as it's been turned into a very nice and quiet salt marsh that makes it perfect for birding, watching the tide flow in and out, and a quick walk. You'd never believe you were just hundreds of feet from the busy Southern Artery or Sea Street, and the entrance is pretty hidden as well. There are two main ways to enter, either through the Quincy Youth Hockey entrance by Grumpy Whites or by Broad Meadows middle school. I've seen all kinds of birds in here, from egrets to gulls, pipers to doves. They're all over the place, and much of the land has become valuable habitat for them and their chicks. Check it out the next time you're in the area! See more..
  40. 5.0 Turkey Hill Brook (1 review)
    - Turkey Hill Falls
    Bodies of Water
    A Pretty falls in The State Park in Paxton,MA. Very pretty and a nice hike to it too.We saw it from the ground then hiked up behind and got an even better view several falls but the one at the top is the best. Would have loved to put up pics but there was no spot to add them . See more..
  41. 4.0 Bridge Island Meadows (1 review)
    - Come by Canoe
    Bodies of Water
    Paddle to this small upland amid the extensive Charles River floodplain and bushwhack up a hill to views of the surrounding wetlands. See more..
  42. 5.0 Mill Pond (1 review)
    - Peaceful place to enjoy fall colors.
    Bodies of Water
    Mill Pond image
    Mill pond is a large lake. You can enjoy fall colors there. Also there could be a big chance to see swarms and small chance to see the eagle See more..
  43. Little Alum Pond (0 review)
    Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water
    See more..
  44. Wrights Pond (0 review)
    Bodies of Water • Hiking Trails • Playgrounds
    See more..
  45. Pratt Pond (0 review)
    Bodies of Water
    See more..
  46. Sluice Pond (0 review)
    Bodies of Water
    See more..

Top Things to do in Massachusetts