Puffer's Pond, Massachusetts, United States

5fireUrchin-b 5:00 PM Jul 9, 2016

Great swimming and year-round paths
I have lived in the area for a number of years, I am a swimmer, and it is my daily swimming spot. It is part of the Mill River Conservation area, with many walking paths near it. One goes most of the way around. Others are accessed across the street, and down State St. A serious hiker might want to check maps for the length as most of the trails do not circle back. There are many regular local residents of all ages who use the pond daily, and visitors who come from the extended region and afar. =Access & amenities - No lifeguards. No fees. *Occasional Conservation staff will come to check on the happenings, and ask people to meet regulations if needed.* There are actually 2 main beaches for Puffers Pond. Both sides have a port-a-potty in summer only. There is also a separate boat access on State St - NO motorized boats allowed! The pond is a great size for swimming, and many people bring in floats to laze around. Some kayaks and canoes are seen here, that most people carry in from the beach - and occasional fishing from a boat - more often from the quieter banks. It is a sweet place to be in a kayak for quiet, watch a heron in the marshy area one can not swim to, but not an adventurous kayak spot. .....State St Beach -with parking on one side of the street. Wheelchair accessible parking and path. Also a separate narrow walking bridge on the other end of the beach, with steps down to it. Often crowded in peak times, or in late spring as students get more time off. However this beach itself has 2 distinct entries to the water, and families tend to choose one side and students the other [at least this year]. This beach is restricted to dogs, [signage] glass, alcohol, smoking. Of course, some people break the rules, and some people will let them know when bothered. There are trees over part of the beach and beyond into a grassy area, so a mixture of areas for shade, sun and both. ....Mill St Beach is smaller, quieter, shadier with steps down to the water. People do bring their dogs. There a big grassy field for sunning or playing sports behind it. Driving is right up to a small parking lot with port-a-potty next to parking. NOTE - I do not like the feature for what sort of visit was this. It is limiting my answers. I actually come solo a lot, and meet friendly people who talk with me, OR with my guy, I come with friends, with family [with dogs] and all ages and diversity is welcome on the pond. We just like it on the quiet side and friendly! I sometimes come for a brief swim and other times stay more than 3 hours reading and swimming and sunning and socializing in turns.

5BilB126357 5:00 PM Aug 24, 2020

Great, but Bring Bug Repellent
Puffer's Pond was very beautiful in general! There was a gorgeous pond where people could swim. The only thing wrong with the pond is that there are multiple signs saying what you cannot do there, one of those things being smoking. Yet, there were multiple people smoking in plain sight at the pond. Then there was a stunning forest to hike through! The forest was enchanting, there was a hut that someone made, and train bridge that went over the river there. The hike was not difficult, except for a few small hills. The hike was overall really enjoyable. But, be careful where you step and where you walk. My eldest daughter was crossing a bridge that goes over the river, and as she was walking, some horrible large black flying bug stung her on the leg! From what I could tell, the sting was very painful since she was crying a lot, and it hurt for her to walk on that leg for the rest of the day. Overall, besides the smokers and the bug sting, I really recommend Puffer's Pond! Absolutely beautiful!!