219 Beaver Dam Rd, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA
Owned By: Town of Plymouth
Plymouth’s Beaver Dam Conservation Area is a wooded 783-acre property in Manomet with pond views and about 2 miles of sometimes-challenging trails.
Hunting is allowed in season by licensed persons in compliance with Massachusetts law. Be mindful of hunting seasons, and wear bright orange if you’re entering the property during those times. No hunting on Sundays.
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
This land is within the region of the Wampanoag tribe, who in earlier times, maintained a fishing weir at the mouth of Bartlett’s Pond, nearby. The name Manomet has been interpreted to mean “bearing of a burden,” possibly referring to the baskets used by the Wampanoag on trails between their settlements at Patuxet (Plymouth) and Cape Cod. Learn more about the Herring Pond Wampanoag and the Mashpee Wampanoag on their websites.
The Town of Plymouth acquired this land from the Briggs Family in 1975. There is a well-established trail system, marked for the most part with white blazes. Additional unmarked trails exist. Be mindful of private property. There are also short spur trails to both Little Island Pond and Great Island Pond, which offer shore access and some gorgeous views.
Trail Description
This property features a large loop trail. It extends along a wooded hillside, overlooking one side of Little Island Pond, and then makes a brief foray to the edge of Great Island Pond. The second half of the loop leads through the woods farther up the hillside, with numerous ups and downs and relatively challenging elevations. There is also a short spur trail close to the entrance that offers a view of Little Island Pond.
Begin at the Beaver Dam Road kiosk, where there is room to park at least 5 vehicles. Follow the white trail markers either to the pond, or to the loop. It’s up to you, which way to follow the loop. The pond side is flatter and less challenging than the forest side. Along the way, you may see small wooden signs that showcase various aspects of the property, such as flora, fauna, geographic features.
Habitats and Wildlife
The woods here are primarily white pine, but there is also a fair amount of pitch pine, plus oak, beech and birch. Look to the tops of the taller dead trees, where you may find raptors perched. The ponds are kettle hole ponds, formed by large chunks of glacial ice. The property is located in the watershed of Little Island Pond, a kettle hole pond with no outlet.
Historic Site: No
Park: No
Beach: No
Boat Launch: No
Lifeguards: No
Size: 783 acres
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Parking: Limited roadside parking on Beaver Dam Road, just northeast of the Plymouth Transfer Station.
Cost: Free
Trail Difficulty: Medium, Hard
Facilities:
Informational kiosk, interpretive signs, boardwalk. 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: Little Island Pond